Wikitravel - Changes related to "Scuba diving" [en]

Saudi Arabia

2013-05-23T02:55:32Z

‎By train:

Vancouver

2013-05-22T22:42:07Z

‎Contact:

Belgium

2013-05-22T21:36:16Z

‎Respect:

Ubatuba

2013-05-22T18:05:42Z

Don't remove content without providing and explanation.

Ubatuba

2013-05-22T17:06:24Z

‎Drink:

Salvador

2013-05-22T14:53:13Z

touting. Undo revision 2040123 by 187.58.10.244 (talk)

Saint Lucia

2013-05-22T14:53:04Z

‎All inclusive resorts:

Salvador

2013-05-22T12:04:42Z

‎By car:

Japan

2013-05-22T01:27:25Z

‎Buy:

South Africa

2013-05-21T19:40:29Z

‎Do:

Japan

2013-05-21T17:20:38Z

‎Buy

Roatan

2013-05-21T17:20:25Z

‎Sleep:

Rio de Janeiro

2013-05-21T17:14:31Z

‎By bus:

Japan

2013-05-21T17:00:27Z

‎Buy:

United States of America

2013-05-21T15:17:41Z

‎Major U.S. retail chains: I dispute this. "mall" is too broad. Macy's is still not a wholly national chain, and many large malls in parts of the country don't have them. Certainly lots of smaller malls don't. Overly broad original research

Ko Tao

2013-05-21T14:04:57Z

updated listing Casas del Sol

Goa

2013-05-21T13:34:59Z

‎By car:

Ko Tao

2013-05-21T10:09:38Z

‎Sairee Beach:

Dahab

2013-05-21T09:07:28Z

‎Desert Excursions & Trekking:

Gansbaai

2013-05-21T08:16:20Z

updated listing Aire del Mar Guesthouse

Ko Samui

2013-05-21T07:56:28Z

‎Car: Driving car in Thailand you need to have international or local driving license! In chase of accident insurance wont pay nothing with out one.

Malta

2013-05-21T07:41:15Z

‎By taxi:

Kuta

2013-05-21T01:27:06Z

‎Go next: Added internal link.

Mexico

2013-05-21T01:16:56Z

‎Contact:

Kuta

2013-05-21T01:11:21Z

updated listing Losmen Arthawan

Palau

2013-05-21T01:10:45Z

‎Stay healthy:

Kuta

2013-05-21T01:05:52Z

updated listing Bali Duta Wisata

Hawaii

2013-05-21T00:24:11Z

‎History:

Ilha Grande

2013-05-20T23:03:35Z

Monterey (California)

2013-05-20T21:01:54Z

updated listing Old Monterey Inn

Australia

2013-05-20T19:28:58Z

Australia

2013-05-20T18:32:31Z

‎Geography:

Puerto Galera

2013-05-20T14:15:19Z

Removed first person pronouns

United States of America

2013-05-20T13:16:48Z

Why was this deleted? Valuable information

Great Barrier Reef

2013-05-20T13:05:07Z

Undo revision 2038825 by 50.90.32.98 (talk)

@@ Line 206: / Line 206: @@
 [[Image:SaudiRailways FirstClass.JPG|thumb|First class on a Saudi train]]
-The railway network in Saudi Arabia is seriously underdeveloped, with only one line running between [[Riyadh]], [[Al-Hofuf]] and [[Dammam]], but it's still the only passenger train service in the entire Gulf. There are plans to extend the network to [[Jeddah]] and build a [[Makkah]]-[[Madinah]] link during the next few years.
+The railway network in Saudi Arabia is seriously underdeveloped, with only one line running between [[Riyadh]], [[Al-Hofuf]] and [[Dammam]], but it's still the only passenger train service in the entire Gulf (apart from the Dubai Metro). There are plans to extend the network to [[Jeddah]] and build a [[Makkah]]-[[Madinah]] link during the next few years.
 The trains are operated by [http://www.saudirailways.org/portal/page/portal/PRTS/root '''Saudi Railways Organization'''] and have 3 classes: Second, First and the delightfully named Rehab.  First and Second classes are very similar, with aircon and two-by-two seating, but First has a few inches of extra legroom.  Rehab (VIP) class, on the other hand, has plush leather seats, roof-mounted flat-panel TVs showing Arabic entertainment, and slick waiting lounges at stations.  There are no reserved seats, so show up early to claim yours, and beware that most carriages reserve the forward-facing seats at the front of each carriage for families.  Trains have a cafeteria car serving up drinks and snacks, as well as push-trolley service.

