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Tag: money

  • Managing Money in Tonga

    We all know that Tonga is one of the most affordable destinations in the South Pacific.

    But how should you manage your money once you get there? Tongan pa'anga banknotes are available in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 20, and 50. One hundred seniti is equivalent to one TS$1. Seniti coins come in denominations of one, five, 10, 20, and 50. Tongan banks are generally open between 9 am and 3:30 pm, although these trading hours may be extended in major tourist centers including Nuku'alofa and Neiafu. These cities have automatic teller machines; find them at the ANZ Banks in both cities and the Westpac Bank in Nuku’alofa. However, the machines can be fickle so make sure you don’t wait until your cash is running low to get more. Few businesses accept foreign currencies, so it's important to exchange cash from your homeland. Australian, New Zealand, Fijian, and US dollars and pounds sterling are easily exchanged, although you also shouldn't have any problems trading euros or yen. Foreign monies can be exchanged at the Tongatapu airport and the Treasury offices on the islands of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou. Credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist centers, but they tend to attract a 5% fee. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are the most commonly used cards, although JCB is also accepted in many places. EFTPOS, however, is not commonly used in Tonga. tonga for cheap Travelers checks are also a good way for tourists to carry their funds. They fetch 4% to 5% more than cash, and transaction charges are small when compared to credit cards. Tongan businesses commonly accept all brands of travelers checks. As with any holiday destination, the amount you'll spend in Tonga each day depends on your vacation style. You can laze about on most Tongan beaches for nothing, but scuba diving trips and surfing safaris will quickly empty your wallet. Frequenting the local bars and fine dining options will also drain your finances quicker than eating at cafes and other small eateries. Visitors staying at average hotels and dining at mid-range restaurants can expect to spend around $125 a day. When traveling about Tonga it's important to carry small denominations of money. People operating public transport and eateries often cannot change big bills, so having smaller notes available can avoid a lot of hassle. Tipping and bargaining are not customs practiced in Tonga as they are in many parts of the world. However some high class establishments will accept tips from tourists who wish to express their gratitude for good service. If your funds become low it's good to know that international transfers are easily organized. There are many Western Union offices throughout Tonga, and visitors can also transfer funds using Moneygram through the Bank of Tonga. Funds can be transferred in a matter of minutes, so it need not slow your vacation down.

  • Backpacker’s Guide to Vietnam – Budget Traveling Around Asia

    Backpackers hoping to enjoy the real Asia without the frills should definitely consider a trip to Vietnam.

    The country’s tourism industry is relatively new, so it offers visitors a more authentic experience than many Asian nations.

    These are also not publicized as well as they might be in other countries, so a Vietnam guidebook is a good investment for making the most of your stay. Vietnam is a very affordable destination, with one American dollar equaling approximately 18, 475 Vietnamese Dong (VND). It's easy to find meals for around 15, 000 VND, so travelers can easily eat on in Vietnam for a week for less than $20 US. The biggest temptation for travelers is shopping. While there are bargains to be had, it's easy for them add up once you get started! Vietnam has accommodation to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts to hostels. These hostels offer the best value for backpackers who don't mind forgoing some creature comforts. Hostel Vietnam is a useful website for backpackers researching hostels near their chosen destinations. Another affordable alternative is Hill Tribe living. This authentic Vietnamese experience takes travelers to remote communities to live with the locals. The basic accommodation makes the hostels look luxurious, but tours with companies like Handspan Adventure Travel offer backpackers an unparalleled cultural experience. Vietnamese people are very friendly to tourists and happy to speak English if they can.
    However, it's worth learning a few basic phrases, especially if you're planning to visit the villages. In these rural communities many people do not speak English, so some simple sentences are helpful for communicating. This website has an excellent and comprehensive guide detailing basic phrases and more specific words for food and drink, getting around, and other relevant areas. The cities should not be avoided though as they do offer plenty for tourists looking to meet other travelers. Nightclubs and cafes are ideal for meeting other people, as are internet cafes. To learn more about the best places to go, consult the staff in your hotel or hostel.

  • Managing Money in India – The Rupee and What It Buys You

    A visit to another country often means adjusting to another currency. In India, that currency is the rupee.

