Europe Travel Guidelines : Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland

 

Switzerland is a great place to visit. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Europe that travelers love to explore.  If you’re planning a tour to Switzerland, make sure you know the basic rules and regulations before getting in there. Here are some handy tips:

 

Visa Overview

(Source: www.worldtravelguide.net)

• Visitors from any other country apart from the European countries need to fulfill the passport requirements while entering in Switzerland. European Nationals except Bulgaria and Romania,  holding a valid national ID card do not need passport. Citizens from Bulgaria and Romania are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
•  Visitors from Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain can enter in Switzerland with normal passports, expired for up to five years, providing not taking up employment, for stays of up to three months. Citizens of Germany can get in with passports expired for up to one year.
•  Tourists and business visitors who travel repeatedly to Switzerland but stay less than three months each time must apply for a residence permit if their total stay exceeds six months within a period of 1 year.
  Visas for Switzerland  may take between 24 hours and several weeks to process depending upon the nationality of the applicant and the type of Swiss entry clearance being sought.
•  Visa applications for short stay tourist visas and business visas must include the following:
  a)A passport from the country of residence, which is valid for at least three months beyond the duration of the grant of leave. The passport must also have at least one blank page.
  b)A fully completed application form with the appropriate fee and proof of the applicant’s occupation.
  c)Documentary evidence of sufficient funds to support the applicant for the duration of the trip.
  d)Evidence of the intention to return to the country of residence or continue to another destination
  e)Two passport sized photographs.
•  Visitors, other than EEA state members, are advised to hold a return or onward ticket, documents for next destination and proof of financial means.
•  Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Baggage Guidelines

• A number of regulations apply for luggage while flying to Switzerland.  You have to register your luggage before flying. Properly closed and locked suitcases or other solid sealable baggage are accepted as checked baggage for carriage.
•  New security regulations have come into force since 2006, governing how much liquid you can carry with you when going through a security check.  These regulations apply to all persons flying to European Union countries including Switzerland.
•  While flying to Switzerland, you have to be careful if you’re flying with liquids. Only small quantities of liquids are allowed in your cabin luggage. The term ‘Liquids’ includes syrups, perfumes, body lotions, oils, creams, hair and shower gels, semi-solid items like shaving foam and toothpaste and any other items that fall in the similar consistency.
•  These liquids must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml each. All the containers carrying liquids must be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (20 cm x 20 cm = about 8″ x 8″) like freezer bags. Larger quantities of liquids can still be carried in checked-in luggage with a capacity not exceeding one liter.
  Liquids for medicinal purposes or due to special dietary requirements, including baby food can be taken on board but make sure that make sure they do not exceed the quantity required for the flight. There is a possibility that you are asked to taste the items like baby food, if you’re carrying one with you.
•  In case, you’re carrying medicines then you must produce a medical certificate or a prescription in your name. Fully collapsible wheel chairs for disabled persons, which are placed in the baggage compartment for space reasons are carried free of charge.
  Gas, flammable liquids, explosives, corrosive and radio-active substances, magnetized objects, poisons, matches and lighters (selected destinations only) must never be in your possession or packed in your baggage.
•  Before you pass through the metal detector at the security checkpoint on any Swiss Airport, do not forget to take all metal items and electronic devices out of your pockets such as mobile, laptops.
  In case of the hold baggage, you should check your heavy, oversize items. Individual items may be no heavier than 32 kg each.
  In addition to the hold baggage you check in, you are entitled to take one item of hand baggage plus one personal item (eg. laptop, handbag/purse, camera) into the cabin provided they weigh no more than 12 kg.
•  New size limit on hand luggage is specified as 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (approximately 22×17.7×10 inches).
•  You need to inform your Airline when booking your ticket if you intend to travel with sports items such as surf boards or bikes.
  This is only generalized information and may differ from airline to airline. Kindly confirm with your airline before hand. Click here for airlines’ toll- free numbers and websites.

Prohibited/ Permitted Items

• Weapons, ammunition, knives, toys that look similar to the real weapons such as pistols, grenades, infectious materials, caustics and compressed gasses are strictly prohibited.
•  Food Products: Strict import sanitary conditions apply to meat and milk and meat or dairy products being imported into the European Union.
•  Flammable items like gas, combusted liquids, explosives, corrosive and radio-active substances, magnetized objects, poisons, matches and lighters (selected destinations only) should never be carried or packed in your baggage.
•   Edible Oils are allowed in the cabin provided they are hermetically sealed and placed under the seat in front of you. Check with your usual travel agent or the local health authorities.
•  Perfumes and Aerosols are permitted in the cabin or the baggage hold. The maximum  weight : 2 kg or 2 items per person and 0.5 kg or 0.5 kg or 0.5 litre per item.
•  Medical syringes are allowed only with a proof of documents and medical needs in the cabin. Disposal of the syringes is completely an individual responsibility. One should avoid leaving them aboard the aircraft.