@@ Line 462: / Line 462: @@
 ''This is only a sample of things you can look for in Vancouver. Visit the separate district pages for other info.''
-'''Tip''' - There were two local taxes that are charged on the vast majority of goods, the 7% PST (Provincial Sales Tax) and the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). These have been replaced with a '''combined HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) of 12%''' since July 1, 2010. Due to a recent referendum, the tax will be returned to the PST/GST system on April 1, 2013.
+'''Tip''' - Two local taxes are charged on the vast majority of goods: 7% PST (Provincial Sales Tax) and 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). Eating out at a restaurant will only have the 5% GST added to the bill, but most consumer items will have both taxes added.
 *'''Robson Street''' in the [[Vancouver/City Centre|City Centre]] is home to many touristy shops. Although not technically part of the street, the neighbouring Alberni intersection is home to a variety of high-end shops such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès.
@@ Line 491: / Line 491: @@
 ==Eat==
-Where to begin? There is something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city, and the variety of cuisines and price points have been described as a foodie's delight. In particular, you will find many different kinds of Asian food available. If you fancy sushi many places offer "all you can eat" lunches for $12, which offers food of a wildly varying quality. In general, the city is up there with some of the best cities in North America when it comes to food. If you can do without alcohol, you can usually have a pretty reasonable meal for under $12, and at one of the more expensive restaurants in the city, $70 will get you a four course feast with exquisite service.
+Where to begin? There is something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city, and the variety of cuisines and price points have been described as a foodie's delight. In particular, you will find many different kinds of Asian food available. If you fancy sushi, many places offer "all you can eat" lunches for $12, which offers food of wildly varying quality. In general, the city is up there with some of the best cities in North America when it comes to food. If you can do without alcohol, you can usually have a pretty reasonable meal for under $12, and at one of the more expensive restaurants in the city, $70 will get you a four course feast with exquisite service.
 The highest density of restaurants is in [[Vancouver/Kitsilano | Kitsilano]] or the [[Vancouver/West End|West End]]. The [[Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|central business area]] has many of the high end restaurants either along Robson Street or associated with the many hotels in the downtown area. [[Vancouver/East Van| East Van]] tends to have many authentic ethnic restaurants.
-In recent years Vancouver has been recognized for it's successful street food program, with dozens of new '''food carts''' and '''food trucks''' appearing throughout the downtown area. According to the [http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/street-food-vending.aspx City of Vancouver] there are 103 licensed food carts, although usually there are between 30 and 50 open on any one day (and around half that number in the winter). Meals are between $8 and $12, and most vendors are open 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday. See [http://streetfoodapp.com/vancouver Street Food Vancouver] for daily schedules.
+In recent years Vancouver has been recognized for its successful street food program, with dozens of new '''food carts''' and '''food trucks''' appearing throughout the downtown area. According to the [http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/street-food-vending.aspx City of Vancouver] there are 103 licensed food carts, although usually there are between 30 and 50 open on any one day (and around half that number in the winter). Meals are between $8 and $12, and most vendors are open 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday. See [http://streetfoodapp.com/vancouver Street Food Vancouver] for daily schedules.
 Vancouver is also famous for its dim sum restaurants. Because of the big Chinese population, the price and quality of dim sum here is among the best in the world. One of the consistently highly-ranked dim sum restaurants by local magazines is Sun Sui Wah, at 3888 Main St. Also, check out Floata in Chinatown on Keefer St, or the Kirin at Cambie and 12th; reservations recommended. There are many restaurants on Victoria around 41st Ave (or Kingsway and Knight) which offer cheap dim sum ($2.75/plate), albeit with less class and more oil. In Burnaby, try Fortune House in Metropolis Shopping Complex. The city of Richmond, with a majority of its inhabitants being of Chinese descent, will have a plethora to choose from. Restaurants are all over the place on No. 3 Rd, Westminster Hwy, Alexandra Rd, and on the many side streets just east of Richmond Centre.
@@ Line 518: / Line 518: @@
 ==Sleep==
-In general, accommodations in Vancouver are on the expensive side. Most upscale hotel rooms begin at $200-250/night, although you can find reasonably priced ones in the $100-180 range quite often. Most motel rooms cost somewhere between $80-150/night. If you are lucky to find hostel accommodation, the cheapest of these will cost around $20/night, more reasonably between $35-50.
+In general, accommodations in Vancouver are on the expensive side. Most upscale hotel rooms begin at $200-250/night, although you can often find reasonably priced ones in the $100-180 range. Most motel rooms cost somewhere between $80-150/night. If you are lucky to find hostel accommodation, the cheapest of these will cost around $20/night, but usually between $35-50.
-The [[Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|City Centre]] is centrally located for attractions and has the bulk of Vancouver's accommodation, including most of the high-end hotels and backpackers hostels. If you don't mind getting away from the chain hotels, there are a number of smaller boutique hotels outside of the central business district but still close to the action that are cheaper than the four and five star options downtown. Backpacker hostels are another cheap option with beds starting at $25 if you don't mind sharing a room.
+The [[Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|City Centre]] is centrally located for attractions and has the bulk of Vancouver's accommodation, including most of the high-end hotels and backpackers hostels. If you don't mind getting away from the chain hotels, a number of smaller boutique hotels outside of the central business district are still close to the action and are cheaper than the four and five star options downtown. Backpacker hostels are another cheap option with beds starting at $25 if you don't mind sharing a room.
-Staying outside the City Centre area may give you a wider choice of affordable accommodations. There are a few budget hotels/motels along Kingsway in [[Vancouver/East Van|East Van]] and Broadway in [[Vancouver/South Granville|South Granville]]. A number of B&B's are also scattered throughout the city in each district.  If you want/need to stay close to the airport, [[Richmond (British Columbia)|Richmond]] has a number of hotels with varying degrees of luxury and price.
+Staying outside the City Centre area may give you a wider choice of affordable accommodations. There are a few budget hotels/motels along Kingsway in [[Vancouver/East Van|East Van]] and Broadway in [[Vancouver/South Granville|South Granville]]. A number of B&Bs and [http://vancouver.homestaybay.com homestays] are also scattered throughout the city in each district.  If you want/need to stay close to the airport, [[Richmond (British Columbia)|Richmond]] has a number of hotels with varying degrees of luxury and price.
 Finally, if you don't mind driving or commuting in to see Vancouver, the suburbs also have some cheaper options. [[North Shore (British Columbia)|North Vancouver]], [[Burnaby]] and [[New Westminster]] all have easy access to Vancouver via the public transit system. The closest Provincial Parks with campgrounds are near [[Maple Ridge]] ([[Golden Ears Provincial Park]]), [[Chilliwack]], and [[Squamish]].
@@ Line 535: / Line 535: @@
 Local calls at pay phones costs 50 cents per call.  They are not metered, so you can talk as long as you want. Note that downtown pay phones are often broken. Working pay phones are almost always available at all of the downtown SkyTrain stations.
 Internet cafes are not as popular as they once where, having been replaced by free wireless found in many hotels, cafes and restaurants; However, there are still many around the Vancouver area and are generally quite reasonably priced; typically $2-5 per hour with all-day passes common.
 In addition, there is free internet available at Canada Place. Bell has some free standing room stations set up in the main concourse of the convention centre. Also, the Apple Store in the Pacific Centre Mall has free wifi.
-For those who have brought a laptop, free wireless points are abundant in the downtown area (including every branch of '''Blenz Coffee''' [http://www.blenz.com/]), and reasonable paid service is also available in a pinch.
+For those who have brought a laptop, free wireless points are abundant in the downtown area (including [http://wavescoffee.com Waves Coffee] and every branch of [http://www.blenz.com Blenz Coffee]), and reasonable paid service is also available in a pinch.
 ==Stay safe==
@@ Line 605: / Line 605: @@
 * [[Image:br-flag.png|20px]] <listing name="Brazil" alt="" address="666 Burrard Street, Ste 2020" directions="" phone="+1 604 696 5311" url="http://www.consbrasvancouver.org/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="+1 604 696 5366"></listing>
 * [[Image:ch-flag.png|20px]] <listing name="The People's Republic of China" alt="" directions="" address="3380 Granville St" phone="+1 604 734-7492" email="" fax="" url="http://vancouver.china-consulate.org" hours="" price=""></listing>
 * [[Image:in-flag.png|20px]] <listing name="India" alt="" directions="" address="325 Howe St, Ste 201" phone="+1 604 662-8811" email="" fax="+1 604 682-3556" url="http://www.cgivancouver.org" hours="" price=""></listing>
 * [[Image:ei-flag.png|20px]] <listing name="Ireland" alt="" directions="" address="837 Beatty St, Ste 210" phone="+1 604 683-9233" email="" fax="+1 604 683-8402" url="http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=5454" hours="" price=""></listing>

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 22 May 2013
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	==Respect==		==Respect==
		+
		+	* Don't associate the country with the European Union, or at least don't tell Belgian people about it. Although the EU has chosen to put most of its headquarters in Belgium, it doesn't mean that Belgians have anything to do with it. Most Belgian people doesn't care about the EU any more than an other person in another country in the continent. Foreigner's perception of Belgium as being 'the EU country' is not only strange to Belgians but also very offensive to them because it sounds like you bypass them to focus on a organization in which they are just one country amongst 27. You wouldn't call the United States 'the UN country' just because the UN has its headquarters in New-York, so don't do the same to Belgium.

