Wikitravel - Changes related to "Philippines" [en]

Australia

2013-05-23T09:21:17Z

‎Cities:

Japan

2013-05-22T01:27:25Z

‎Buy:

Australia

2013-05-20T19:28:58Z

Australia

2013-05-20T18:32:31Z

‎Geography:

Puerto Galera

2013-05-20T14:15:19Z

Removed first person pronouns

Puerto Galera

2013-05-20T12:55:58Z

added listing Squares Cafe & Apartment

Banaue

2013-05-20T10:24:35Z

‎By car:

Travel topics

2013-05-20T05:37:56Z

‎Cope:

Israel

2013-05-20T00:54:05Z

We use the common English names for localities on the English Wikitravel

Israel

2013-05-20T00:42:34Z

‎Occupied Territories:

Israel

2013-05-20T00:33:38Z

‎Disputed Territories:

Japan

2013-05-19T22:58:16Z

‎Other things:

Common scams

2013-05-19T13:37:09Z

‎Non-exportable antiques:

Cagayan de Oro

2013-05-19T12:35:04Z

‎Get out:

Bohol

2013-05-19T12:24:54Z

‎Get out:

Camiguin

2013-05-19T12:12:29Z

‎Get out:

Hong Kong

2013-05-19T05:02:53Z

‎Internet Access:

Common scams

2013-05-19T03:43:32Z

‎Forced upgrade:

Baguio

2013-05-19T03:36:13Z

Common scams

2013-05-19T03:27:55Z

‎Commission shops:

Europe

2013-05-18T22:14:31Z

‎By ship:

Europe

2013-05-18T22:10:26Z

‎Regions: Not every country has its own language, eg, Switzerland; rm link to disamb pg

Europe

2013-05-18T18:20:01Z

‎Music:

Boracay

2013-05-18T17:30:32Z

updated listing Paradise Garden Boracay Resort

Europe

2013-05-18T16:55:37Z

Israel

2013-05-18T13:29:48Z

This is a better image of the flag

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 <!-- A maximum of nine cities can be listed here, as per [http://wikitravel.org/en/Wikitravel:Geographical_hierarchy#Dividing_geographical_units.] It makes sense to stick to the state capitals -->
 * [[Canberra]] — the purpose-built national capital of Australia
-* [[Adelaide]] — the City of Churches, a relaxed South Australian alternative to the big eastern cities
+* [[Adelaide]] — the wine capitol of the world, a relaxed South Australian alternative to the big eastern cities
 * [[Brisbane]] — capital of sun-drenched Queensland and gateway to beautiful sandy beaches
 * [[Cairns]] — gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Daintree National Park, and many beautiful beaches and resorts; a great place for people to getaway to and relax