Custom Laws

• Items for personal use like clothing, toilet articles, sports gear, photographic and amateur movie or video cameras,  (including film), musical instruments, and camping equipment are allowed by the Custom laws in Switzerland.
•  You can also take 2 liters of alcohol (up to 15% proof) or 1 liter of more than 15% proof. You are also allowed 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco if you’re flying in from outside Europe. Those entering from other European countries are allowed 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.
•  Penalties for illegal drug possession are more severe in Switzerland. You could go to jail or be deported immediately.
•  Driving while intoxicated, particularly if it results in damage to property or persons, brings swift and severe punishment involving sizable fines and possible imprisonment.
•  A value-added tax (VAT) of 7.6% is added to bills. In addition, drivers entering Switzerland are required by law to purchase a windshield sticker for 40F, valid for travel on Swiss roads for 1 year. Stickers are sold at all Customs posts upon entering Switzerland. Before making a purchase, ensure that the shop has the required paperwork for you to make a claim. Refunds are given at main border crossings and at Geneva and Zürich airports, or you can claim later by post.
•  Live animals – only to those destinations where valid regulations permit Some animals can be carried for applicable charges in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage in the aircraft baggage compartment, if placed in a sufficiently large and solid container with a leak proof bottom.
•  Small animals can be carried in the passenger cabin, if placed in a container with a maximum size not exceeding a length of 48 cm, a width of 32 cm and a depth of 29 cm. Total weight of the container with an animal must not exceed 8 kg.

 

Health/ Medical

• No endemic contagious diseases exists in Switzerland since medical care and health facilities are considered the best in world.
•  Still, a comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all travelers. Travelers can either purchase it  from their respective countries or from the Insurance agencies in France. Remember, doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
•  Also, make sure that you have adequate health insurance. There is no free state health service in Switzerland (Swiss citizens and residents are all obliged to take out some form of private health insurance) and all treatment must generally be paid for. The EU and Switzerland have a reciprocal agreement on basic health-care provisions.
•  EU citizens should see the website of their national health system for travel advice and what the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles them to in Switzerland. In the case of the UK citizens, they should check what NHS (National Health Service) provides them while in Switzerland.
•  Some common ailments in Switzerland include symptoms of altitude sickness that leads to severe headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite and lack of sleep.
• Rabies is present. Beware of the snakes as snakebites are dangerous. Seek immediate help in case you’re bitten.
•  In winter, higher elevations might also cause frostbite. Wet clothes, wind chill factor, and extreme cold can cause frostbite. Some people with poor circulation, such as those who suffer from diabetes, are particularly vulnerable.
•  Snow blindness often happens in Switzerland in conditions of great snow or ice, mostly at higher altitudes. It is usually prevented by wearing dark-lensed “glacier glasses” which are of the wraparound, side-shielded variety. Wear these glasses even if the sky is overcast, as ultra-violet rays can pass through masses of cloud formations. Don’t forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses.
•  If you get sick, consider asking your hotel concierge to recommend a local doctor. Emergency rooms at local hospitals provide appropriate medical services.
• Many hospitals also have walk-in clinics for emergency cases that are not life-threatening; you may not get immediate attention, but you won’t pay the high price of an emergency-room visit.
•  If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems, wear a ‘MedicAlert Identification Tag’, which will immediately alert doctors to your condition and give them access to your records through MedicAlert’s 24-hour hot line.
•  Always pack prescriptions of your medicines in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels to clear the airport security check points. Also, bring copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out.  Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.

Travel safe and enjoy your Switzerland tour. Write back to us for more travel tips…

Components of International Student Health Insurance

Add to :

A comprehensive medical insurance is mandatory for any student planning to go abroad for higher education. You may buy insurance from the home country or avail one from the country you will be studying at. Most universities abroad grant waivers if you are carrying an insurance from home, provided they meet the requirements specified. As an Indian planning to study abroad, it is better to take insurance from home as they are more cheap than ones available abroad.