	* Belgians don't like to talk about their income or politics. You must also avoid asking people about their views on religion.		* Belgians don't like to talk about their income or politics. You must also avoid asking people about their views on religion.

@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 * <drink name="Areia Summer House" alt="" address="Rodovia Rio Santos, km 101 - Praia Vermelha do Norte" directions="" phone="(12) 3836 2261" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long=""></drink>
 * <drink name="Coyote Bar" alt="" address="R Coronel Domiciano 74 - Centro" directions="" phone="(12) 3832-4856" url="" hours="Thur-Sat from 6PM" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></drink>
 * <drink name="180°" alt="180 Graus" address="Félix Guisard 11 - Prainha" directions="" phone="(12) 3832 6991" url="http://www.180grausubatuba.com.br/" hours="" price="Up to R$30, depending on the event" lat="" long="">This nightclub, located in an old Matarazzo family mansion, has three dance floors, six bars, a pizza restaurant and snack bar. National and international DJs spin all types of electronic music for a mostly 20-something crowd.</drink>
 ==Sleep==
-* <sleep name="Hotel Coquille" alt="" address="Rua Praia Grande, 405 - Praia Grande" directions="Only 250m off the beach." phone="+55 12 3835 1611" url="http://www.hotelcoquille.com" checkin="13h" checkout="12h" price="Double Luxo From R$ 149,00 (low season) to R$ 310,00 (high season)" lat="-23.47028" long="-45.07" email="booking@hotelcoquille.com" fax=""></sleep>
+* <sleep name="Hotel Coquille" alt="" address="Rua Praia Grande, 405 - Praia Grande" directions="Only 250m off the beach." phone="+55 12 3835 1611" url="http://www.hotelcoquille.com" checkin="13h" checkout="12h" price="Double Luxo From R$ 130,00 (low season) to R$ 285,00 (high season)" lat="-23.47028" long="-45.07" email="booking@hotelcoquille.com" fax=""></sleep>
 * <sleep name="Pousada Twin" alt="" address="Avenida principal, 55 - Praia do Itamambuca" directions="" phone="(12) 7817-4136" url="http://www.pousadatwin.com.br/" checkin="12:00" checkout="11:00" price="190" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Pousada Twin Hotel in Ubatuba na Praia de Itamambuca</sleep>
 *<sleep name="Pousada Omnimare" alt="" address="Rua Guaicurus 30" directions="close to the airport, Itagua Beach" phone="+55 12 38322005" url="http://www.pousadaomnimare.com.br" checkin="2PM" checkout="noon" price="R$75" lat="S 23o 26' 37.84" long="W 45o 04' 13.50">A cozy bed and breakfast, rooms with air conditioner, LCD cable TV, solar heated shower, swimming pool and beatiful gardens.</sleep>

@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 * <drink name="Areia Summer House" alt="" address="Rodovia Rio Santos, km 101 - Praia Vermelha do Norte" directions="" phone="(12) 3836 2261" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long=""></drink>
 * <drink name="Coyote Bar" alt="" address="R Coronel Domiciano 74 - Centro" directions="" phone="(12) 3832-4856" url="" hours="Thur-Sat from 6PM" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></drink>
 * <drink name="180°" alt="180 Graus" address="Félix Guisard 11 - Prainha" directions="" phone="(12) 3832 6991" url="http://www.180grausubatuba.com.br/" hours="" price="Up to R$30, depending on the event" lat="" long="">This nightclub, located in an old Matarazzo family mansion, has three dance floors, six bars, a pizza restaurant and snack bar. National and international DJs spin all types of electronic music for a mostly 20-something crowd.</drink>
 ==Sleep==
-* <sleep name="Hotel Coquille" alt="" address="Rua Praia Grande, 405 - Praia Grande" directions="Only 250m off the beach." phone="+55 12 3835 1611" url="http://www.hotelcoquille.com" checkin="13h" checkout="12h" price="Double Luxo From R$ 130,00 (low season) to R$ 285,00 (high season)" lat="-23.47028" long="-45.07" email="booking@hotelcoquille.com" fax=""></sleep>
+* <sleep name="Hotel Coquille" alt="" address="Rua Praia Grande, 405 - Praia Grande" directions="Only 250m off the beach." phone="+55 12 3835 1611" url="http://www.hotelcoquille.com" checkin="13h" checkout="12h" price="Double Luxo From R$ 149,00 (low season) to R$ 310,00 (high season)" lat="-23.47028" long="-45.07" email="booking@hotelcoquille.com" fax=""></sleep>
 * <sleep name="Pousada Twin" alt="" address="Avenida principal, 55 - Praia do Itamambuca" directions="" phone="(12) 7817-4136" url="http://www.pousadatwin.com.br/" checkin="12:00" checkout="11:00" price="190" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Pousada Twin Hotel in Ubatuba na Praia de Itamambuca</sleep>
 *<sleep name="Pousada Omnimare" alt="" address="Rua Guaicurus 30" directions="close to the airport, Itagua Beach" phone="+55 12 38322005" url="http://www.pousadaomnimare.com.br" checkin="2PM" checkout="noon" price="R$75" lat="S 23o 26' 37.84" long="W 45o 04' 13.50">A cozy bed and breakfast, rooms with air conditioner, LCD cable TV, solar heated shower, swimming pool and beatiful gardens.</sleep>

