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3 Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica

Take a trip to Costa Rica and enjoy the many wonders of this tropical paradise. Discover the three best things to do on your Costa Rican vacation with this Costa Rican travel expert article. Latin America offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes, but there are few that compare to the beauty of Costa Rica. Take a Costa Rica vacation and discover the beauty, adventure, and relaxation that this paradise offers. Take a look at the three most important things you need to do during your stay in this wonderful country. Don’t forget to buy currency before your trip.

Explore nature

A paradise for nature lovers, explore the many wonders of the jungles and volcanoes on your Costa Rica vacation. Take a trip to Tortuguero National Park, a nesting place for turtles and home to a diverse wildlife. The park can only be reached by boat as it lies in a labyrinth of canals, mangrove swamps and lagoons. As one of the country’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, you will see several species of animals, including the endangered manatee in the park.

For another great natural destination, you make your way through the cloud forest of Monteverde. The Monteverde cloud forest is the meeting place of the north and the south on the continental divide. It lies where the two ecosystems collide, creating unique climatic and geographical conditions. Experience the forest at dusk, because most animals in the forest are nocturnal.

Another experience that makes your holiday unique is the drive to the Arenal Volcano. Wander through the rainforests and volcanic landscapes and even have a chance to see the small eruptions of the volcano from the designated lookout points.

Experience adventures

One way to make sure your holiday in Costa Rica is unique is to add a few adventures. The country’s landscapes are full of opportunities for those looking for a thrill during their trip, including zip-lining, white-water rafting and canyoning tours. Take a tour high above the treetops on a zip-lining excursion. Zip-lining allows travelers the opportunity to see the flora and fauna from above while enjoying an adrenaline rush.

Another way to fulfill your wishes is a whitewater rafting tour on the Pacuare River. The tours on the Pacuare take you past waterfalls, steep gorges, and lush rainforest. The river has class II-IV rapids and is ideal for beginners or experts. White water rafting is a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the area while having fun.

If you want a close and personal experience with the natural wonders of the area, take a canyoning tour. Canyoning allows you to fend off the waterfalls and cliffs of Costa Rica. Most tours will have adventurers who line up at different waterfalls, where they will then repel the falls, a truly unique experience.

Lean back and relax

However, most travel to Costa Rica to relax on the beautiful beaches of the country. Travelers who want the ultimate beach vacation should go to Papagayo. With 12 pristine white sand beaches, this resort is the perfect place to relax. From your beach chair, you can see the crystal blue waters and lush greenery that reaches as far as the eye can see. The many resorts of Papagayo offer a variety of other beach and off-shore activities such as snorkeling, surfing lessons and catamaran tours

Denmark Travel Tips

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Denmark is a Nordic country south-west of Sweden and south of Norway. Tourism is a growing industry with tourists mainly coming from neighboring countries but also other destinations. Although not the first thing that pops up in the minds of travelers planning to go to Europe, it is still an excellent destination which is often overlooked. Here are 4 tips for traveling to Denmark.

Traveling to Denmark can be expensive without budgeting. Accommodations and food are the two biggest expenses. Try going local on both to save costs, and make sure to buy the local currency, Danish krones, before you head out so that you can save money on local foods. Couchsurfing is very popular in Denmark so visitors can find hosts as long as requests are sent in advance and this is planned.

Otherwise if that makes you uncomfortable, there are hostels which are lower in cost, as well as reasonably priced hotels in areas outside of the major cities. This can be a nice change of scenery as well from some of the busier areas like Copenhagen, but you will certainly want to visit the cities as well.

To save cost on food, cook your own meals from buying ingredients at the grocery store if possible. If you do want to eat out, try the street stalls. In addition, try to use city bikes which are mostly free to take advantage of Denmark’s safe and extensive cycling routes.

Seasons are also an important factor to consider. The best time to visit Denmark would be from May to June, during Spring. This season has long daylight, good weather, and small crowds. Travel during other seasons are still possible but visitors have to endure colder weather and some closed attractions during Fall and Winter. Summer is still a good season to visit but expect bigger crowds.

Denmark is not short of interesting attractions. It is important to know about their best attractions, especially if you are short on time. Visit the famous Nyhavn, a historical waterfront lined with colorful townhouses in Copenhagen. It is a great place for a scenic walk or to stop in one of the bars or restaurants.

The Tivoli Gardens is conveniently located opposite Copenhagen Central Station and is a world-class 19th-century amusement park. The Kronborg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the coast of Helsingor. Explore the impressive architecture of the castle which was one of the inspirations behind Shakespeare’s famous play, Hamlet.