Make sure that the policy you buy in India adequately covers the university insurance requirements. We have drawn a comprehensive list of such requirements, which varies from university to university. Usually a combination of few criterion mentioned below are specified as “must” in your policy coverage.

• The most important requirement is medical coverage, which all universities will specify. Usually the minimum coverage required is of US$ 50,000.
• Costs incurred as an inpatient as well as outpatient must be covered by your student medical policy.
• Many educational intitututes may require coverage for treatment of any mental and nervous disorders, including drug dependency or alcoholism.
• Dental insurance is another main component. The amount may differs from university touniversity.
• An accidental insurance, including death and dismemberment benefits, are must in case of college.
• You may also require coverage of costs incurred in case of emergency medical evacuation (to a nearest medical facility or country of residence) and repatriation of remains (in case of death). The coverage amount required differs among universities.
• Several universities may also require your insurance policy to cover any possible inter-collegiate sports injuries or such unforeseen events.
• Again, as per requirements of universities, your policy may have to cover mammography expenses (breast x-ray) or those related to maternity, complications of pregnancy and child care.
• Most universities require the necessary deductibles not to exceed $500. A “deductible” is the amount over and above which the insurance company starts funding the bills.

As mentioned above most universities will ask for a few or a combination of these health coverages, therefore select your health insurance policy accordingly. Do remember that since you will be traveling abroad and staying there for a considerable time, your policy must cover several other unforeseen expenses.

These include any possible personal liability, loss of passport and checked-baggage, cost of a bail bond (in case of unfortunately being arrested or detained in judicial custody), interruption in study (reimbursement of the remainder semester fee), transportation cost of an emergency visit to/from home (illness where either the student travels home or receives a family member) or other such expenses.

RELATED READ

• Customized solutions for student medical insurance

Baggage policy changes in major airlines

Add to :

The following carriers have made changes to their checked baggage policies.

Air Canada

• Effective for tickets issued on or after May 15 for travel on or after July 15, 2008.
• Under the new policy, customers who purchase tickets on Air Canada which carry a cancellation penalty, may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee.
• The fees are assessed each way and may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• This policy applies for travel within Canada and between Canada and continental U.S. including Hawaii.

Click here to visit the Air Canada website for complete details. 

AirTran Airways

• The new baggage rules are effective from May 15, 2008.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $10 USD fee if paid through AirTran Airways’ Online Check-in or $20 if paid at the airport, then $50 USD per bag thereafter.
• The fees are assessed each way and may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• Military personnel may check one duffel/sea bag in place of a 61-inch bag.

Click here to visit AirTran Airways website for complete details.

American Airlines

• Effective for tickets purchased on or after May 12 for travel on or after May 12, 2008.
• This policy applies for travel within the U.S. the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.

Click here to visit American Airlines website for complete details.

Continental Airlines

• Effective for certain Economy fare tickets that were purchased on or after April 5 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
• This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• However, OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Tickets issued on Y class of service, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders and active military traveling on orders are NOT IMPACTED by this policy change.

Click here to visit Continental Airlines website for complete details.

Delta Airlines 

• Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased.
• SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are NOT IMPACTED by this policy change.

Click here to visit Delta website for complete details.

JetBlue Airlines

• This new policy applies to customers traveling on/after June 1, 2008.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $20 USD fee ($40 USD round-trip). Subsequent bags will be assessed at $50 USD per bag.
• The fees may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of each baggage.

Click here to visit JetBlue website for complete details.
Northwest Airlines

• Northwest Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for those traveling within North America.
• This policy applies to tickets issued on/after March 29 for travel within North America on/after May 5.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). For customers checking in three or more bags, the carrier will assess a fee of $100 per bag each-way.
• The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and those booked in first or full fare classes (Y or B) will NOT BE IMPACTED by this policy change.

Click here to visit Northwest Airlines website for complete details.

United Airlines

• United has announced a new checked baggage policy for nonrefundable domestic economy tickets that were purchased on or after February 4 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
• This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• Customers with Mileage Plus Premier status or greater, Star Alliance Silver status or greater, government fares, military fares, standard Award Tickets, first and business class award tickets, or first and business class upgrades granted prior to check-in are not impacted by this policy change.

Click here to visit United website for complete details.

US Airways

• US Airways has announced a new baggage policy for tickets purchased on or after February 26 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
• The new policy applies to all flights within the United States, to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred), confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers (at time of check-in), Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors, or passengers checking personal assistive devices are not impacted by this change.