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 The Japanese currency is the '''Japanese yen''', abbreviated ¥ (or '''JPY''' in foreign exchange contexts).  As of July 2012, the yen hovers at around 79 to the US dollar, although the yen has drastically weakened to the rate of roughly 93 yen to the US dollar as of February 2013.  The symbol 円 (pronounced ''en'') is used in the Japanese language itself.
-* '''Coins''': 1 (silver), 5 (gold with a center hole), 10 (copper), 50 (silver with a center hole), 100 (silver), and 500 yen. There are two ¥500 coins, distinguishable by their color. (The new ones are gold, the old ones are silver).
+* '''Coins''': 1 (silver), 5 (gold with a center hole), 10 (copper), 50 (silver with a center hole), 100 (silver), and 500 yen. There are two ¥500 coins, distinguishable by their color. (The new ones are gold, the old ones are silver). Except for the 5 yen coin, all coins have their value in Arabic numerals on them. If you can't find the value, it's the 5 yen coin.
-* '''Bills''': 1,000 (blue), 2,000 (green), 5,000 (purple), and 10,000 yen (brown). ¥2,000 bills are rare. New designs for all the bills except ¥2,000 were introduced in November 2004, so there are now two versions in circulation. Most merchants will not object to receiving a ¥10,000 bill even for a small purchase.
+* '''Bills''': 1,000 (blue), 2,000 (green), 5,000 (purple), and 10,000 yen (brown). New designs for all the bills except ¥2,000 were introduced in November 2004, so there are now two versions in circulation, although you are unlikely to see anything but the new 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen bills and will probably not see the 2,000 yen bill at all. Due to its extreme rarity a 2,000 yen bill might be thought of as a collector's item. Most merchants will not object to receiving a ¥10,000 bill even for a small purchase.
-Japan is still fundamentally a '''cash''' society. Although most stores and hotels serving foreign customers take '''credit cards''', many businesses such as cafés, bars, grocery stores, and even smaller hotels and inns ''do not''. Even businesses that do take cards often have a minimum charge as well as a surcharge, although this practice is disappearing. The most popular credit card in Japan is JCB, and due to an alliance between Discover and JCB, Discover cards can be used anywhere that accepts JCB. This means that Discover cards are more widely accepted than Visa/Mastercard/American Express. Most merchants are not familiar with this, but it will work if you can convince them to try!
+Japan is fundamentally a '''cash''' society. Although most stores and hotels serving foreign customers take '''credit cards''', many businesses such as cafés, bars, grocery stores, and even smaller hotels and inns ''do not''. Even businesses that do take cards often have a minimum charge as well as a surcharge, although this practice is disappearing. The most popular credit card in Japan is JCB, and due to an alliance between Discover and JCB, Discover cards can be used anywhere that accepts JCB. This means that Discover cards are more widely accepted than Visa/Mastercard/American Express. Most merchants are not familiar with this, but it will work if you can convince them to try!
-The Japanese usually carry around large quantities of cash — it is quite safe to do so and is almost a necessity, especially in smaller towns and more isolated areas. In many cities, the Japanese can also use '''mobile phones''' to pay for their purchases where mobile phones function like credit cards and the cost is billed to them with their mobile phone bill. However, a Japanese phone and SIM card is required to make use of this service so it's typically not available to foreigners on short visits. If you already have a Japanese phone, be aware that initializing the prepaid card on a rental SIM will incur data charges, though this will most likely be less than the cost of a physical card. This can be avoided by using WiFi.
+The Japanese usually carry around large quantities of cash — it is quite safe to do so and is almost a necessity, especially in smaller towns and more isolated areas. In major convenience store chains and at many vending machines and public transportation ticket barriers, people can also used a number of '''NFC-based payment systems''' like Suica, Pasmo, QuickPay, Eddy and others in Tokyo. These are generally credit-card sized charge cards that can be recharged in exchange for cash (in 1000 yen increments), either at metro ticket vending machines or at covenience store cash registers for no additional fee. A '''Pasmo''' card is a very convenient way to pay for everyday purchases and can be obtained for a 500 yen deposit and the initial charge amount from ticket vending machines at Tokyo subway stations. The remaining charge and half of the deposit is refunded upon returning the card to station staff. Note that some of these systems like Suica and Pasmo were intended primarily for public transport use and cannot be used in other regions of Japan, which might have their own incompatible equivalents.
 Almost any major bank in Japan will provide foreign '''currency exchange''' from US dollars (cash and traveller's checks). Rates are basically the same whichever bank you choose. Having to wait 15-30 min, depending on how busy the branch gets, is not unusual. Other currencies accepted are euros; Swiss francs; Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand dollars; and British pounds. Among other Asian currencies, Singapore dollars seem to be the most widely accepted, followed by the Korean won and Chinese yuan.
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 Japanese ATMs, known locally as '''cash corners''' (キャッシュコーナー ''kyasshu kōnā''), generally ''do not'' accept foreign cards and the availability of credit card advances, known as '''cashing''' (キャッシング ''kyasshingu''), is spotty. The major exceptions are:
-* Over 12,000 Japanese '''7-Eleven stores''' [http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html] with ATMs accept foreign cards for cash withdrawals. Accepted cards include Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, American Express, JCB and UnionPay, and ATM cards with the Cirrus and Plus logos. These are the most useful as they are everywhere and are accessible 24/7.
+* Over 12,000 Japanese '''7-Eleven stores''' [http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html] with ATMs accept foreign cards for cash withdrawals. Accepted cards include Visa, American Express, Discover, Diner's Club, JCB and UnionPay, and ATM cards with the Cirrus and Plus logos. These are the most useful as they are everywhere and are accessible 24/7. However, as Seven Bank's website mentions, the presence of one or more of the above-mentioned logos does not guarantee your card will be accepted. It is best to use this as a "might work" option and to bring a credit card to use at a JP Bank ATM.
-* '''JP Bank''' (ゆうちょ ''Yū-cho''), formerly the Postal Savings Bank and hence found in almost every post office, which in turn has a branch in almost every village. Most postal ATMs provide instructions in English as well as Japanese. Plus, Cirrus, Visa Electron, Maestro, and UnionPay are accepted, and you can do credit card advances on Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners Club. Your PIN must be 6 digits or less.
+* '''JP Bank''' (ゆうちょ ''Yū-cho''), formerly the Postal Savings Bank and hence found in almost every post office, which in turn has a branch in almost every village. Most postal ATMs provide instructions in English as well as Japanese. Plus, Cirrus, Visa Electron, Maestro, and UnionPay are accepted, and you can do credit card advances on Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners Club. Your PIN must be 6 digits or less. You might have to select the English menu in order to use foreign cards.
