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Tips for Traveling to Australia – Buy Currency

Australia is among one of the most visited countries by tourists all over the world.
Below are 4 Tips for Traveling to Australia, and be sure to buy currency online for Australia from Xchange of America prior to your visit to ensure that you can see all of the destinations and enjoy the country the way that it was meant to be.

1.AUSTRALIA CAN BE QUITE EXPENSIVE.

Visiting Australia can be very expensive, so you need to be ready to spend a substantial sum of money and therefore you should be well prepared in terms of your budget.

Basically, you should be ready to approximately spend more than $100 and above per day in term of food, transportation and even accommodations.

Therefore, if you want to save some money when you are visiting Australia, you need to consider some saving tips such as using less expensive flight such as Jetstar Airways which are less costly than full service airways.

Food in Australia can be quite expensive so its highly advisable for those visiting Australia to cook their own food and this will help you to save same money and you will also be able to appreciate your own heritage and culture.

If you really want to save in your budget you need to carry your own drinks. This is because drinks in Australia bars and restaurants are very expensive.

2.BE AWARE OF AUSTRALIAN WEATHER

Australian weather can be sometime be surprising and unique. This is because in summer the weather in Australia is very hot and so you should be ready. Also in some parts of the country it rains heavily. Therefore, its advisable you that you visit Australia during the favorable season between April and May or between the months of October and November when the temperature is more moderate.

3. BE READY TO BE LESS LEARN TO BE OK WITH BEING OFFLINE

When visiting Australia you should be ready to either be offline or have less of a network connection than you are used to. This is because the network in Australia is still under development and will take some time to reach certain areas, especially rural areas.

You can get WiFi connections in hotels and restaurants, but the connecting speed of the network will often be very low. Sometimes it can be nice to get away from it all for a bit and enjoy some time away from the internet, so this may be a nice opportunity to relax and enjoy yourself.

YOU WILL LOVE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIA

If you want to have a great range of breathtaking experiences Australia is a place to be. It has great beaches, wonderful green rainforests, scenic sunsets and many other wonderful adventures in nature and manmade structures.

Be sure to buy Australian dollars ahead of your visit to ensure that you can visit all of the areas that you want to and to have an exciting time. Buying currency from our website is easy, and Australia is one of the best places in the world for a quick vacation.

4 Tips for Traveling to Brazil

Introduction to Brazil

Brazil has become one of the most widely traveled destinations in the world. With over a tenth of the world’s inhabitants, you can understand why Brazil is a popular country to visit. But keep in mind that the country offers much more. From the wetlands of the Amazon rainforest to the stunning beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is interesting, and a destination that truly offers something to every single visitor, and don’t forget to buy foreign currency before your visit.

Thinking to visit Brazil

If you’re planning a vacation in Brazil, choosing a tour operator in Brazil is a must. If you hire a Destination Management Company (DMC) to accompany you during your vacation, you should select some of your favorite places in Brazil to make the most of your trip. To help you, here are a few tips for your trip to Brazil. Please see below and find out for yourself:

Christ the Redeemer

If you come to Brazil, it is impossible to avoid the world famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Christ is the Redeemer, one of Brazil’s best-known landmarks one hundred and fifty feet high. Once you climb the hill to reach the statue, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the entire city of Rio. But the statute the designers have designed and the one that looks over Rio now show Christ with open arms that embrace all human beings.

Iguazu Falls

While only a quarter of the Iguazu Falls are in Brazil, the rest are in Uruguay and Argentina. But the Brazilian Iguazu Falls are still an attraction worthwhile for your vacation while you check out with a Brazil tour operator. In addition to impressive sights, the falls are surrounded by the National Park, a jungle that protects over four hundred species and more than two thousand plants. Is not that amazing? A tour operator really gives you the right orientation about different places and routes for smooth and memorable tours.

Copacabana

Copacabana is one of the most famous beaches in the world, three miles from the densely populated city of Rio de Janeiro. No matter what your holiday wishes are, Copacabana has different things for different people. For travel enthusiasts who crave craziness and the most wonderful people most. For whatever reason, it attracts hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers every year, and the one thing they all agree with is having a great time while they visit.

Amazon Rainforest
Tragic is the only word to express a tour to Brazil without entering the Amazon rainforest. Thousands of rare plant and animal species around the world and several indigenous tribes plunging into the glorious wilderness do not seem to be anything that you will probably experience again! Moreover, Manaus – the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas – is the perfect gateway for all visitors who want to get into the depths of the rainforest. In addition, there are several tour operators in Brazil who offer excellent travel itineraries catering to the travel needs and preferences of each client.

Conclusion

If you are in Brazil, enjoy the best value for money and use the tour package of a tour operator in Brazil that covers everything you need during your trip. So book your holiday with a Brazilian tour operator as soon as possible so you do not miss out on anything

 

4 Tips for Traveling to Canada

Canada can be a great vacation destination, with its delightful vistas, wild creatures, perfect winding streets, and cosmopolitan urban areas. Regardless of whether you go to Canada all the time or are just going one time, these are four travel tips to Canada.

Tip #1: Bring a Good Travel Guide to Canada

When you go to any new place, it’s essential to create a decent travel guide. Canada is no exemption. You can print out a guide on the web, or you can buy a notable travel guide for Canada, for example, Lonely Planet.

A decent travel guide will give you an understanding into where to stay, shop, eat, and drive. In addition, it will give you bunches of tips about activities, awesome nightlife, and attractions that are a good time for the entire family. Put resources into a decent travel guide for Canada, and your trip can go much more smoothly.

Tip #2: Think About the Climate

Before you pack for your trip to Canada, think about the climate. In case you’re heading off to the Maritime Provinces, remember that they have a tendency to be milder than the areas in the west.

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, you can expect a climate that is cold in winter and is calm in the mid-year. On the off chance that you are heading out to Canada and staying in the mountain zones, you can see a great deal of variety in temperature.

Layering apparel is useful in these areas. Alternately, the regions of Vancouver and Victoria are significantly milder and don’t regularly see extremely colder temperatures.

Tip # 3: Plan for the Border Crossing

Going to Canada has become significantly more complex as of late, as new confinements on passage have been put into place. The documentation necessities for travel to Canada are constantly changing, so it’s critical to take care of any prerequisites before you clear out.

For the most up to date information on the travel to Canada from the US, go to the US Department of State Website.

Tip #4: Buy Currency

Be sure to buy local currency before you travel to Canada. Canada utilizes the Canadian dollar, but numerous outskirt areas will accept American dollars also. We offer a convenient currency exchange option where you can get a sufficient quantity of currency and have it delivered right to your home no matter how long you plan on staying in Canada.

Tip #4: Don’t Forget About the Sales Tax

Like the US, the Canadian government has a Good and Services (GST) tax for merchandise and enterprises. Remember these taxes when arranging your budget when you go to Canada.

Rates for the territories are as per the following:

  • 5% in Alberta, NWT, Nunavut, and Yukon
  • 11% in Saskatchewon
  • 12% in BC
  • 13% in Manitoba and Ontario
  • 15% in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, PEI

To learn more about traveling to Canada or to ask us any questions at all about buying currency online, contact us today or place your order online. We’re here to help no matter how long you plan on staying in Canada.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.