Denmark is a family-friendly destination. Safety-wise, Denmark is considered very low risk. Locals are fluent in English, having been taught in school. However, do expect the possibility of miscommunication with the locals if you do not speak Danish. Also, note that locals are sometimes not open to engaging with strangers so it is important to approach strangers politely depending on the circumstance.

These tips should help you make the most out of your travels to one of the happiest countries in the world. Denmark makes for a wonderful destination if one plans their trip wisely and buy currency ahead of time.

Tips for Traveling to China

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China is a great country with many attractions. However, it is also strange for many travelers. Here we will share some tips to help you travel to China more easily. Traveling to China is a wonderful experience. You can learn new things and meet wonderful people. China is a land of natural wonders and collections of ancient history.

It is culturally one of the richest nations in the world. When you visit China, you have to prepare for its amazing features. In order to experience the best of China, you should learn to be practical, because it is a place that is best enjoyed with simplicity and sensitivity. Below are 4 tips for travelling to China.

When traveling to China, it is always important that you bring only necessary things. This means that you have to be practical enough to reduce your luggage and travel easily. Extra luggage means additional payment for your cargo. One of the most important things you need to bring with you when traveling to China is your passport, identity card and travel guide. You should also remember to pack appropriate clothing by checking China’s climate. If you do not, you might end up buying clothes when you get there and spending money unnecessarily.

Being practical means being realistic. When you are in China, you do not have to worry about being noble or luxurious to get respect from the citizens. The Chinese are among the most respectful people in the world.

Therefore, they love the visitors and welcome them with joy and great veneration on their land. If you want to save time and money and connect with them, you just have to earn their respect. Once you’ve made friends with the locals, they’ll be happy to help you find the best sites and the cost-effective routes.

When traveling to China, it is always recommended that you know and understand their culture. When traveling with a partner, be sure to stay humble while you are there because the Chinese are not used to couples holding or kissing in public.

In China, you should make sure that you do not yell, shame, or humiliate another person because you might get into a fight. The Chinese love humor. However, you should avoid dirty jokes or sexual jokes. If you’re on the outskirts of China, do not be intimidated by people staring at you. This is probably due to the fact that they do not see Westerners very often.

Another important tip to keep in mind when traveling to China is to make sure you know where to exchange your money with foreign currency. Its official currency is renminbi or RMB. Many of China’s best locations are outside the city and most of them have no ATMs or money changers.

Therefore you should exchange your money online at Xchange of America before visiting. Eating in China is another experience in this amazing country. You can get the most out of your travel budget China by dining in reasonably priced restaurants that serve traditional Chinese dishes.

Travel Tips to Guatemala

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One of the most loved regions to visit in Central America is the southern shore of Guatemala. In recent years, you will need to be cautious due to a rise in violent crime in some areas, such as robbery or assault.

However, with the right preparation and with the purchase of the local currency from Xchange of America, you can enjoy the best that Guatemala has to offer and the wide range of unique attractions offered by the country.

Here are a few spots you can visit and things you can do:

Retalhuleu

It is otherwise called Reu for local people. This region ended up well known because it is
home to some of Guatemala’s most noteworthy event congregations. There also additionally adjacent Mayan ruins worth going to.

Takalik Abaj
Xocomil Water Park
Xetulul Amusement Park

Puerto San Jose

Although, Monterrico is the most famous place among local people San Jose is another top option.
One reason is because it is nearer to Guatemala City. We recommend going to this place for those voyagers who want to do some angling.

Sail angling
Ostrich Farm
Aqua Magic

The Popular Beach Town – Monterrico

This is a top beach destination in Guatemala and the most well-known shoreline among local people. It
includes a small town that has few facilities. Nonetheless, it has been rapidly developing over the most recent few years.

This is a famous destination of both locals and visitors. It is a dark sanded shoreline where you will have the ability to see ocean turtles settling or incubating (contingent upon the season). It doesn’t have many hotels however some are great. It is a delightful area where you can easily spend several hours enjoying the weather during the warm season, beachgoing and a wide variety of local attractions.

Below are some of the top attractions in Monterrico. Those who love nature and the outdoors will find plenty to do here to occupy their time and ensure a pleasant beach getaway.

Hawaii Park
Reserva Natural de (Monterrico Nature Reserve
Tortuguero Monterrico
Turtle tours

What to Do

Birdwatching
Boat tours along the mangrove trenches
Turtle tours around evening time
Volunteering at Tortuguerio Monterrico

Lanquin Town

Lanquin is a residential community situated in the Alta Verapaz Department, Central Highlands of Guatemala. It is the closest town to the super famous Lanquin Caves.