 * '''Citibank''', which has a limited network (see [http://www.citibank.co.jp/en/banking/branch_atm here] for a list) but does have ATMs at the major airports.
@@ Line 734: / Line 736: @@
 '''Prepaid electronic cards''' are quite popular in Japan for small purchases. There are cards for train fares, convenience store purchases, and public telephones, though they aren't interchangeable.
-There is a '''5% consumption tax''' on all sales in Japan. As of April 2004, the tax must now be included in all displayed prices (which is why so many prices are awkward amounts like ¥105 or ¥525), but some stores still ''also'' display tax-excluded prices, so pay attention.  The word ''zeinuki'' (税抜) means tax-excluded, ''zeikomi'' (税込) means tax-included. If you cannot find out any words in the price card, most of them are tax-included.
+There is a '''5% consumption tax''' on all sales in Japan. As of April 2004, the tax must now be included in all displayed prices, which is why so many prices are awkward amounts like ¥105 (including so-called 100 yen stores) or ¥525, but some stores still ''also'' display tax-excluded prices, so pay attention.  The word ''zeinuki'' (税抜) means tax-excluded, ''zeikomi'' (税込) means tax-included. If you cannot find out any words in the price card, most of them are tax-included.
 Always keep a sizeable stack of reserve money in Japan, as if you run out for any reason (wallet stolen, credit card blocked, etc), it can be difficult to have any wired to you.  Western Union has a very limited presence even in the larger metropolitan areas (their agreement with Suruga Bank ended in 2009, and they have just started a new agreement with Daikokuya as of April 2011), banks will not allow you to open accounts without local ID, and even international postal money orders require proof of a residential address in Japan.
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 Japan has a reputation for being extremely expensive &mdash; and it can be. However, many things have become significantly cheaper in the last decade. Japan need not be outrageously expensive if you plan carefully and in fact, is probably cheaper than [[Australia]] and most European Union countries for basic expenses. For long-distance travel, in particular, the Japan Rail Pass, Japan Bus Pass, and Visit Japan flights (see [[#Get around|Get around]]) can save you a bundle.
-As rough guidelines, you will find it very difficult to travel on less than ¥5,000 per day (but if you plan carefully, it is certainly possible) and you can expect a degree of comfort only if you pay 10,000. Staying in posh hotels, eating fancy meals or just traveling long-distance will easily double this yet again. Typical prices for moderate budget travel would be ¥5,000 for hotel, ¥2,000 for meals, and ¥2,000 again for entry fees and local transport.
+As rough guidelines, you will find it possible to travel on less than ¥5,000 per day, especially if you do not have expensive tastes, are willing to stay in hostels rather than hotels, and make no use of taxis, high-speed airport connections or the Shinkansen. Staying in posh hotels, eating fancy meals or just traveling long-distance will easily double this. Typical prices for moderate budget travel would be ¥5,000 for a hotel or ¥2,500 for a hostel, ¥2,000 for meals, and ¥2,000 again for entry fees and local transport.
-However, if you find yourself a little short on cash, you can get your essential items in one of the many ¥100 shops (百円ショップ ''hyaku-en shoppu'') located in most cities. '''Daiso''' [http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/index.html] is the Japan's largest ¥100 shop chain, with 2,500 shops across Japan. Other large chains are '''Can Do''' (キャンドゥ), '''Seria''' (セリア), and '''Silk''' (シルク). There are also convenience-store-like ¥100 shops such as ''SHOP99'' and ''Lawson Store 100'' where you can buy sandwiches, drinks, and vegetables in addition to selected ¥100 items.
+However, if you find yourself a little short on cash, you can get your essential items in one of the many ¥100 shops (百円店 ''hyaku-en ten'') located in most cities. '''Daiso''' [http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/index.html] is the Japan's largest ¥100 shop chain, with 2,500 shops across Japan. Other large chains are '''Can Do''' (キャンドゥ), '''Seria''' (セリア), and '''Silk''' (シルク). There are also convenience-store-like ¥100 shops such as ''SHOP99'' and ''Lawson Store 100'' where you can buy sandwiches, drinks, and vegetables in addition to selected ¥100 items.
 ====Tips for budget shopping====
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 When making tax free purchases or tax refund claims, counter staff would staple a piece of paper in your passport, which you should keep with you until you leave Japan. This piece of paper is to be surrendered to the customs counter at your point of departure just before you pass through immigration and checks may be done to ensure that you are bringing the items out of Japan.
-Despite the saying that Japanese cities never sleep, retail hours are surprisingly limited. Opening hours of most shops are typically 10AM-8PM, though most shops are open on weekends and public holidays except New Year, and close on one day a week. Restaurants typically stay open until late at night, though smoking would usually be allowed after 8PM so those who can't stand cigarette smoke should have your meals before then.
+Despite the saying that Japanese cities never sleep, retail hours are surprisingly limited by North American standards. Opening hours of most shops are typically 10AM-8PM, though most shops are open on weekends and public holidays except New Year, and close on one day a week. Restaurants typically stay open until late at night, though smoking would usually be allowed after 8PM so those who can't stand cigarette smoke should have your meals before then.
-However, you will always find something you could need to buy at any time of day. Japan is crawling with 24/7 convenience stores (コンビニ ''konbini''), such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, Circle K, and Sunkus. They often offer a much wider range of products than convenience stores in the US or Europe, sometimes have a small ATM and are often open all day all week! Many convenience stores also offer services such as fax, ''takkyubin'' luggage delivery, a limited range of postal services, payment services for bills (including topping up international phone cards such as Brastel) and some online retailers (e.g. Amazon.jp), and ticket sales for events, concerts and cinemas.
+However, you will always find something you could need to buy at any time of day. Japan is crawling with 24/7 convenience stores (コンビニ ''konbini''), such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, Circle K, and Sunkus. In central Tokyo you will never be more than 400 meters away from a convenience store. They often offer a much wider range of products than convenience stores in the US or Europe, often have a small ATM and are often open all day all week (unless they are part of a larger mall that has a closing hour)! Many convenience stores also offer services such as fax, ''takkyubin'' luggage delivery, a range of non-international postal services, payment services for bills (including topping up international phone cards such as Brastel) and some online retailers (e.g. Amazon.jp), and ticket sales for events, concerts and cinemas.
 Of course, establishments related to night life such as karaoke lounges and bars stay open well into the night: even in small towns it is easy to find an izakaya open until 5 am. Pachinko parlours are obliged to close at 11 pm.