@@ Line 76: / Line 76: @@
 ===By car===
-Renting a basic car with air conditioning (100+ kilometers or KM free) costs R$ 110-140 per day, plus fuel. It's not hard to find your way accross Salvador avenues, but although people from Bahia have a reputation of being relaxed and easygoing, traffic is agressive (somewhat like [[Rio de Janeiro]]), and you will frequently see drivers attempting dangerous overtakes on you. Pedestrians are also careless and unexpectely run to cross roads and streets. If you are not used to this type of traffic, consider asking for a private driver, which is possible on many car renting agencies. Renting a car may be a good idea if you plan to visit the beaches from the northern part of Bahia, with more time flexibility than allowed by travel agencies. The easier way to get around relaxedly (thoughout the whole of Bahia) is taking a Bahia Guide with his own car like the one at bahia.basix.cc.
+Renting a basic car with air conditioning (100+ kilometers or KM free) costs R$ 110-140 per day, plus fuel. It's not hard to find your way accross Salvador avenues, but although people from Bahia have a reputation of being relaxed and easygoing, traffic is agressive (somewhat like [[Rio de Janeiro]]), and you will frequently see drivers attempting dangerous overtakes on you. Pedestrians are also careless and unexpectely run to cross roads and streets. If you are not used to this type of traffic, consider asking for a private driver, which is possible on many car renting agencies. Renting a car may be a good idea if you plan to visit the beaches from the northern part of Bahia, with more time flexibility than allowed by travel agencies.
 ===By bicycle===

@@ Line 210: / Line 210: @@
 *<sleep name="NATURE'S PARADISE @ Marigot Bay" alt="" address="1 Marigot Heights" directions="" phone="+1 758-458-3550" url="http://www.stluciaparadise.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Avocado & Banana Cottages are located on a quiet ridge high above the sea at Marigot Bay.  The spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea creates the mood. Marigot Bay is what you have in mind when you think “Tropical Paradise”.</sleep>
-===All inclusive resorts===
+===All Inclusive Resorts===
 * East Winds Inn [http://www.eastwinds.com]
 * Ladera - 5 Star - Amazing Views, Eco-Tourist [http://www.ladera.com/]
 * Sandals - Exclusive, couples only- [http://www.sandals.com/]
-* Rendezvous, The RomanticHoliday [http://www.theromanticholiday.com/]
+* Rendezvous, The RomanticHoliday, Couples Resort [http://www.theromanticholiday.com/]
 * The BodyHoliday LeSPORT [http://www.thebodyholiday.com/]
 * Stonefield Estate Villa Resort [http://www.stonefieldvillas.com/]

@@ Line 682: / Line 682: @@
 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 major convenience store chains and at many vending machines and public transportation ticket barriers, people can also used a number of RFID-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.
+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.
 Some people also use '''mobile phones''' to pay for their purchases where the mobile phone either has a built-in chip that allows it to function like a stored value card (e.g. Suica) or like credit cards whereby 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. Mobile phone-based stored value systems can be charged either by credit card or at convenience store cash registers.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:40, 21 May 2013
(2 intermediate revisions by one user not shown)
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	* '''River Rafting:''' The Orange River on the border to Namibia is a popular destination for rafting tours. Several tour operators launch 4-6 day trips in blow-up boats from Vioolsdrif with camping under the stars.		* '''River Rafting:''' The Orange River on the border to Namibia is a popular destination for rafting tours. Several tour operators launch 4-6 day trips in blow-up boats from Vioolsdrif with camping under the stars.
		+	*<do name="GoVertical Mountaineering Adventures" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27(0)82 731 4696" url="http://www.govertical.co.za" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Guided Drakensberg Trekking</do>

	==Buy==		==Buy==

@@ Line 680: / Line 680: @@
 * '''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 major convenience store chains and at many vending machines and public transportation ticket barriers, people can also used a number of RFID-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.
@@ Line 736: / 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.
@@ Line 749: / Line 749: @@
 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====
@@ Line 765: / Line 765: @@
 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.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 21 May 2013
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	*<sleep name="West Bay Lodge resort & spa" alt="" address="West Bay" directions="Across from West Bay Mall, 2-minute walk from the beach" phone="+504 2445 5069" url="http://www.westbaylodge.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Recently renovated air-conditioned bungalows surrounded by lush tropical plants, mango and avocado trees. Pool, massages available at Serenity day spa. Candlelight dinner available (6 course meal with a bottle of wine for total of $60 for pair). The price of breakfast at Tasty Tarpon Restaurant is included in the room price. Daily specials are as follows: Monday: French toast vanilla butter & powdered sugar; Tuesday: egg baleada Honduran specialty; Wednesday: banana pancakes, caramelized bananas, bacon; Thursday: egg baleada Honduran specialty; Friday: omelet with jack cheese, toast & pineapple jam; Saturday: tipico (typical Honduran breakfast); Sunday: waffles with caramelized pineapple & bacon, $2 mimosas. Available Tu-Sa 08:00-21:00; Su-M 08:00-15:30 pm.</sleep>		*<sleep name="West Bay Lodge resort & spa" alt="" address="West Bay" directions="Across from West Bay Mall, 2-minute walk from the beach" phone="+504 2445 5069" url="http://www.westbaylodge.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Recently renovated air-conditioned bungalows surrounded by lush tropical plants, mango and avocado trees. Pool, massages available at Serenity day spa. Candlelight dinner available (6 course meal with a bottle of wine for total of $60 for pair). The price of breakfast at Tasty Tarpon Restaurant is included in the room price. Daily specials are as follows: Monday: French toast vanilla butter & powdered sugar; Tuesday: egg baleada Honduran specialty; Wednesday: banana pancakes, caramelized bananas, bacon; Thursday: egg baleada Honduran specialty; Friday: omelet with jack cheese, toast & pineapple jam; Saturday: tipico (typical Honduran breakfast); Sunday: waffles with caramelized pineapple & bacon, $2 mimosas. Available Tu-Sa 08:00-21:00; Su-M 08:00-15:30 pm.</sleep>
		+	*<sleep name="Las Verandas" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="855-224-6620" email="info@las-verandas.com" url="www.las-verandas.com" checkin="3:00pm" checkout="12:00pm" price="" lat="16.377277" long="-86.464055">Just off the Caribbean Coast of Honduras is Roatan, home to the beautiful Las Verandas. Just fifteen minutes from the International Airport, Las Verandas captures the essence of Roatan with its deep blue skies, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and sunset views.
		+
		+	Las Verandas will provide accommodations for even the most discerning guests and boasts the island’s first golf course, The Black Pearl. Pete and Perry Dye’s Championship Golf Course will be in addition to assorted water activities, including world-class diving, snorkeling and shallow or deep-water fishing.
		+
		+	Phase one of Las Verandas opened March 2013 with six luxurious villas, the Palapa Bar and two guest pools. Phase two will include five more villas, 30 rooms and suites and Las Pergolas, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
		+	</sleep>