The most widely traveled approach to arrive is from the close-by and substantially larger town of Coban. You can arrive by driving through an street along Cardamom estates.

This small town is minutes from one of Guatemala’s most popular attractions after Antigua and
Tikal, the Lanquin Cave System. Lanquin is a progression of limestone formations under the ground so enormous that no wayfarer has ever reached where they end.

A few tours and attractions that are offered in the zone are:

Horseback riding
Rafting the Río Cahabón
Hiking the Lanquin Caves

Spots you have to visit:

Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera
Semuc Champey Natural Monument
Candelaria Caves National Park

Don’t forget to buy currency ahead of your trip at Xchange of America!

Travel Tips for Columbia

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Columbia is one of the most traveled destinations in South America. An interesting fact about Columbia is the origin of the name of this country – after the famous explorer Christopher Columbus.

From this country, many world celebrities have emerged, among the most popular include Shakira, Juanes James Rodriguez and Sofia Vergara. Bogota is the capital and one of the biggest cities in the world with a population of more than three million.

Many famous writers were born in Colombia, including the world-renowned Gabriel Garcia Marquez who won the Nobel Prize in 1982.

Simon Bolivar, the man who Bolivia was named after, was at one time the president of Columbia. Colombia gained its independence in 1819, following the revolution brought by the same man.

If you travel there, below are some tips you should follow to ensure a safe time:

Be careful venturing out at night

Several areas of Bogota are unsafe after dark, even they close to hotels. It is risky to travel without knowing where you are going. Also there is a lot street theft which can happen near the central Cathedral in Bogota.

Also, you should use taxi apps. There are several options and one of the popular ones is Tappsi, if you don’t have required phone data, a receptionist from a hotel can help you.

Learn the Spanish language

An elementary knowledge of Spanish will help you in case of danger or simply for getting around the country. When local criminals feel that you are foreigner you may be in more danger.

A second advantage of speaking Spanish is the connection that you will have with the local community. There is nothing better than when you can talk with local people.

Pay attention on your drinks

Never accept drinks from strangers, especially in big cities. In any situation somebody can put a drug in your drink.

Pay attention to fake policemen

There are sometimes illegitimate fake policemen who sometimes request to check your passport and insist to give them money. Many tourists had a problem with criminals who wear a policeman’s
clothing. If you make a contact with fake policemen, try to find the real uniformed policemen.

From June to November, the Cano Crystals River in Columbia changes five colors: red, black, yellow, green and blue, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world and well worth visiting during your trip. The red color comes from a red plant called Macarenia clavigera which grows in the riverbed.

Believes or not Columbia is one of the safest and most attractive touristic attractions in South America. Nowadays it is safer than earlier years after recent agreements with the guerilla group FARC. There are many things which you need to pay attention to making your holiday in Columbia safer.

Stay away from most destinations in the evening unless you are familiar with the area and have a group with you. Also be sure to buy currency ahead of time so that you can enjoy the top destinations in the country.

4 Tips for Traveling to Bahrain

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Tucked neatly in the eastern shores of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain is a small group of islands. Unlike its oil-rich neighbors, Bahrain had a difficult past. Bahrain does have a few other industries, but the shallow waters surrounding the archipelago produced excellent pearls, which used to be the major economic activity.

However, the country has made significant improvements in the past decade making it an ideal place to visit. It is one of the most liberal (Western Friendly) countries in the Arab peninsula with multi-cultural residents, businessmen, and travelers now crowding the streets.

There are plenty of places to see in and around Manama, the capital of Bahrain. From camel farms to Souks (Traditional Arab Marketplace) to modern and ancient architecture, Bahrain has a lot to offer. The food culture is also versatile and not boring at all for travelers of all backgrounds, and you will want to buy foreign currency before you visit – the local currency is the Bahraini dinar.

Here are 4 tips that might come in handy when you travel around Bahrain.

1. Pick a time: Winter would be the best season to travel. Like any other Arab countries, Bahrain has dry desert weather, so we would not recommend traveling during summer. On the average, the winter day temperature is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit and at night, it drops down to 30 degrees.

2. Rent a Car: It is ideal for you to rent a car with an English speaking driver. They have public transportations such as buses but if you are not a local, you would be very confused about the routes. A lot of those buses are not air-conditioned, crowded, and can be very hot inside. Bahrain is not an ideal place for taxis either. They are few in number and can be quite expensive to foreigners. Even a short 10-minute ride can cost up to $25 dollars. Since you are a tourist and plan to visit different sites, a rented car is the ideal mode of transportation. If you can’t rent one, have cash with you for transportation.