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 Australia is highly urbanised with most of the population heavily concentrated along the eastern and south-eastern coasts. Most of the inland areas of the country are semi-arid. The most-populous states are [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] and [[New South Wales]], but by far the largest in land area is [[Western Australia]].
-Australia has an area of 7,682,300 square kilometres (2,966,152 mi²) and the distances between cities and towns is easy to underestimate.
+Australia has an area of 7,682,300 square kilometres (2,966,152&nbsp;mi²) and the distances between cities and towns is easy to underestimate.
 Australia has large areas that have been deforested for agricultural purposes, but many native forest areas survive in extensive national parks and other undeveloped areas.  Long-term Australian concerns include salinity, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.

@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 Australia is highly urbanised with most of the population heavily concentrated along the eastern and south-eastern coasts. Most of the inland areas of the country are semi-arid. The most-populous states are [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] and [[New South Wales]], but by far the largest in land area is [[Western Australia]].
-Australia has an area of 7,682,300 square kilometres (2,966,152&nbspmi²) and the distances between cities and towns is easy to underestimate.
+Australia has an area of 7,682,300 square kilometres (2,966,152 mi²) and the distances between cities and towns is easy to underestimate.
 Australia has large areas that have been deforested for agricultural purposes, but many native forest areas survive in extensive national parks and other undeveloped areas.  Long-term Australian concerns include salinity, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.

@@ Line 143: / Line 143: @@
 *<sleep name="Encenada Beach Resort" alt="" address="Brgy. Palangan" directions="" phone="63-43-2873083" url="http://encenadabeachresort.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rates start at PHP 1,400.00" lat="" long="">Their Puerto Galera resort offer rooms equipped with private toilet and shower. Some of the facilities and services offered are restaurant/bar with free Wifi, meeting room for 30 pax, beach football activities, group adventure tours, jeepney, motorcycle, scooter rentals, diving and snorkeling activities.</sleep>
 *<sleep name="Bangera Inn" alt="" address="white beach" directions="" phone="" url="" checkin="2pm" checkout="12nn" price="1000" lat="" long="">just a few steps from the beach, affordable and nice.</sleep>
-*<sleep name="Squares Cafe & Apartment" alt="" address="Small Tabinay Beach" directions="Only 1km from Puerto town" phone="+63 9158070628" url="www.squaresapartments.com/‎" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Fully furnished apartments right on a quiet beach in the village Small Tabinay on the outskirts of Puerto. Have WiFi. All apts have a separate bedroom and a kitchen ....some of our guests stay long term. Rates are competitive please enquire to Rose  </sleep>
+*<sleep name="Squares Cafe & Apartment" alt="" address="Small Tabinay Beach" directions="Only 1km from Puerto town" phone="+63 9158070628" url="www.squaresapartments.com/‎" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Fully furnished apartments right on a quiet beach in the village Small Tabinay on the outskirts of Puerto. Have WiFi. All apts have a separate bedroom and a kitchen.</sleep>

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:55, 20 May 2013
Line 143:		Line 143:
	*<sleep name="Encenada Beach Resort" alt="" address="Brgy. Palangan" directions="" phone="63-43-2873083" url="http://encenadabeachresort.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rates start at PHP 1,400.00" lat="" long="">Their Puerto Galera resort offer rooms equipped with private toilet and shower. Some of the facilities and services offered are restaurant/bar with free Wifi, meeting room for 30 pax, beach football activities, group adventure tours, jeepney, motorcycle, scooter rentals, diving and snorkeling activities.</sleep>		*<sleep name="Encenada Beach Resort" alt="" address="Brgy. Palangan" directions="" phone="63-43-2873083" url="http://encenadabeachresort.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rates start at PHP 1,400.00" lat="" long="">Their Puerto Galera resort offer rooms equipped with private toilet and shower. Some of the facilities and services offered are restaurant/bar with free Wifi, meeting room for 30 pax, beach football activities, group adventure tours, jeepney, motorcycle, scooter rentals, diving and snorkeling activities.</sleep>
	*<sleep name="Bangera Inn" alt="" address="white beach" directions="" phone="" url="" checkin="2pm" checkout="12nn" price="1000" lat="" long="">just a few steps from the beach, affordable and nice.</sleep>		*<sleep name="Bangera Inn" alt="" address="white beach" directions="" phone="" url="" checkin="2pm" checkout="12nn" price="1000" lat="" long="">just a few steps from the beach, affordable and nice.</sleep>
		+	*<sleep name="Squares Cafe & Apartment" alt="" address="Small Tabinay Beach" directions="Only 1km from Puerto town" phone="+63 9158070628" url="www.squaresapartments.com/‎" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Fully furnished apartments right on a quiet beach in the village Small Tabinay on the outskirts of Puerto. Have WiFi. All apts have a separate bedroom and a kitchen ....some of our guests stay long term. Rates are competitive please enquire to Rose </sleep>

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 The distance between the Balintawak Cloverleaf, in north Manila at the beginning of the North Luzon Expressway and the ''Welcome to Banaue'' sign, is about 332&nbsp;km. The road is paved all the way to Banaue. Travel time can be as long as 9&nbsp;hr due to the several blind curves through the mountains.
-Best day to travel is on good Friday of Lenten season, Christmas day and new year's day. It will take about 7&nbsp;hr only by car with a reliable driver.
+Best day to travel is on good Friday of Lenten season, Christmas day and new year's day. It will take about 7&nbsp;hr only by car with a reliable tourist drivers from Manila.
 ==Get around==

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 * [[Laundry]]
 * [[Naturism|Naturism/Nudism]]
 * [[Respect]]
 * [[Smoking]]

