subject: A Helping Hand Deserves A Hefty Tip [print this page] Every traveler corresponds to one travel expert. You can get loads of travel tips from anybody who travels overseas. Tips were listed down with the cooperation of the travel advisers working for a major airline, these are especially for budget travelers not to mention first time flyers. These have been studied and they could make all the difference on your trip.
Upon arrival, have about $5 or $10 changed into the local currency and use this for tips and taxi fares as you go to your hotel. It will be easy to locate an official exchange counter at the airport. Change a small amount of money into the local currency. If you need U.S. dollars, it may be difficult to convert them. Street people may offer a better rate, but you should still refuse to transact with them. You may fall victim to a counterfeit operation. Take note of the official exchange rate and count your bills after having money converted.
Have an airport coach or taxi take you to the hotel. The coach ride will cost you less, but a cab gets you there faster. It is economical to take a cab if you have two to four companions on the trip. Do not go for an unofficial taxi service. You may end up with a higher expense.
Areas like the Far East have cases of tourist nappers you should be aware of, involving dishonest drivers that fool tourists into believing that their hotel has no vacancies. The driver will encourage you to transfer to another hotel, a third rate one, and he will get a cut for your stay. Much nonsense will come from these cabbies, they will tell you how you hotel was closed down for some reason and so on.
After you arrive at the hotel, confirm your hotel rate first, then see if there are inclusions like service charges, taxes, and breakfast, most European hotels come with these inclusions. The concierge in your hotel is the man to see for just about anything you want or want to know. When you leave, you may consider tipping him for a job well done.
Hotel rates inclusive of a services charge means that you do not need to hand out tips when you check out. But, if some members of the staff went out of their way to provide extra services, it's nice to remember them. If you send a suit out for cleaning and pressing, it is not necessary to tip the bellboy who picks it up and then the one who brings it back. Hotels apply rotation systems so that all staff members have equal chances to earn tips.
Guests may not be given soap and washcloths by the hotels. Bringing items to your room may lead to a tip and this is why maids may forget to supply your bathroom with these items as they should. You can get around this irritating situation by taking your own washcloth and soap with you. As you spend for a meal in one of the leading restaurants, check your bill of a service charge was added, you need not tip if it was. 10 to 15 percent of your bill will be added to reflect the service charge. Also, be sure to make reservations at the restaurant of your choice. Compared to your situation back home, you might pay more when you use American style toilets overseas.
Do not accommodate the people along the street who try to sell you things. Shops like these are below standard and the peddlers get a cut if you make a purchase. When you find yourself in a place where discounting is normally done, do not be shy about bargaining. Do not wait until the time of the check out to ask the hotel for a copy of your room bill. You will have enough time to check if the charges are correct.
