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Airport Transfers
It can cost a lot of money to get from an airport to your
hotel. Some airports have transport help desks. Some are connected
to the public transport system (especially in Europe). Most
have the dubious operators waiting for the unsuspecting traveller.
Do your research or ask us. We can print out the information
supplied to us by the airlines.
This may not be funny….
Do not joke or play word games with Customs
and Immigration officials. Australians tend to be jovial and
joking, BUT overseas authorities often do not understand Australian
humour. Be serious and tactful.
Share your humour with your travelling companions outside
hearing range of the officials. Do not mix business with humour
if entering a foreign country.
Bow-Tie Thieves, Gypsies and other
Scams
Locals say to you "Hey, I bet I can tell you where you
bought your shoes from...". You look down and they or
their nearby partner will hit you or take your shopping bag/wallet.
Gypsies are a problem in many parts of Europe. Be specially
vigilant when a group of dancing Gypsy children or adolescents
approach - they are the distraction. the pickpockets are behind
you.
Hotel foyers and conference areas are the hunting ground for
well-dressed males and females. They go to a stranded attaché
case/laptop/purse and wallet and rescue them! It is difficult
for the hotel and conference security guards to distinguish
them from the genuine guests, because they blend in.
Do not get distracted and be vigilant. Leave your passport
in the hotel safe and carry your money in a money belt or
your front pockets. Always watch your belongings.
Variations of these scams are too numerous to list.
Excess Baggage
Airlines are charging huge penalties if you carry luggage
in excess of your allowance.
If you got away with it last time does not mean that you will
get away with it next time. Send excess luggage as unaccompanied
baggage, freight or mail. Beware of possible import duty.
Make enquiries with Australian Customs before your departing.
Eat Less, Drink Less, Sleep More
Jetlag can be reduced if you have water during the flight,
eat less food and do more exercising whilst in flight. Alcohol
and too much food can worsen jetlag.
Alter your watch time to be what is at your destination. If
arriving at night - try NOT to sleep on the plane. If arriving
in the morning, try and sleep so you are refreshed when you
disembark.
Reconfirm On the Day of Travel
Not only three days prior, but on the actual day of the flight.
This is preferable to waiting for delayed flights or missing
a flight because you did not know that you had to be there
three hours before the flight. Ring the airline direct - most
have toll free phone numbers.
Know your rights
If you are offloaded from a confirmed flight issued on correct
IATA ticket stock by a reputable Agency (us, for example!)
then demand the next flight out, an upgrade or hotel and meals
and cash compensation.
Hold confirmed tickets in your hand and demand appropriate
compensation.
Je ne parle pas français - no habla español
"The French (Spanish, Germans, etc) are arrogant"
Not necessarily, maybe they think that you are arrogant by
addressing them in English without showing any regard for
local customs or language.
Trying to speak the local lingo will help you get a good deal.
Learn a few words, make an effort. You will be richly rewarded
by the locals going out of their way to help you.
Duty Free Shopping
Duty Free in many airports can be more expensive than a downtown
department store.
Compare prices with what you pay at home.
Claim Back GST/VAT Taxes
Save up to 22% in local taxes paid from USA, UK, EUROPE and
AUST/NZ. Buy products from specific stores, keep receipt,
and then claim the tax at last airport of that country. The
agencies charge a small amount, but given the paperwork required
(in a foreign language) it is money well spent.
Keep all receipts, buy the minimum required from accredited
stores, get to the airport early to do the paperwork, before
checking in and await REFUND, or your credit card can be credited.
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