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 }}
-===Occupied Territories===
+===Disputed Territories===
 {{Regionlist
@@ Line 132: / Line 132: @@
 | region2color=#8E908D
 | region2items=
-| region2description=Two physically separate territories, the Judea and Samaria in the east in the Jordan Valley and the [[Gaza|Gaza Strip]] in the southwest along the Mediterranean coast. Internationally recognized as part of the '''State of Palestine''' by the UN, government services (security, medical service, etc.) are provided by Israel, the Palestinian Authority (as of 2013, The state of Palestine), or a combination, depending on the exact location as a result of the Oslo Accords.
+| region2description=Two physically separate territories, the [[West Bank]] in the east in the Jordan Valley and the [[Gaza|Gaza Strip]] in the southwest along the Mediterranean coast. Internationally recognized as part of the '''State of Palestine''' by the UN, government services (security, medical service, etc.) are provided by Israel, the Palestinian Authority (as of 2013, The state of Palestine), or a combination, depending on the exact location as a result of the Oslo Accords.
 }}
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 [[Image:BenGuArr.jpg|thumb|Ben Gurion International Airport is the main entry point for most visitors to Israel.]]
-Many countries have a Visa Waiver program with Israel which allows their citizens to visit Israel without a visa arranged in advance.  Before embarking on a trip, visitors desiring to stop in Israel on their way to other destinations must check if they need a prearranged tourist visa.  The list of countries below specifies from which countries tourists are required to present a prearranged visa.  All Visa Waiver Program travelers must present a machine-readable passport at the port of entry  in order to enter Israel without a prearranged visa; otherwise a visa is required.  This applies to tourists arriving with a passage card from [http://www.mfa.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/05664082-4C0C-4C2E-A593-C9D0C0B20C2A/0/VisaRequirements.pdf  countries with a Waiver Program].
+Many countries have a Visa Waiver program with Israel which allows their citizens to visit Israel without a visa arranged in advance.  Before embarking on a trip, visitors desiring to stop in Israel on their way to other destinations must check if they need a prearranged tourist visa.  The list of countries below specifies from which countries tourists are required to present a prearranged visa.  All Visa Waiver Program travelers must present a machine-readable passport at the port of entry  in order to enter Israel without a prearranged visa; otherwise a visa is required.  This applies to tourists arriving with a passage card from [http://www.mfa.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/05664082-4C0C-4C2E-A593-C9D0C0B20C2A/0/VisaRequirements.pdf countries with a Waiver Program].
-If you're in Israel on a tourist visa (B2) and decide to renew your visa for a longer term, you may do so at the [http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Consular_affairs/Visas.htm Ministry of the Interior Visa office].  In Tel Aviv, it is located at 125 Derech Menachem Begin on the second floor.  The office opens Su-W 08:00-12:00.  Alternately, citizens from most European and North American countries can renew their visas by crossing into Jordan and returning to Israel at the Arava border crossing near Eilat, or by crossing into Egypt and returning to Israel at the Taba crossing.
+If you're in Israel on a tourist visa (B2) and decide to renew your visa for a longer term, you may do so at the [http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Consular_affairs/Visas.htm Ministry of the Interior Visa office]. In Tel Aviv, it is located at 125 Derech Menachem Begin on the second floor.  The office opens Su-W 08:00-12:00.  Alternately, citizens from most European and North American countries can renew their visas by crossing into Jordan and returning to Israel at the Arava border crossing near Eilat, or by crossing into Egypt and returning to Israel at the Taba crossing.
 ===By Plane===
@@ Line 212: / Line 212: @@
 ===By Road===
 There are five border crossings that can be reached by road.  There are two on the Egyptian border and three on the Jordanian border.  There are no border crossings accessible to tourists with either Syria or Lebanon.  All border crossings have extensive security measures in place to ensure the safety of both Israelis and tourists.
 Border Crossings with [[Jordan]]:
-'''Allenby/King Hussein Bridge:''' Is located just north of the Dead Sea, in the center of the country.  This crossing is the the shortest way between the capitals, [[Amman]] and [[Jerusalem]], and is the busiest land crossing.  The crossing is open from 8:00 - 00:00 Sunday through Thursday, and 8:00 - 15:00 Friday and Saturday.  The crossing only closes for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice.[http://www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Borders/Alenbi/]
+'''Allenby/King Hussein Bridge:''' Is located just north of the Dead Sea, in the center of the country.  This crossing is the the shortest way between the capitals, [[Amman]] and [[Jerusalem]], and is the busiest land crossing.  The crossing is open Su-Th 08:00-00:00, and F-Sa 08:00-15:00.  The crossing only closes for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and Eid al-Adha, the [http://www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Borders/Alenbi/ Feast of the Sacrifice.]
 '''Jordan River:''' This crossing is located just south of the Sea of Galilee, near Tiberias.  The crossing is open from 6:30 - 21:00 Sunday through Thursday, and 8:00 - 20:00 Friday and Saturday.  Entry into the crossing for processing will end at 19:00 on Fridays to ensure that the crossing closes on time.  The crossing only closes for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and Id al-Hijara, the Muslim New Year.[http://www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Borders/NeharYarden/]