Click here to visit U.S. Airways website for complete details.

Customized solutions for student medical insurance

Add to :

When you plan to go abroad for your studies, one of the main requirement is that of Student Travel Insurance, also commonly known as Student Medical Insurance. You cracked your University entrance exam, and now it’s time to crack this essential piece. Most of the students find the insurance aspect confusing and land up feeling lost. ICICI Lombard understands your predicament and is here to help you out. 

Our unique University Search tool gives you precisely what you are looking for. Covering more than 400 universities worldwide, we provide you the exact insurance requirement for each university. Not only this, we also tell you which plan suits the university criteria and allow you to buy it instantly online. And just in case you have any doubts and feel the need to crosscheck, we also provide the university link for you do so.  

How do you go about it? 

Simply go to our University Search tool and select the university from the drop downs. For your convenience, we have different drop downs for different countries. Select your university from the relevant drop own. You will b taken to a page which give you precise information of the university’s student insurance requirement. Side by side we also let you know whether ICICI Lombard covers it or not. The entire information is given in a table format so that it is easy for you to comprehend. You get all the information in just one glance and thus save the trouble of going through paragraphs and paragraphs of information which may become confusing.  

Not only this, we also recommend the insurance plan that satisfies all your requirement. And to save the time and hassle of actually calculating the premium online, we give you the premium in Rupees then and there! 

All you have to do is just click on the Buy Online button and get your Student Medical Insurance in just 5 minutes!  

We understand the pressure on you. And we know that time is essential. This is just one of our initiatives to assist you. And just in case you have any queries, simply chat with us (24*7) or email us.  

 

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.

Insurance is a subject matter of solicitation.

How to Keep Your Baggage Safe?

Add to :

There’s nothing more unnerving than losing your luggage with your priceless items in a flight. On an average, airlines globally spend as much as $1.6 billion a year on mishandled baggage. How can you prevent baggage losses? Here are a few tips.

Label inside and outside

Label your business contact details: name, address and phone number to the inside of your bag with duct tape and leave a copy of itinerary and tickets inside.

Color tag on your bag

Get a small roll of bright tape (like fluorescent lime) and wrap a piece around something on your bag, like a handle strap. This enables you to spot your bag amongst a whole pile of similar-looking bags. You can also list it as an identifying mark if reporting lost luggage.

Photo-identify your baggage

A picture is worth a thousand descriptions: Take a picture of your bag, preferably with color tag, and store it in your camera phone or in your digital camera. Alternatively, place a print-out with your passport in your carry on or passport holder, too. If you have to report lost luggage, you have an easy way (your phone) to show what your bag looks like. If you have it in your phone and have a hard copy, you can leave the copy at the baggage counter if you have to leave the airport without your bag.

A rain-check before check-in

Never check baggage that won’t completely close. While use of a luggage strap is a good idea it should not replace the original closing mechanism.

Carry Travel Check-list

Write out a detailed record of your packed belongings in case you need to account for your personal items.

Pack valuables, medicines and must-have’s in carry-on bags

While most bags are recovered quickly, pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, as it may be a few days before you and your luggage are reunited.

Carry Overseas Travel Insurance

You can never be safe enough, so it becomes a smart idea to invest in Overseas Travel Insurance that enables you to claim, should you tend to lose your baggage. Click here to know more on Overseas Travel Insurance Gold

Travel Guide – your online travel helpdesk

Add to :

ICICI Lombard GIC is glad to introduce Travel Guide – an online initiative catering to all aspects of traveling overseas. We understand that travel insurance is just a small part of the whole jigsaw, and have thus tried to put all the other aspects in place for you. Exhaustive and comprehensive, it has destination guides, travel guidelines and tips, tools and more. 

What does the Travel Guide contain?

Lots and lots and lots of important information and tools. The main sections are-

Discover Destinations - Find out about various destinations around the world. Get informed about what to see, their main events, the best places to eat and stay, reaching there and getting around. 

Travel Guidelines – Get country specific guidelines on visa, baggage, permitted and prohibited items and custom laws. This is a must check section while you are planning you trip.  

Travel Tips – This section contains destination specific tips on currency, health, safety, basic customs, culture etc.  

Travel Tools – A whole gamut of interactive tools assuring you a safe and smooth journey. The list includes

• Check flight status
• Track flights online
• Flight Ratings
• Departure and Arrivals
• Airport information
• Weather information
• Currency converter
• World clock
• Time zone
• Airport maps
• Airline seat maps
• International calling codes
• Electricity conversion
• Airlines toll free nos and websites
• Foreign Embassies in India
• Indian Embassies abroad

Top travel stories – the top most travel stories on travel and places from across the world.  