3. Stay Healthy: Do not travel to Bahrain if you are not healthy at the time. A sudden change in weather can cause problems and you do not want that. In the dry desert weather, it is advisable to drink a lot of water. You should also eat some fruits during your meals. The local fruits are the best because they are perfect for that kind of weather.

4. Show Respect to the Culture: Bahrain is somewhat liberal when it comes to cultures. Yet, you should be respectful of the local conservative Muslim traditions. Males should wear long trousers or shorts below knee level. Women should not wear items that are revealing. The hotels have their own swimming pools and beaches and swimsuits are allowed there but not on a public beach. Also, it is not advisable to show affection to opposite sex in public.

Traveling to Bahrain will be quite a unique adventure, so pack your bags and get out there.

Ways to Use Local Currency When Traveling Abroad

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Before you head out on any trip, you’ll want to buy currency online for the country that you are traveling to for a wide range of different expenses. From street foods, to tips, to transportation to entertainment, there are a variety of different uses for currency that you might need. Be sure to buy a sufficient amount of currency before you travel and it will allow you to enjoy the top attractions of whichever destination you end up visiting. Here are some of the many ways that you might use the local currency that you purchase.

Street Foods

Many street vendors in underdeveloped or even developed countries will only accept cash as a form of payment. This may be the result of a lack of payment processing technology or simple preference – cash payments don’t have the credit card processing fees and are often more convenient for these merchants. If you don’t have local cash with you, it can end up being a problem when you want to purchase street foods or other items from vendors who only accept cash as a form of payment. Always have anywhere from the equivalent of $50 to $100 USD in local currency in cash.

For Tipping

From doormen to restaurant workers, and other service providers, tipping is often highly appreciated in many destinations, as service workers may partially depend on tips or it can simply supplement their income. You don’t necessarily have to tip for poor service but when you find someone who is particularly helpful or courteous, it’s always a good idea to have cash with you to reward them for being hospitable. In some destinations tipping is considered rude, so you will want to determine this before you visit, but in most cases it is welcome depending on where you visit.

For Transportation

Ridesharing apps may not be available when you travel, and thus you might have to take a local bus, trolley or taxi, many of which operate on local currency. Those that accept coins or cash for example are not likely to accept your native currency, and if you try to pay with it, you might run into complications or simply be denied. You can avoid this by simply having cash with you – this way you’ll be able to get around in the country that you visit and can get change whenever needed.

For Souvenirs or Items

Just like street food vendors, you will also probably find several vendors selling handmade crafts, art, jewelry and other souvenirs. This is another circumstance where having cash can be very handy – just like food vendors they may prefer payment in their local currency. You can often get discounts as well by paying in cash and haggle on the price a little – many will sell you items for a lower price if you only have a certain amount of cash with you. Don’t be afraid to bargain a little, but be sure that you have local currency before you travel, which is easy to find when you use Xchange of America.

Why Online Currency Exchange is Better

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Using an online currency exchange service that is licensed and registered such as Xchange of America is often a far better alternative than other options. You can save both time and money and ensure that you have the currency that you need well ahead of your trip. Online currency exchange takes far less time than other methods and has become the future of currency exchange. As Xchange of America continues to grow each year, we have found that many of our customers prefer the many benefits of using our website as opposed to having to visit one of our storefront locations. You can get many of the same benefits without having to travel or look for a local currency exchange service.

Save tons of time

There is no question that you will save tons of time compared to other currency exchange options – the amount of time that you can save will quickly add up if you have to make multiple currency purchases or if you don’t have much time prior to your trip. This can make all of the difference when you don’t have very much time to spend on currency exchange and just want to get it taken care of so that you can focus on your other obligations. Within just a few minutes you can have your currency shipped to your home well ahead of your travel date, allowing you to take care of your other obligations and ensuring that your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

Get your questions answered

With an online currency exchange service like Xchange of America, you can get your questions answered so that you can properly prepare for travel. Many of our customers are purchasing currency for the purpose of traveling but aren’t sure about the country they are traveling to. They may have questions about safety, attractions, the amount of currency to bring and other topics which we frequently cover on this blog. Our staff can answer many of these questions or point our customers to the right resources, while also helping them prepare for their trip and ensuring that they know exactly how much currency that they will need for their trip.