@@ Line 1,534: / Line 1,534: @@
 * As in [[Germany]], '''World War II''' is a touchy and complicated topic.
-* Like in [[India]] and [[China]], swastikas are Buddhist symbols representing good luck and do not represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. As such, Western visitors should not feel offended seeing a swastika in Buddhist temples or in their host's home.
+* Like in [[India]], [[China]] and [[Taiwan], swastikas are Buddhist symbols representing good luck and do not represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. As such, Western visitors should not feel offended seeing a swastika in Buddhist temples or in their host's home.
 ===Gay and lesbian travelers===

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:37, 19 May 2013
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	In some countries, the whole thing becomes a scam. Instead of preserving the confiscated "heritage" items, corrupt border police may sell them right back to the tourist shops so that the shops then sell them to another unsuspecting traveler.		In some countries, the whole thing becomes a scam. Instead of preserving the confiscated "heritage" items, corrupt border police may sell them right back to the tourist shops so that the shops then sell them to another unsuspecting traveler.
		+
		+	===Word for word===
		+	You make a purchase from a business for a certain amount of merchandise for an agreed upon price. You first pay the cash. But before the merchandise is actually delivered into your hands, the owner lies and claims you paid less money, and therefore you will not receive the full amount unless you pay more cash. It is obvious to you what just happened, and the owner knows in his heart what he is doing. But there are no other witnesses, so it is your word against his.
		+
		+	This is common at food stands, where the merchant receives the cash before the food is delivered into your hands, so you are now at his mercy.

	== Coercion ==		== Coercion ==

@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 * '''Sulpicio Lines''' [http://www.sulpiciolines.com]
 * '''Gothong Lines''' [http://www.gothong.com/]
 === By bus ===
@@ Line 237: / Line 240: @@
 == Get out ==
-* '''Camiguin'''
+* '''[[Camiguin]]'''
 * '''Misamis Oriental'''
 * '''Bukidnon'''
 * <drink name="" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long=""> This section is for places to go next, after visiting Cagayan de Oro. </drink>

@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 * '''[[Negros Oriental]]'''
 * '''[[Siquijor]]'''
 {{isPartOf|Central Visayas}}

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 ==Regions==
 ==Cities==
@@ Line 17: / Line 29: @@
 ==Get in==
-The ports in Camiguin are located in Guinsiliban, Benoni and Balbagon. There is also an airport located west of Mambajao. There are ferries from [[Cagayan de Oro]], Balingoan (15 daily, 75 min), Misamis Oriental, [[Cebu City]] and from Jagna in Bohol. Fast ferries from Jagna to Camiguin leave at 0930 every day year-round. There is also a slower ferry leaving at 1330 everyday during peak season and at 1330 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during low season. There are 5 weekly flights to Cebu or [[Tagbilaran]].
+The ports in Camiguin are located in Guinsiliban, Benoni and Balbagon. There is also an airport located west of Mambajao. There are ferries from [[Cagayan de Oro]], Balingoan (15 daily, 75 min), Misamis Oriental, [[Cebu City]] and from Jagna in Bohol. Slow ferries from Jagna to Camiguin leave at 1330 everyday during peak season and at 1330 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during low season. There are 5 weekly flights to Cebu or [[Tagbilaran]].
 ==Get around==
-Rent a motorcycle for a local. Ask your hotel/hostel for information about renting motorcycles. Expect an informal process. Usually 500pesos/day.
+Ask your hotel/hostel for information about renting motorcycles. Expect an informal process. Usually 300-500pesos/day. There are several gas stations around the island, along the main road.
-Take a jeepney around the island
+Take a jeepney around the island. A jeepney within Mambahao, from your hotel to town, costs 8-10P.
-RENT multicab to tour around the island ( www.camiguintransport.blogspot.com)
+RENT multicab to tour around the island ( www.camiguintransport.blogspot.com). The mulitcab from Mambajao town to Benoni Pier costs 25P.
 ==See==
@@ Line 71: / Line 83: @@
 *<sleep name="Seascape" phone="+63(0)910-920-6152" address="Agoho, Mambajao, 9100 Camiguin Island"> Seascape is next door to Jasmine by the Sea and 5 minutes walk along the beach from Camiguin Action Geckos. It offers budget rooms set within a well maintained garden and with great views of the sea. The restaurant serves good food at cheap prices. There is also a good deal on renting a motorbike if you stay there. Room rates are around 500 PHP in low season for a large room with it's own bathroom (cold water only though). The staff are very friendly although not always easy to find.</sleep>
 ==Get out==
 {{IsPartOf|Northern_Mindanao}}
 {{outline}}
 {{regionguide}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:02, 19 May 2013
Line 1,254:		Line 1,254:

	Free internet terminals are usually available in some Starbucks, Pacific Coffee Company [http://www.pacificcoffee.com] and some shopping malls, the airport, the MTR (e.g. Wan Chai station, Central Station, Tsim Sha Shui Station). The government also offers a big network of free WIFI [http://www.gov.hk/en/theme/wifi/program/index.htm] hot spots in most government premises and public libraries.		Free internet terminals are usually available in some Starbucks, Pacific Coffee Company [http://www.pacificcoffee.com] and some shopping malls, the airport, the MTR (e.g. Wan Chai station, Central Station, Tsim Sha Shui Station). The government also offers a big network of free WIFI [http://www.gov.hk/en/theme/wifi/program/index.htm] hot spots in most government premises and public libraries.
		+
		+	Note that unlike the Mainland China the Internet access is not filtered in Hong Kong. All the web sites which work in the West work in Hong Kong.

