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What
is the best exchange rate?
Cash is better than traveler's checks. Cash can be
easily and quickly exchanged and so command a higher rate
but the commission is very low. In some places, larger the denomination of bills,
better is the exchange rate. Many merchants take dollars and their
exchange rate is sometimes higher than the "official" rate. |
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Where
to exchange money?
When you exchange money, exchange
only that amount of money you need as it is sometimes a real time consuming task.
It is sometimes difficult in banks as the banking hours
are very odd and short. Money may not be exchanged at all in small towns or in the countryside. Money can also be exchanged in
various hotels. You must also collect small changes as
money change is not possible in rural areas.
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How
much money to take?
You
should always
take a Traveller's Cheque and an American Express
card with you. If you need more
money, you can go into an American Express office with your card and
write a check for traveler's checks. Now in big cities ATM Cash
counters are also there from where you can withdraw money
any time. While leaving a country you should always take a
small amount of money for airport (departure) taxes. |
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Where
to keep money?
Money and
all the valuables should be kept in a money belt or pouch under
the clothes. Guide books, maps, brochures, etc. must be
kept in a bag with a zipper and hang on to it. Crimes that take place are usually crimes of
opportunity like pickpockets, as opposed to violent crime. |
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Where
to keep other things?
You must keep passport, plane ticket and camera with
you only otherwise there might be a chance of theft. |
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How
to travel freely?
As soon as you
arrive at some place please arrange your next destination.
Trains, flights and buses tend to get booked up in advance.
You can also reserve your seats by some travel agencies as
these agencies book seats well in advance. |
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How
to travel by bus?
When traveling by regular
bus always try to get seat close to the front seat of the
driver as the driver keep on packing people in until there is no room left inside.
If there are more people then they hang outside the bus or
either climb on the roof in bus. |
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How
to travel
by taxi?
While
travelling by taxi always settle on a fare before taking an
unmetered taxi. If metered, make sure the driver go by the meter
and if not decide on a fixed price. Make sure the price includes everyone in your party. In some
cities, the meters can't be readjusted in such case the fare may be the meter price plus
10%. The fare of the taxis are often higher in the middle of the night and between an airport and town. |
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What
to do first after stepping out of airport?
When you step out the door of an airport, be prepared to become the focal point of dozens of taxi drivers and kids drumming up business for busses.
First of all you should check the guidebook or ask someone in the airport how much a ride to town
would cost and what all choices
are present. |
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How
much to tip?
Always
check the guidebook for hotels and restaurant tipping guidelines. In
some hotels and restaurants the service charges and tipping is
included in the total cost while in others it is not
included. For tipping 10% of the bill amount is good. |
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