	==Get out==		==Get out==

@@ Line 110: / Line 110: @@
 Some bus stops in the South Zone are equipped with a shelter and a bench, but sometimes, far from tourist areas, they are less obvious and have no signs at all - you might have to ask. As a general rule in most parts of Brazil, buses stop only when you hail them, by extending the arm. If you don't hail and there are no passengers waiting to get off, the bus simply won't stop. The same can be said if you are on the bus wanting to get off at a particular stop. You should know the surroundings or the name of the intersection of the area you are going, or inquire to the employee operating the turnstile, so you can signal to the driver that you want to get off, or he may not stop! There are no schedules or timetables, but there is an invaluable book called Ruas de Rio de Janeiro (The streets of Rio de Janeiro) that has maps of Rio and lists bus routes by bus line. Although it does not list the exact schedule of arrivals and departures, it lists the bus stops, and one can easily orient oneself and navigate the city using it. Usually buses run at least every 15 minutes. However, they can run just once an hour or more infrequently late at night or in remote areas of town. Google Maps and the Maps app also has the Rio bus system in it, allowing you to plug your location and destination with step-by-step instructions.
-There are a baffling 1000+ bus lines in Rio (including variants), covering nearly all of the city, operated by about a dozen independent operations. (At least 6 operations ply the streets of Copacabana and Ipanema.) The [http://www.rioonibus.com] website contains a catalog of the lines, but is of little help unless you know the line number or can enter exact street names. Many lines differ only a few streets from each other in their itineraries, and some even have variants within the same line. Bus lines with a * or a letter means that this bus has a variant. It means that there may be a bus with the same name, same number, same origin, even same destination but with a complete different route. Lines are numbered according to the general route they serve:
+There are a baffling 1000+ bus lines in Rio (including variants), covering nearly all of the city, operated by about a dozen independent operations. (At least 6 operations ply the streets of Copacabana and Ipanema.) The [http://www.rioonibus.com] website contains a catalog of the lines, but is of little help unless you know the line number or can enter exact street names. The website VaDeOnibus [http://www.vadeonibus.com.br] contains a route planner: you can enter two addresses and it gives you the buslines that go between them, including their time tables. Many lines differ only a few streets from each other in their itineraries, and some even have variants within the same line. Bus lines with a * or a letter means that this bus has a variant. It means that there may be a bus with the same name, same number, same origin, even same destination but with a complete different route. Lines are numbered according to the general route they serve:
 * beginning with 1 - South Zone/Downtown
 * beginning with 2 - North Zone/Downtown

@@ Line 676: / Line 676: @@
 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!
-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 RFID-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.
@@ Line 690: / Line 692: @@
 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 903: / Line 903: @@
 ===Major U.S. retail chains===
-According to Deloitte, the largest fashion goods retailer in both the U.S. and the entire world is Macy's, Inc., which operates over 800 Macy's midrange department stores in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam, plus a smaller number of upscale Bloomingdale's stores. In other words, nearly every mall you visit will have a Macy's.
+According to Deloitte, the largest fashion goods retailer in both the U.S. and the entire world is Macy's, Inc., which operates over 800 Macy's midrange department stores in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam, plus a smaller number of upscale Bloomingdale's stores.
 Nordstrom is another upscale department store that is also found in most states. Other midrange stores include Kohl's, Sears, and JCPenney, while the lower end is dominated by Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Old Navy. General discount stores like Walmart, Target, and Kmart are ubiquitous. Many discount stores have either a small grocery section or a full supermarket; in fact, Walmart is the country's largest seller of groceries, as well as being its largest retail chain. The two largest supermarket chains are Kroger and Safeway, but both operate under legacy regional nameplates in many states. The dominant warehouse club chain is Costco, whose biggest competitor is Sam's Club (operated by Walmart).

@@ Line 347: / Line 347: @@
 * <sleep name="Blue Wind" alt="" address="north Sairee Beach" directions="" phone="" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="300-1,500 baht." lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Bungalows on the beach. Extremely helpful manager and friendly staff. The bakery offers a variety of good quality food.</sleep>
-* <sleep name="Casas del Sol" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.kohtaocasas.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="From 4,200-8,500 baht." lat="" long="" email="stay@kohtaocasas.com" fax="">Boutique villas with modern tropical designs. Open-plan living, dining, kitchens and private swimming pools.</sleep>
+* <sleep name="Casas del Sol" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.kohtaocasas.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="From 5,000-8,500 baht." lat="" long="" email="stay@kohtaocasas.com" fax="">Boutique villas with modern tropical designs and great views. Open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas with private swimming pools on the terrace.</sleep>
 * <sleep name="Coral Grand" alt="Nomads" address="Sairee Beach" directions="" phone="" email="bookings@nomadsworld.com" fax="" checkin="" checkout="" price="" url="http://nomadsworld.com/hostels/thailand/nomads-coral-grand-koh-tao">Backpackers can use the hotel facilities</sleep>

@@ Line 271: / Line 271: @@
 http://www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/car-hire/india/mumbai]
 * <listing name="taxiGUIDE.in" alt="Goa Car Rental" address="" directions="" phone="+91 888 023 4455" url="http://www.taxiguide.in/TourPackages/Goa_Car_Rental.aspx" hours="Inquiry: 7am to 11pm" price="Fares starting Rs.1120 for within city and Rs.13/km for outstation" lat="" long="" email="support@taxiguide.in" fax="">Goa Car Rental services on taxiGUIDE.in - Cabs can be booked from Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad & Pune as well on taxiGUIDE.in</listing>
 * <listing name="CabsinGoa.com" alt="Goa Taxi" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.cabsingoa.com" hours="" price="as per Official Government rates" lat="" long="" email="cabsingoa@gmail.com" fax="">Cab/Taxi booking service for Goa</listing>

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 21 May 2013
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	* <sleep name="Simple Life Resort" alt="" address="" directions="Sairee Beach" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.kohtaosimpleliferesort.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="">Air-con rooms, swimming pool, bar-restaurant, spa and massage room and free Wi-Fi.</sleep>		* <sleep name="Simple Life Resort" alt="" address="" directions="Sairee Beach" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.kohtaosimpleliferesort.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="">Air-con rooms, swimming pool, bar-restaurant, spa and massage room and free Wi-Fi.</sleep>
		+
		+	* <sleep name="SpicyTao Backpackers Hostel" alt="" address="" directions="Sairee Beach" phone="" email="" fax="" url="https://www.facebook.com/Spicytao" checkin="12:00 PM" checkout="11:00 AM" price="Dorms starting from 150 baht"> From the popular Spicy Backpackers chain. Free breakfast, hostel guided tours, peaceful location. </sleep>