    One rupee is equivalent to around two US cents. A rupee is divided into 100 paise, although paise coins are becoming scarce. Most Indian tourist towns and cities have automatic teller machines linked to international networks. Cards are also accepted at many Indian stores, upmarket restaurants, hotels, and train stations. However, as power outages are frequent and machines are often out of order, visitors should always carry a back-up such as cash or travelers' checks. This is also important if traveling off the beaten track, as small towns are unlikely to have ATMs or currency trading facilities. Indian banks including Citibank, ICICI, HSBC, HDFC, the Punjab National Bank, and the State Bank of India also accept foreign cards and major currencies such as US dollars, UK pounds, and euros. Charges for international transactions can be high, but often the favorable bank exchange rate cancels this out.rupees Making larger transactions less frequently can help to keep the price down. Tourists should carry their passport at all times, as they will need to present it to change currency or travelers' checks. Unlike many countries, it's uncommon to pay a fee for exchanging currency. When changing money, tourists should check each note carefully. Dirty, ripped, or disintegrating notes are common, and may not be accepted as legal tender. If tourists do get saddled with these defective notes they should exchange them for new ones at Reserve Bank of India branches. Many shopkeepers and service workers do not have a lot of change, so it's worth carrying a supply of small currency. Rs 10, 20, and 50 notes are useful, so take some of these smaller notes when changing currency. India is a country which caters for all budgets. While luxury accommodation and fine dining restaurants will please rich travelers, those on a budget won't feel like they're missing out too much.
    Prepare to pay more for services in India's largest cities, including Mumbai and Delhi. Entry to local attractions can cost more for international tourists, who may also pay a surcharge to use their still and video cameras. Dining is very affordable, with a meal at a basic restaurant costing as little as Rs40. Street vendors charge even less than that for their hearty cuisine. A splurge at a gourmet eatery might cost between Rs150 and Rs350, which is still significantly less than it would in Europe or the United States. Transport is also cheap, from hiring a car and a driver to get about the city to catching a plane from one end of the country to the other. Tourists are not permitted to take rupees out of India, although this is rarely enforced. To be on the safe side, travelers can convert their rupees to another foreign currency at the airport before leaving India.

  • Travelers’ Tips for Managing Money in Hong Kong

    piggybankworld-116x1161Hong Kong is a tourist mecca, with visitors from around the world lured by the bargain shopping, buzzing nightlife, and delectable cuisine. But it can be confronting at first for foreign travelers with little concept of the country’s money.

    Hong Kong may be famous for its economical shopping options, but a stay in the Asian nation can be pricey. Accommodation is a large expense, and drinking in those famous bars isn’t cheap either.


    Tourists should expect to spend roughly HK$600 a day if staying in midrange hotels and eating average meals.

    There are a few areas where tourists can save money though. Hong Kong’s transport system makes getting around affordable with its inexpensive taxis and public transport options. Hong Kong also enjoys no sales tax, adding to its allure for serious shoppers. While tipping is practiced in Hong Kong, the rules are not as strict as some countries such as the United States. There is no obligation to tip taxi drivers or bellboys, although if service is exceptional a small gratuity can be given. Most restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge, but diners may choose to add an additional tip. If a service charge is not applied, a 10% tip is customary.

    Automated Teller Machines, or ATMs, can be found almost everywhere in Hong Kong. Most are linked to international systems including Cirrus, Maestro, and Visa Electron. Some also allow Visa and MasterCard holders to withdraw money, although tourists using this service should beware of high processing fees and interest charges.

    Unlike many tourist destinations, Hong Kong has no currency controls. Visitors can enter and leave the Asian nation with as much cash as they like. Hong Kong banks generally offer the best rates for transferring foreign currencies, although travelers should be mindful of additional fees. Some banks charge non-account holders hefty commissions on each transaction. While this fee can be worthwhile if you’re converting a large quantity of money, it’s not practical for small amounts. Here a better option is a licensed moneychanger, such as Chequepoint. While these organizations do not charge a commission, their exchange rates are less attractive than the banks. These rates are clearly posted so travelers can make an informed choice. The exchange counters at airports and hotels generally give the worst exchange rates in Hong Kong.