	===Telephone===		===Telephone===

@@ Line 358: / Line 358: @@
 ===Forced upgrade===
 You book at hotel at the low price you find online are in a travel guide. Upon your arrival, you are told that room is not available, you and must pay more for a higher priced room if you wish to stay. You are left with the choice of paying for that higher priced room, or else finding another place to stay, which may be difficult if you are in an unfamiliar place.
 ===Water not safe to drink===

@@ Line 134: / Line 134: @@
 * <sleep name="El Cielito Inn Hotel" alt="" address="50 North Drive" directions="" phone="+63 7 443 4846" url="http://www.elcielito-baguio.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="From US$42" lat="" long="" fax="+63 2 250 6020"></sleep>
-* <sleep name="Ferionnil Pension House and Dormitory" alt="" address="140 T. Alonzo St" directions="" phone="+63 74 443 6763" url="" checkin="" checkout="12 PM" price="1,000 - 1,400 pesos (equiv. to US$20-28) depending on room type, including breakfast" lat="" long="">A cheap and very basic local place to stay near the Lizardo Trans bus terminus.</sleep>
+* <sleep name="Ferionnil Pension House and Dormitory" alt="" address="140 T. Alonzo St" directions="" phone="+63 74 443 6763" url="" checkin="" checkout="12 PM" price="1,000 - 1,400 pesos (equiv. to US$20-28) depending on room type" lat="" long="">A cheap and very basic local place to stay near the Lizardo Trans bus terminus. Black mold everywhere. No hot water. Sink broken. Bugs everywhere. Must pay for soap and shampoo. Must request tissue paper.</sleep>
 * <sleep name="Hotel Elizabeth" alt="" address="#1 J. Felipe Street corner Gibraltar Street," directions="" phone="63 2 911 2161 loc. 148" url="http://www.hotelelizabeth.com.ph/baguio/" checkin="" checkout="" price="From US$83" lat="" long="">A/C rooms and suites equipped with private balcony and internet. Room and massage services and fitness room/gym.</sleep>

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{traveltopic}}
 There are '''common scams''' that occur in many places that the traveller should be aware of. These are designed to get your money or business from you under false pretenses. They fall into three categories: overcharging you, deceiving you or coercing you into paying for a service you don't want, and outright theft.
@@ Line 120: / Line 126: @@
 One way to benefit from these shops is by sightseeing independently instead of with a tour group. You can request for the driver to take you to one, thereby lowering your fare, or as a way of offering him a tip if he is especially helpful. They always have very clean, western bathrooms, which can be hard to come by otherwise.
 ===Currency swap===
@@ Line 321: / Line 330: @@
 ==Lodging scams==
-Some hotels and motels, especially those that are [[unbranded hotel|not part of a chain]], may be unscrupulous. They are the minority, but the customer should be watchful.
+Some hotels and motels, especially those that are [[unbranded hotel|not part of a chain]], may be unscrupulous. There are even some cases of individually owned franchises of large companies engaging in these unscrupulous practices.  Most hotels are honest, and you will not encounter these problems. These are the minority, but the customer should be watchful, and should be aware of what signs to look out for.
 ===Claims of damage===
@@ Line 331: / Line 345: @@
 ===Early eviction===
 You have paid for a lengthy stay at a hotel, but before you have stayed many of those nights, management informs you that you are evicted for some minor offense that you did not know was wrong, did not expect to be enforced, or did not commit at all. But management is adamant and insists you must leave or you are trespassing. Management refuses to refund the remainder of your stay. It is their trick to obtain money from you without rendering services. Perhaps you may contact law enforcement about being refused the refund, but they cannot help.
 ===Higher rates in fine print===

@@ Line 273: / Line 273: @@
 ===By ship===
-It is still possible, but expensive, to do the classic transatlantic voyage between the United Kingdom and the United States. The easiest option is by the historic, and only remaining Ocean Liner operator, [http://www.cunard.com/ Cunard Line], but expect to pay US$1000-2000 for the cheapest tickets on the 6 day voyage between Southampton and New York done around 10 times per year in each direction. If your pockets are not deep enough for this price range, your only other options of crossing the North Atlantic are pretty much limited to [[Freighter travel]].
+It is still possible, but expensive, to do the classic transatlantic voyage between the United Kingdom and the United States. The easiest option is by the historic, and only remaining Ocean Liner operator, [http://www.cunard.com/ Cunard Line], but expect to pay US$1,000-2,000 for the cheapest tickets on the 6 day voyage between Southampton and New York done around 10 times per year in each direction. If your pockets are not deep enough for this price range, your only other options of crossing the North Atlantic are pretty much limited to [[Freighter travel]].
-Most major cruise ships that ply the waters of Europe during summer (June - September) also do cruises in [[Latin America]] and [[Southeast Asia]] for the rest of the year. That means those ships have a transatlantic journey twice per year, at low prices when you consider the length of the trip (at least a week). These are often called ''positioning cruises''. [http://www.cruisenetwork.com/msc-transatlantic-cruise.jsp MSC has several ships from the [[Caribbean]] to Europe at April and May].
+Most major cruise ships that ply the waters of Europe during summer (June - September) also do cruises in [[Latin America]] and [[Southeast Asia]] for the rest of the year. That means those ships have a transatlantic journey twice per year, at low prices when you consider the length of the trip (at least a week). These are often called ''positioning cruises''. [http://www.cruisenetwork.com/msc-transatlantic-cruise.jsp MSC] has several ships from the [[Caribbean]] to Europe in April and May.
 There are several lines crossing the Mediterranean, the main ports of call in North Africa is [[Tangier]] in [[Morocco]] and [[Tunis]] in [[Tunisia]] (See [[Ferries in  the Mediterranean]] for more details), but there is also a little known option of going via [[Cyprus]] where you can use [http://www.louiscruises.com Louis Cruises] crossings to [[Port Said]] in [[Egypt]] and [[Haifa]] in [[Israel]] as a regular ferry service. Keep in mind though, that you can only do this on routes out of Cyprus, and it requires special arrangements - [http://www.varianostravel.com/Cruises/ferry_service.htm Varianos Travel] in [[Nicosia]] seem to be the only tour agency offering this option.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 ==Regions==
-Europe consists of a diverse set of countries that each have their own identity, language and culture. Below is a rough grouping of these countries into regions:
+Europe consists of a diverse set of countries that each have their own identity and culture.
 {{Regionlist
@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 |region12description=Spectacular scenery of mountains, lakes, glaciers, geysers, waterfalls and volcanoes. Finland is culturally distinct as it has a language unlike the Scandinavian languages.
 }}
 Politically, some countries are a member of the [[European Union]], a supranational and intergovernmental union that aims to integrate the states of Europe in a common political framework.