Travel Smart articles – A bank of useful articles ensuring that you not only travel smooth but also travel smart!  

Travel Insurance – Offering the most innovative, comprehensive insurance solutions for your trip abroad. Pay on a per day basis (rather than slab rates) and buy online instantly.  

Click here to visit the Travel Guide. Do note that we are adding new stuff everyday. So keep visiting and keep exploring! And yes, do feel free to voice your opinion. Your input is valuable to us.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.

Insurance is a subject matter of solicitation. 

Buying travel insurance? Here are a few important things which you would generally miss

Add to :

Great! You have decided on your trip and you have got the tickets booked. You have also found out about the travel insurance you require and have bought it – either through the agent or online. Now, if you have bought it through an agent, he must have surely filled you in with the things you need to know. So why waste time reading this article? There are other things to do. BUT WAIT! Here are a few important things which you might have skipped. And if you have bought it online, you need to read this all the more!

Here is the fine print – the most important part that one usually does not pay attention to. Read on…

- Read the policy wording properly. Know the definitions. Know what the various words like family, accident, burglary etc mean in the insurance context.

- Understand what you are covered for. Apart from the scope of coverage also go through the conditions specified for the coverage. In fact, ‘Terms and Conditions’ is one of the most important sections of the policy wording.

- Give equal importance to Exclusions as to Coverage.

- Usually, certain Special Conditions are allowed in the travel policies. Find out if your policy offers any and what are they.

- All travel insurance policies carry a ‘Deductible’, usually of $100. Deductible is the amount you need to pay from your own pocket. The insurer would pay any amount more than that.

- Know about the documents you need to submit in case of claims. There are different documents required for different kinds of claims. E.g. documents required for a baggage loss would differ from documents required for burglary.

- Read the fine print carefully. Understand what you are covered for and what not.

- Also be aware of the ‘conditions’ specified for filing of claims.

- Always carry your policy wording along with the policy itself. It is as important. As far as possible, have them online so that you can access them anytime, anywhere!

And remember, in case of any doubt, always ask. Don’t ever hesitate. It is your right to know.

Planning a trip to Bangkok? Here is a list of must visit places

Add to :

If you are visiting Bangkok and don’t know where to start and where to end, here is some help. Following is a list of places which you must visit in your trip to Bangkok.

Royal Grand Palace

When King Rama I took the throne as the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty in 1781, he moved his capital from Thonburi to the other bank. He then ordered the construction of the Royal Grand Palace as the centre of the new city. Inside the Royal Grand Palace are the Maha Monthien group of buildings, the Throne Halls, and other palaces and buildings.

Wangderm Palace

The palace was built when King Taksin moved his capital from Ayutthaya to Thonburi. .When King Rama I came to the throne, he move the capital to Pranakorn and assigned a truste relative to stay on in Wangderm Palace . King rama V donated the palace to be used as the school of Naval Education.

Wat Pho (Wat Chetupon)

This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace on Thai Wang Road and houses the very impressive gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha which is some 46 metres long and 15 metres high. Its soles are inlaid with mother of pearl. The temple is regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes call Thailand’s first university.

Wat Suwannaam (Ratchaworawihan)

During the reign of King Taksin, this temple was where Burmese prisoners of war from Bang Kaew Camp were executed. It was founded in the Ayuraya period and was initially called Wat Thong. It was dismantled and rebuilt during the restorations made in the reign of King Rama I, and the king renamed it Wat Suwannaram. It was restored again during the reign of King Rama III. It was formerly the site of Royal Cremation Ground for members of the Royal family and high-ranking officers, and was used for this purpose until the reign of King Rama V.

Phra Sumeru Fortress

Phra Sumeru Fortress, built in the reign of King Rama I, is the largest existing fortress of all 14 which now only two exist. The other is the Mahakan Fortress. The large area was established as a public park on the occasion of the 6th cycle of King Rama IX on the December 5th, 1999. Entrance is free for all; prohibited areas are the fort itself (octagon shaped buildings with wall surrounding) and the Thai-style pavilion, which is for royal ceremonies.

National Museum of the Royal Barges

Among the exhibits in the museum are the Kanya Throne, Budsaba Throne, and many kinds of oars and paddles. Due to lack of space, only of the Royal barges can be seen there. The other five a kept at Wasukree Pier and at theRoyal Tai Navy Transport Department.