	=== Chalok Bay ===		=== Chalok Bay ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:07, 21 May 2013
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	* '''Longer Desert Safaris & Treks:''' Although many of the small safari shops will offer these, if you really want to enjoy a deep desert experience you need to go directly to the Bedouin. For 2+ people (and ideally 3+ people to keep prices affordable), you can speak directly to your guide. A real Bedouin guide will take into account season & weather, your fitness & your ideas, and recommend a nice route. Most importantly, he will take you on a route he loves & knows well (not just a tourist trail). Please note that all safari businesses will have Bedouin guides and/or drivers on their desert trips. It is simply not possible to go into the desert without the knowledge and permission of these people of the desert. So, whichever company you chose, you will always have the opportunity to experience Bedouin culture in the desert.		* '''Longer Desert Safaris & Treks:''' Although many of the small safari shops will offer these, if you really want to enjoy a deep desert experience you need to go directly to the Bedouin. For 2+ people (and ideally 3+ people to keep prices affordable), you can speak directly to your guide. A real Bedouin guide will take into account season & weather, your fitness & your ideas, and recommend a nice route. Most importantly, he will take you on a route he loves & knows well (not just a tourist trail). Please note that all safari businesses will have Bedouin guides and/or drivers on their desert trips. It is simply not possible to go into the desert without the knowledge and permission of these people of the desert. So, whichever company you chose, you will always have the opportunity to experience Bedouin culture in the desert.
		+
		+	* '''[http://www.sinai-safari.com Sinai Safari]'''. A Bedouin owned and managed safari group offering authentic and ecological desert excursions from 1 to 14 days to anywhere in south Sinai. The guides are all from the deep desert and have been guiding travelers their whole life. They can arrange a tailor made trip to either the famous locations or off the beaten track to visit areas that are not known to the common safari operators. They are so confident of their service that they only charge a 25% deposit before departure. Sinai Safari are desert specialists and only offer desert trips in Sinai, nothing else and nowhere else making them the most highly recommended and ecological safari organisers in South Sinai.

	'''Popular sites:'''		'''Popular sites:'''

@@ Line 81: / Line 81: @@
 * <sleep name="Klein Pardijs" alt="" address="" directions="Near Pearly Beach on the R 43 from Gansbaai to the east" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.kleinparadijs.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="">A country house set amidst old milkwood trees with self catering cottages. 5 rooms, 5 cottages, all meals of the day.</sleep>
-* <sleep name="Aire del Mar Guesthouse" alt="" address="" directions="In Kleinbaai, seaside village on Danger point Peninsula" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.airedelmar.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="">A friendly place with 5 rooms and 4 self catering units.</sleep>
+* <sleep name="Aire del Mar Guesthouse" alt="" address="" directions="In Kleinbaai, seaside village on Danger point Peninsula" phone="" url="http://www.airedelmar.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">A friendly place with 5 rooms and 4 self catering units.</sleep>
 * <sleep name="Whale Song Lodge" alt="" address="" directions="On top of the rocks in De Kelders, 5 km before Gansbaai, overlooking Walker Bay" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.whalesonglodge.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="">A modern and relaxed guesthouse with 4 contemporary rooms and 1 suite, all with sea views. Dinner served.</sleep>

@@ Line 148: / Line 148: @@
 ===Car===
-There are many car hire options on Ko Samui, including the local arms of international companies such as Budget and Avis. Prices are fairly expensive (1,200-1,500 baht/day for a small car), but the convenience of a small air-conditioned car may be worth it. You can pick up and drop off at the airport or some other location. Driving is easy on the island as long as you are not in a hurry. Having a car gives you easy access to almost all areas of the island. An international driving licence is not required.
+There are many car hire options on Ko Samui, including the local arms of international companies such as Budget and Avis. Prices are fairly expensive (800-1,500 baht/day for a small car), but the convenience of a small air-conditioned car may be worth it. You can pick up and drop off at the airport or some other location. Driving is easy on the island as long as you are not in a hurry. Having a car gives you easy access to almost all areas of the island.
 ==See==

@@ Line 130: / Line 130: @@
 Malta's white taxis are the ones you can pick you up off the street. They have meters that are uniformly ignored, figure on €15 for short hops and not much more than €35 for a trip across the island. There are now Gov't approved fares for taxis from the airport ranging from €10 to 30.
-For cheaper airport transfers and local taxis try using one of the local "Black cab" taxi firms such as [http://www.activecabsmalta.com Active Cabs]  Taxi by Sean Taxi Service,  Peppin Transport (Cheaper Online Prices), Malta Airport Cabs [http://www.malta-airport-taxis.co.uk] or Malta Taxi Online. Their rates are normally lower than white taxis  but their services must be prebooked (at least fifteen minutes' notice).
+For cheaper airport transfers and local taxis try using one of the local "Black cab" taxi firms such as [https://easyprivatetaxi.com/book/malta/gozo/185 Easy PrivateTaxi], [http://www.activecabsmalta.com Active Cabs]  Taxi by Sean Taxi Service,  [http://www.peppintransport.com Peppin Transport] (Cheaper Online Prices), Malta Airport Cabs [http://www.malta-airport-taxis.co.uk] or Malta Taxi Online. Their rates are normally lower than white taxis  but their services must be prebooked (at least fifteen minutes' notice). The approx. cost of a transfer from Malta Airport to Valletta is €15-18 for a sedan and €17-25 for a minibus.
 If you would like a taxi tour, it is a good idea to book it in advance with an agreed price and arrange to be picked up from your hotel or apartment. The tours are best kept short, around 3 to 4 hours should do it. In a car you will be able to cover [[Mdina]], Rabat, Mosta, Valletta and the Blue Grotto. However, some people say that when visiting historical sights it is best to also hire a licensed tourist guide (who will wear their license while on tour) and accuse taxi drivers of often giving inaccurate information.

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 <do name="Carla Spa" alt="" directions="" address="Poppies ||" url="http://carlaspabali.com/" price="rp50000/1hour">very good full body oil massage for not too much money, ask for Alfa. Opposite side of Artawan, same side as "The Steps", a bit further towards JL Legian</do>
 Beware of the women offering massages on the beach.    They are seasoned at ripping off tourists:  be sure you have agreed to a price and a duration, or you'll find yourself with a 10 minute massage.
 === Other ===
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 *A car journey to the cultural heart of Bali in [[Ubud]] will take about 45 min.
 *The [[Gili Islands]] can be reached in two and a half hours. 1 hr by car then 1.5 hr by fast boat from [[Padang Bai]].