@@ Line 448: / Line 448: @@
 === Music ===
-Despite an ever growing competition from the United States and nations with new found wealth, Europe is still the spiritual home of classical music and Opera, and the various European capitals are home to some amazing 'old world' opera houses, where the hundreds of years of history, often enhances the experience into something otherworldly. But if opera singers give you a headache, and you would much rather head-bang, fear not, Europe has more music festivals than your liver will ever hold up to; the '''Roskilde Festival''' [http://www.roskilde-festival.dk] in [[Roskilde]], '''Sziget fesztivál''' [http://www.sziget.hu/fesztival/?language=en] in [[Budapest/Buda|Budapest]] and finally reigning champion '''Glastonbury''' [http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/] weighing in at 195.000 drunk souls, are widely considered the 3 big ones, but many other ones are not the slightest bit small. Alternatively, there is the revival '''Woodstock''' festival in Poland, [http://www.en.wosp.org.pl/] while it doesn't boast the star-studded line-up of some commercial festivals, is great for those who want to do it on the cheap (there is no ticket to buy) and attracted 700,000 music fans in 2011.
+Despite an ever growing competition from the United States and nations with new found wealth, Europe is still the spiritual home of classical music and Opera, and the various European capitals are home to some amazing 'old world' opera houses, where the hundreds of years of history, often enhances the experience into something otherworldly. But if opera singers give you a headache, and you would much rather head-bang, fear not, Europe has more music festivals than your liver will ever hold up to; the[http://www.roskilde-festival.dk Roskilde Festival] in [[Roskilde]], the  [http://www.sziget.hu/fesztival/?language=en Sziget fesztivál] in [[Budapest/Buda|Budapest]] and, finally, the reigning champion [http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/ Glastonbury] in [[England]] weighing in at 195,000 drunk souls, are widely considered the 3 big ones, but many other ones are not the slightest bit small. Alternatively, there is the revival festival in Poland, [http://www.en.wosp.org.pl/ Woodstock] while it doesn't boast the star-studded line-up of some commercial festivals, is great for those who want to do it on the cheap (there is no ticket to buy) and attracted 700,000 music fans in 2011.
 === Sports ===

@@ Line 428: / Line 428: @@
 * <sleep name="Panoly Resort Hotel" url="http://www.thepanoly.com/">45 bungalows and 55 veranda-equipped hotel rooms.</sleep>
-* <sleep name="Paradise Garden Boracay Resort" address="Manggayad" phone="+63.2.524.9638" url="http://www.paradisegardenboracay.com/" price="US$100"></sleep>
+* <sleep name="Paradise Garden Boracay Resort" alt="" address="Manggayad" directions="" phone="+63.2.524.9638" url="http://www.paradisegardenboracay.com.ph/" checkin="" checkout="" price="US$100" lat="" long=""></sleep>
 * <sleep name="Patio Pacific Boracay" alt="" address="Station 1" directions="" phone="(+632) 845.2222 to 28" url="http://www.patiopacificboracay.com/" checkin="2PM" checkout="12:00nn" price="" lat="" long="" fax="''+632'' 8452233">Formerly known as Pink Patio Resort. Facilities include a gym, pool and climbing wall. The 65 aircon rooms are adequate if a bit bland in decor. Breakfast is served buffet style though choices may be limited at times.  Three-minute walk to White Beach. </sleep>

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 __TOC__
-[[File:Tour Eiffel Wikimedia Commons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Eiffel Tower in [[Berlin]]]]
+[[File:Tour Eiffel Wikimedia Commons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Eiffel Tower in [[Paris]]]]
 [http://www.visiteurope.com '''Europe''']  encompasses an area of 10,180,000 km² (3,930,000 mi²), stretching from Asia to the Atlantic, and from Africa to the Arctic. European countries welcome more than 480 million international visitors per year, more than half of the global market, and 7 of the 10 most visited countries are European nations.

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 | image=Jerusalem from mt olives.jpg
 | location=LocationIsrael.png
-| flag=is-flag.png
+| flag=Flag of Israel.svg|Flag of Israel
 | capital=[[Jerusalem]]
 | government=Parliamentary Republic