Secure multiple payment options

At Xchange of America you can also choose from multiple secure payment options – whichever options are suitable for you. Many other currency exchange services limit the payment options that you can use, while we aim to try to provide a flexible process for a wide range of different customers. You can also trust that your information will be protected by the highest level of security possible – this level of security is also hard to find from other providers. With several payment options and industry leading security, you can make a purchase from the comfort of your home and have all of your needs met. There’s no better way to purchase currency, and the time that it can save you can be substantial when you add it all up. Make a purchase for currency at Xchange of America today or call us with any questions.

How to Plan for a Trip Abroad

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Is it your first time going abroad or are you a more experienced world traveler? Whatever the case may be, these tips can help you prepare for your next adventure in a new land. Remember, before you travel, you will want to buy foreign currency from Xchange of America for several countries, as you may not be able to easily find a currency exchange service once you have arrived at your destination.

You will also want to get your documents in order well head of your trip including your passport and visas. Passports can take up to 6 weeks to obtain if you don’t have one already. Below are some additional tips to consider.

Bring Cash With You in the Local Currency

You’ll almost always want to have some cash with you in the local currency of the countries you are traveling to. This will allow you to do business with the maximum number of vendors in each country. You can’t assume that every vendor will accept other currencies such as the dollar or euro, this is not always the case and it can make it difficult to find businesses that will accept your native currency. It’s always preferable to bring local cash with you, and on Xchange of America you can choose from dozens of different currencies from some of the most commonly traveled countries in the world quite easily. You can make a currency purchase anytime and ensure that you have the cash you need with you.

Create an itinerary

You will also want to create at least a rough itinerary – you don’t have to follow it perfectly but having something in place will help you spend your time as wisely as possible. Look at the different attractions in the area you are visiting and decide which ones are “must sees” and others that aren’t as big of a deal if you happen to miss them. Then dedicate enough time in your schedule to seeing the top attractions. It will help you plan your trip out and determine how many days and nights that you need to stay in the country. If you are visiting multiple countries it becomes even more important to do this, due to the travel time from one country to another.

Book your accommodations and airfare well ahead of time

Of course, as the biggest expense for your trip, you will want to book your accommodations and airfare well ahead of time. This will allow you to have enough money for other expenses and properly budget your trip out. By taking care of your larger expenses ahead of time you’ll be able to properly plan for your trip. Don’t forget to buy the currency of the country that you are traveling to so that you can purchase any local items. You can have an enjoyable trip and see the best sights of each country that you travel to with just a little bit of planning, and you’ll be amazed at how far it really can go.

Why Buy Currency Online?

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Buying currency online can allow you to save a substantial amount of money on your purchase and ensure that your travel preparations go as smoothly as possible. It has become one of the most preferred options for obtaining currency with limited costs, and you can prepare for the other aspects of your trip when you buy it online as opposed to other options. With convenient shipping right to your home, there’s no need to visit a brick and mortar currency exchange location, even though we also offer several of them as well. It takes just minutes and allows you to prepare for the other aspects of your upcoming trip without dealing with wait times, lines and service fees.

No need to find a currency exchange locally

Some areas don’t have a currency exchange that can be easily found, other areas may have one but it may charge large sums of money for currency exchange. The cost can quickly add up if you are planning on traveling to an area for an extended period of time. You can save significantly more money in most cases by purchasing currency online as opposed to elsewhere, as the fees can sometimes be as high as 20 to 50% or more of your total purchase cost. You should never have to pay that much for currency when you can find it at a reasonable cost from Xchange of America along with top tier customer service and plenty of other benefits.

Ask questions

Get your questions answered about currency exchange – you’ll be able to properly plan for any upcoming trips, learn about new countries, and fully prepare for any travel requirements by working with Xchange of America. Other providers often won’t provide you with any information at all or simply won’t have the staff available to answer questions. It’s also difficult to do this when your time is limited and you’re scrambling to find a currency exchange option at the last second. With the online currency purchasing option at Xchange of America you can simply take your time and find the currency that you need, ask any questions that you may have, and ensure a smooth overall transaction compared to the other options that are available.

Get your currency ahead of time

When you buy your currency ahead of time compared to the last second, you’ll be able to avoid last minute detours for a currency exchange. You won’t have to worry about finding one after you have traveled, which can be difficult and cause you to go off your tour itinerary. When you have your currency well ahead of time, it will save you a substantial amount of time and help you relax and prepare for your travel. There’s no better way to get currency exchange than the secure and convenient purchase options offered by Xchange of America. Get the currency that you need and enjoy plenty of benefits including low exchange rates, fast shipping, and customized support experiences. Find our website available 24/7 for convenient access whenever you need it the most.