- Public Transportation
Use public transportation when feasible, and inquire about extended passes. In most cities you’ll save time and money when you purchase a daily or weekly pass in advance instead of paying for each fare individually. In London, for instance, a Travelcard is advised if you plan on staying a few days or more.
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- Credit Card
When paying by credit card in a foreign country, double-check the currency in which you are being charged. The slip may read “109.00,” and you may think you’re paying 109 Mexican pesos (about 10 U.S. dollars), but you’re actually signing off on 109 U.S. dollars.
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- Seek out tax free shopping
Seek out tax free shopping. Some countries -- Switzerland and Poland, for example -- offer tax exemptions for tourists in designated shops. You’ll need to secure proper documentation, so do your research beforehand so you know what to ask for and from whom.
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- Learn the local tipping etiquette
Learn the local tipping etiquette. For services on which you tip 15% at home, you may be able to get away with 5% or even nothing at all. In the Netherlands, for example, tipping is not expected in bars or restaurants, but patrons may leave change up to the next euro in a bar, and up to five euro in a restaurant.
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- Buy sightseeing tickets in bulk
Buy sightseeing tickets in bulk. In many cities -- New York, Seattle and Toronto, just to name a few -- you can save on admission when you buy a booklet of passes in advance.
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- Avoid fines by researching local tax and transaction laws
Avoid fines by researching local tax and transaction laws. In Italy, for example, every sale must be accompanied by a receipt, no matter the amount. And when a receipt is not presented, both buyer and seller can be fined. The law, by the way, is intended to curb tax fraud.
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- Equipment Rentals
When renting recreational vehicles and watercraft -- like bicycles, golf carts, Jet Skis, canoes and boats -- ask about late-in-the-day discounts. By renting at 4pm instead of noon you can sometimes save.
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- Dine where the locals do
Dine where the locals do. Veer off the tourist path, away from major attractions and hotels, and eat in a restaurant that caters to locals instead of tourists. You may find a cheaper bill at the end of your meal.
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- When bartering, dress and act the part
When bartering, dress and act the part. Avoid wearing jewelry or expensive clothing; if the seller senses that you can pay more, they’ll charge more. Carry only small bills; it’s tough to bargain when the seller can see that you have enough cash. And if you try to pay with a large bill, you’ll often hear “no change.”
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- Babysitters on Vacation
So you and your spouse would like a quite dinner together and the hotel provides a babysitter, easy right? Double-check the hours of babysitting services. Make sure that they are available during the time you need. If not, see if they can recommend anybody. Ask the same questions as you would at home. If there is an organized program ask questions.
Do they have planned activities?
Are meals provided?
How much does it cost?
Are they trained in CPR or emergency procedures?
What is the ratio between babysitter and children?
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