To know more about Bangkok, main events, places to stay, places to eat and how to get around there, click here.

Have you been to Bangkok before? Or are you a local? If you have something say or anything to share about Bangkok, we would be more than glad to read. Do write about your personal experiences so that all of us can benefit

Going for a cruise? Keep these in mind…

Add to :

• Most importantly, get your facts about the ship in place. A newer ship is likely to meet the standards mentioned in “Safety at Sea Act,” but you can’t be sure of the older ships. So its important to ascertain when they were built. Moreover, the older ships may lack some of the modern amenities such as spa, and tend to have comparatively small and cramped-up cabins. Choose your ship wisely.
• Selecting a cabin is equally important. The more expensive ones are generally on the higher decks, but choose a cabin as per your requirements. If movement/ motion tends to sicken you, choose a room around the center of the ship, at a slightly lower deck where you would feel it less (do carry medication for sea-sickness). Similarly, if the predicted climate is temperate, you may choose a room with a balcony and enjoy the scenic beauty with a meal or two there. Make sure that a life-boat does not hamper your view, if you opt for a cabin with full view of the sea.
• Since a cruise is a purely vacationing and relaxing affair(in most cases), carry your outfits accordingly. Dress casually and be totally comfortable during day. Most ships have pools so carry your swim-wear. Also carry a rain-coat or an umbrella(for unpredicted rain) and sunglasses or hat. Binoculars are also recommended. Light and casual footwear comfortable for walking is must as you may venture to ports (just to stretch and feel the land). In evenings follow the dress-code on formal nights( if you go to the dining room) as jeans, tanktops, t-shirts etc would not be allowed. Carry extra polypacks to stuff dirty and used clothes. Do travel light.
• If you intend to make purchases on board or ports, make yourself knowledgeable of the prevailing prices of those products before buying from “duty free” shops. On ports it is preferable to visit branded stores especially for electronic items.
• On quiet a few cruises, once you have checked-in, they provide an identification card with a bar code. Always carry them with you specially during embarking and disembarking. On certain ships you may make purchases on board by showing the card and the amount is then debited to your account, which you settle on disembarking. This eliminates the necessity of carrying cash or credit cards when on board. Of course to use this facility, you must register your credit/debit card on embarking.
• Try and settle your on board accounts the previous night/or immediately on purchase to avoid the queue of payers on the last morning of the cruise. Don’t let the wait spoil your fantastic holiday.
• Make two copies of all important documents such as passports, boarding passes etc. Keep one set in your room locker/ safe place and carry other set whenever disembarking/visiting a port.
• Carry a 2-way radio to keep track of your companion on the ship.

Use ATM cards for best exchange rates

Add to :

While traveling to a foreign land, one of the trickiest money matter is the exchange rate. Visitors are usually not clear about where and how exactly would they get the best rates for exchanging their home currency to the foreign currency. The main options that most of he travelers follow are

• They get their money converted from their bank in the home country and carry large amount of foreign currency with them
• Use travelers cheques
• Do not deal in cash at all and extensively use their credit cards wherever possible.

But very few people know that their ATM card could prove to be the best bet. Here are a few reasons why Carrying large amount of money and travelers cheques could be inconvenient as well as extremely risky. Instead it is much safer to use the ATM card. It is also easier to carry. ATM machines are found all over the world. Even the small cities would definitely have them. When you use an ATM machine in a foreign country the money dispensed will be in the local currency and the exchange rate is often even better than the rates you would get from a local bank or regular currency exchange shop. However, here are a few things you should keep in mind

• Always check with you bank whether they charge any fee for using ATM machines abroad. Usually, banks do not charge anything if you use the banks’ network ATMs. But they might charge a small fee for using non-network machines. For example some accounts at HSBC in Hong Kong don’t charge any fee as long as the machine you are withdrawing money from is part of HSBC, even if it is in another country. Different banks have different policies. So always confirm from your bank.
• Each bank has its own rules and regulations regarding withdrawals. For example in Thailand you can only withdraw a limited amount from most machines at any one time, this amount is normally around 20,000 Baht or so. There may also be limitations on the amount you can withdraw from your own bank in your home country so again checking with them helps.
• And of course, the basic precautions for using ATM machines are to be followed everywhere, at home and abroad. These include ensuring nobody sees your PIN number, checking the machine has not been tampered etc.