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 Some areas have only a few internet cafes; in others, they are plentiful. Common fees vary from 7 pesos/hour to 20 pesos/hour. Currently, most of the internet cafes offer calls to the US for a better rate than a payphone, usually via VoIP.
-If you have an unlocked GSM phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card in Mexico and have a local mobile phone number for use in cases of emergency. Telcel provides good coverage throughout the country and you can get a SIM card for $150 pesos with $100 pesos talk time. If you have an iPhone, you should purchase a package of date with Telcel, as pay-as-you-go internet is extremely expensive. [http://bkpk.me/getting-3g-internet-in-mexico/]
+If you have an unlocked GSM phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card in Mexico and have a local mobile phone number for use in cases of emergency. ROAMFREE Mobile provides good coverage throughout the country and you can get a SIM card for $150 pesos with $100 pesos talk time. If you have an iPhone, you should purchase a package of date with ROAMFREE Mobile, as pay-as-you-go internet is extremely expensive. [http://bkpk.me/getting-3g-internet-in-mexico/]
 It is often far cheaper than what hotels will charge you and incoming calls may also be free under certain schemes. Mexico operates on the same GSM frequency as the United States, 1900 Mhz. There is an Internet wireless connection in almost every restaurant or hotel in the big cities.

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 * <sleep name="Bedbunkers Backpackers Hostels" alt="" address="Jl. Dewi Sri" directions="15 minutes walk from the beach" phone="+62 361 752 177" url="http://www.bedbunkers.com" checkin="14:00" checkout="12:00" price="From Rp 100,000" lat="-8.703797" long="115.176147" email="bookings@bedbunkers.com" Skype="Bedbunkers.reception"> Each dorm includes built-in lockers to keep you valuables safe, Comfortable mattresses,Pillows and Blankets with 5 star hotel standards. Offering 24 hour hot water showers and toilets that are shared. Housekeeping everyday! 24 hour reception with free WiFi connections to stay in touch with home.  </sleep>
-* <sleep name="Losmen Arthawan" alt="" address="Poppies II" directions="" phone="+62 361 752 913" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="From Rp 60,000" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""> The budget singles include breakfast, cleaning every 3 days, a bathroom, and patio, fan in the room and cold water. The pricier rooms have hot water and A/C.</sleep>
+* <sleep name="Losmen Arthawan" alt="" address="Poppies II" directions="" phone="+62 361 752 913" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="From Rp 70,000" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""> The budget singles include breakfast, cleaning every 3 days, a bathroom, and patio, fan in the room and cold water. The pricier rooms have hot water and A/C. The budget rooms, at least, seemed quite dirty. I doubt anything was cleaned between guests. No breakfast was offered or mentioned. Ideal location but better of going elsewhere for same price.</sleep>
 * <sleep name="Diana House" alt="" address="Poppies I" directions="" phone="+62 361 751605" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rp 150,000+" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Decent value for money place. Fairly large rooms, clean attached bathrooms.</sleep>

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 ==Stay healthy==
 [[Image:HelensReef.jpg|thumb|240px|The remote atoll of Helen Reef]]
-'''Saltwater Crocodiles''' (Crocodylus porosus) still exist in Palau's mangroves and in the beautiful '''Rock Islands''' and can potentially be found anywhere on the island. Despite their fearsome and, in some areas, very justified reputation, here they rarely grow to the immense size that they do in Australia and New Guinea. There was only one fatal attack by a crocodile in Palau within recorded history and that occurred in 1965. The biggest crocodile in Palau's history was 14', 2" in length - large, but this is an average size for saltwater crocodiles in most other countries. The rarity of attacks probably stems from the fact that there are no more than 450 adult individuals currently on the island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular in Palau and there has never in recent history been a report of an attack on a tourist. Judging from a recent survey, it appears crocodiles are quite unjustly hated by the locals, in harsh contrast to the worship they are given by the indigenous peoples of Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The reasons for this are unclear.
+'''Saltwater Crocodiles''' (Crocodylus porosus) still exist in Palau's mangroves and in the beautiful '''Rock Islands''' and can potentially be found anywhere on the island. Despite their fearsome and, in some areas, very justified reputation, here they rarely grow to the immense size that they do in Australia and New Guinea. There was only one fatal attack by a crocodile in Palau within recorded history and that occurred in 1965. The biggest crocodile in Palau's history was 14', 2" in length - large, but this is an average size for saltwater crocodiles in most other countries. The rarity of attacks probably stems from the fact that there are no more than 450 adult individuals currently on the island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular in Palau and there has never in recent history been a report of an attack on a tourist. Judging from a recent survey, it appears crocodiles are quite unjustly hated by the locals, in harsh contrast to the worship they are given by the indigenous peoples of Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The reasons for this is that crocodiles are a delicacy to some native islanders.
 '''Bull Sharks''' are common in the coastal waters and estuaries, so caution must always be taken while scuba diving or snorkeling

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 There are a lot of cheap guest houses in the Rp 70,000-250,000 range on Poppies II, but you can often find nicer places on the small lanes between Poppies I and II. Visitors should be aware that a lot of the budget accommodation in Kuta is ''very'' tired. Always see the room first & haggle.  It is becoming difficult to find budget accommodation if you arrive late in the day.  Budget places (under $10) may not take reservations, so trying to arrive around noon or 1pm as people check-out is a good strategy to try and find cheap accommodation.
-* <sleep name="Bali Duta Wisata" alt="" address="Poppies II, Bene Sari Street" directions="" phone="+62 361 753534" url="" checkin="" checkout=12:00"" price="Rp 80,000 for singles" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Tired rooms but you get what you pay for. A good bet you if arrive late and have nowhere to go. Free wi-fi and attached bathrooms. Breakfast included: toast and coffee. </sleep>
+* <sleep name="Bali Duta Wisata" alt="" address="Poppies II, Bene Sari Street" directions="" phone="+62 361 753534" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rp 70,000 for singles" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Tired rooms but you get what you pay for. A good bet you if arrive late and have nowhere to go. Free wi-fi and attached bathrooms. Breakfast included: toast and coffee. </sleep>
 * <sleep name="Bedbunkers Backpackers Hostels" alt="" address="Jl. Dewi Sri" directions="15 minutes walk from the beach" phone="+62 361 752 177" url="http://www.bedbunkers.com" checkin="14:00" checkout="12:00" price="From Rp 100,000" lat="-8.703797" long="115.176147" email="bookings@bedbunkers.com" Skype="Bedbunkers.reception"> Each dorm includes built-in lockers to keep you valuables safe, Comfortable mattresses,Pillows and Blankets with 5 star hotel standards. Offering 24 hour hot water showers and toilets that are shared. Housekeeping everyday! 24 hour reception with free WiFi connections to stay in touch with home.  </sleep>

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 Polynesians migrated to, and established communities on, the islands of Hawaii before the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778, who is widely credited as the first European visitor to the islands. At that time, each island was a separate kingdom. With the support of western advisors and weapons, Kamehameha I of the island of Hawaii conquered all the islands except Kauai, which acquiesced to his rule in 1810.
-After Kamehameha II abolished the ''kapu'' (taboo) system, American missionaries came to the islands to spread Christianity. As the ancient Hawaiians did not have any concept of owning land the missionaries became official land owners of many of the islands. Their children would later become successful businessmen in the Islands and still own entire islands to this day. Pineapple and sugar cane plantations were established, and workers from other countries (in particular Japan, the Philippines, China, and Korea) were imported as contract laborers. Later, their descendants would also become established as successful professionals.
+After Kamehameha II abolished the ''kapu'' (taboo) system, American missionaries came to the islands to spread Christianity, and quickly began establishing imperial enterprise and amassing political power on the islands. Their children would later become successful businessmen in the Islands and still own entire islands to this day. Pineapple and sugar cane plantations were established, and workers from other countries (in particular Japan, the Philippines, China, and Korea) were imported as contract laborers. Later, their descendants would also become established as successful professionals.
 The Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893 by a group of American businessmen. While the U.S. administration at the time refused to annex the former sovereign nation, in 1898 the United States did annex the islands, which became a territory in 1900, and a state of the United States in 1959.

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 ===Beaches===
 [[Image:Lopez Mendez.jpg|thumb|300px|Lopes Mendes beach]]
-'''Lopes Mendes''' beach in Ilha Grande was voted one of the top 10 most beautiful in the world by Vogue Magazine 3 years ago. The water is shallow a long way out, making for good surfing conditions. The usual boat route takes you from the main settlement to another beach on the opposite side of the island. From here, there are 20 minutes of relatively steep footpath to Lopes Mendes to get you nice and ready for a dip. Beware of strong currents a bit out.
+'''Lopes Mendes''' beach in Ilha Grande was voted one of the top 10 most beautiful in the world by Vogue Magazine 3 years ago. The water is shallow a long way out, making for good surfing conditions. The usual boat route takes you from the main settlement to another beach on the opposite side of the island (40' long trip, R$ 15 one way, R$ 20 return). From here, there are 20 minutes of relatively steep footpath to Lopes Mendes to get you nice and ready for a dip. Beware of strong currents a bit out.
 '''Parnaioca''' best beach but only by boat or 3 hour hike from Dois Rios. Two Campings. [https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=de&ll=-23.189166,-44.253745&spn=0.005089,0.021136&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=-23.189166,-44.253745&cbp=11,0,,0,0&photoid=po-35513717]
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 * Some boats have '''Mangaratiba''' routes at 10AM with a connection to Rio de Janeiro, but take care choose the Original Fast Connection, with legal vehicles, or-- you need take a minibus to the main route and then take a bus on the highway to Rio. It's better to go to [[Angra dos Reis]], take the '''Costa Verde''' bus, wait for the ferry at the pier, and go directly to the bus station in [[Rio de Janeiro]].
-* A couple of agencies, for instance 'Fast Connnection ''Island Travel''' with an office right by the piers, offer "express connection" to Rio. You go by speedboat to the mainland and a van transports you to your hotel in Rio. At R$65 this can be a good option and actually not much more expensive than paying for a ferry ticket + bus to Rio + taxi from the Rio bus terminal. However, the claims of getting to Rio in less than 2 hours should NOT be counted on. For instance, in case of bad weather the speed boat will not depart and you will be put on the regular ferry - the trip to Rio may then take ''six'' hours or even more. Don't risk missing your flight home.
+* A couple of agencies, for instance 'Fast Connnection ''Island Travel''' with an office right by the piers, offer "express connection" to Rio. You go by speedboat to the mainland and a van transports you to your hotel in Rio or directly to the airport. At R$75 this can be a good option and actually not much more expensive than paying for a ferry ticket + bus to Rio + taxi from the Rio bus terminal. However, the claims of getting to Rio in less than 2 hours should NOT be counted on. For instance, in case of bad weather the speed boat will not depart and you will be put on the regular ferry - the trip to Rio may then take ''six'' hours or even more. Don't risk missing your flight home.
 {{usable}}

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 === Splurge ===
-*<sleep name="Old Monterey Inn" alt="" address="500 Martin St" directions="" phone="831-375-8284" url="http://www.oldmontereyinn.com" checkin="3 PM" checkout="12 PM" price="$269 - $449" lat="" long="" tollfree="+1 800 350-2344">A historic boutique bed and breakfast featuring luxurious rooms and suites.</sleep>
+*<sleep name="Old Monterey Inn" alt="" address="500 Martin St" directions="" phone="831-375-8284" url="http://www.oldmontereyinn.com" checkin="3 PM" checkout="12 PM" price="$199 - $449" lat="" long="" tollfree="+1 800 350-2344">A historic boutique bed and breakfast featuring luxurious rooms and suites.</sleep>
 * <sleep name="Portola Hotel" address="2 Portola Plaza" tollfree="+1 866 711-1534" url="http://www.portolaplazahotel.com" price="$200"></sleep>

@@ 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 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 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>

@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 [[Image:Grand Tetons Wyoming USA.jpg|thumb|[[Grand Teton National Park|Grand Tetons]], [[Rocky Mountains (United States of America)|Rocky Mountains]], [[Wyoming]] ]]
 ===History===
@@ Line 73: / Line 90: @@
 During the latter half of the 20th century, U.S. retailers pioneered many innovative concepts that later spread around the world, including inventory bar codes to ease the tedium of accurately tallying purchases, "big box" chain stores, factory outlet stores, warehouse club stores, and modern shopping centers.  American consumer culture, as well as Hollywood movies and many forms of popular music, books, and art, all established the United States as the cultural center of the world.  American universities benefited dramatically from the "military-industrial complex" that developed during the Cold War and became the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, rivaled only by a handful of universities in Europe and Asia.
 ===Culture===

@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 *Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.  There are many places to depart from to get to the reef.
 [[Cairns]] is considered the gateway to the reef but boats also leave from [[Airlie Beach]], [[Cooktown]], [[Port Douglas]], Mission Beach, [[Townsville]] & [[Yeppoon]].
 ==Do==