a4trip Blog

Tips to avoid currency exchange scams

1. Do your home work
The currency exchange rates are set daily. If you were offered with any lower rates, you’re most probably exposing yourself to scams. Check the latest currency exchange between the your country against the country you are travelling to.

A great resource to find currency exchange rate in Asia.
Click below to convert.

2. Avoid money changer at the Airport
Taking advantage of ad hoc currency needs, licensed money changer in the airport usually applies higher exchange rate. It may due to the high booth rental in airport.

3. Avoid money changer at the Borders
You would always been told that the exchange rate was better at the border comparing to the city. Do your research to avoid falling into this scams.

4. Avoid currency exchange from unauthorized money changers
If possible, try to exchange currency at a proper bank.

5. Follow the regulation in your travelling country
In some Asia countries, China for example, a passport is required to exchange money. Hold on to your exchange receipt, which you need to convert your extra local currency back.

admin :: 29 Nov 2007 :: Asia Travel :: 1 Comment »

As you all know, South-east Asia is a menagerie of exotic locations, people, food and animals. What most people fail to realise, is that it is also home to a wide range of exotic diseases which are abundant due to the tropical climate (this is also true for all tropical states and countries).

Now, before everyone jumps and screams and avoids asia like the plague, let me explain. I’m merely trying to caution visitors to South-east Asia, not scare them away. So take pre-cautions by having immunitions for diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever, etc.

In general, most South-east Asian countries are clean and do not hold life-threatening disease as reported in some publications. Or at least, living here, I have not personally encountered or heard of many cases of such diseases. However, if you’re venturing into the deepest jungles or outskirts of any country or state, be prepared as medical care is not as advance in the rural areas than in developed countries.

Other than that, safety concerns include landmines (just kidding), pickpockets, and unscrupulous traders trying to make a quick buck. Some regions may be a bit hostile due to political uprisings and such, but I’m sure a few clicks on news sites will reveal which regions are safe for travel.

For the most part, travellers should be concerned about the pickpockets and traders who are out to scam you. Some countries have seen a recent rise in snatch theft cases, but the victims are almost all locals. Here in South-east Asia, the locals hold a high degree of respect for their foreign guests, even to the point where the local thugs will leave foreigners alone.

Last but not least (for now), visitors are advised to apply copious amounts of sunblock as the tropical weather here tends to lend some damage to our delicate skin. The sun, however nice it may be is a source of sunburn and other causes of discomfort. If sunblock is not for you, then long sleeves or scarves to protect you from the sun works as well. But then again, what’s the point of visiting South-east Asia if you’re not going to be enjoying the sun?

Well, that’s all I have to offer for now. Stay tuned for more.

pin :: 29 Nov 2007 :: Travel Insights :: 1 Comment »

Here are list of lightweighted stuffs to pack before going to Asia
===============================================
Valuables
- Passport, visa photos
- Personal checks, traveler’s checks, credit cards, money belt
- Cash & local currency, flight tickets

Personal Cares
- Shampoo, comb
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, toothpicks, floss
- Shaving cream, razor, extra blades or electric shaver
- Deodorant, hand soap, washcloth,towel
- Toilet paper, sanitary pads, condoms

Medical Kits
- Vitamins, aspirin, cold pills, contraceptive pills
- Eyedrops, nail clipper, bandages, sunscreen, lip balm
- Mosquito repellent, insect sting reliever, particle mask

Travelling Needs
- Small padlock, umbrella, raincoat, sun glasses
- nylon cord, sealing tape, ziplock bags
- mini scissors, flashlight, batteries, bulbs, lighter

Hiking Gears
- Hiking boots, heavy wool socks
- Mosquito net, inflatable pillow,sleeping sheet
- Immersion heater, camping pot,vegetable scrubber
- Compass, thermometer, altimeter

Clothes
- Nylon pants, jeans and other pants
- Underwears
- Socks
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Smart Casual suits/dresses
- Swimsuit
- Walking shoe
- Smart Casual Shoe
- Sandals

Photography
- Camcorder & accessories, Camera and kits
- flash, batteries, lenses, tripod, film, memory cards
- Mini binoculars

Electronics
- IPod or MP3 Player, telephone extension cord, batteries
- AC adaptors, extension cord

Stationaries
- Envelopes, pens, pencils, paper, mini world atlas
- Address book, visa photos, business cards
- Local guidebooks and map
- Songbooks

Gifts to locals
- Photos of self and family
- Postcards, old stamps, light souvenirs

Any comments or suggestions?

admin :: 28 Nov 2007 :: Asia Travel :: No Comments »

a4trip travel guides provide the necessary information to help you plan your travels. This saves you the unnecessary hassle and time to look for a guide when you arrive.

The guides are designed based on customer feedback and suggestions. a4trip travel guides provide information on locales and destinations as well as alternate routes that take you away from the beaten path into the essence of the land itself, to places that are usually only known to locals, enriching your experience at the same time.

How to get the 50% off?
After your Cambodia e-Visa application approved, you will receive an email from Ministry of Foreign Affairs where you will find the discount page link.

To learn more about a4trip, please visit www.a4trip.com

admin :: 27 Nov 2007 :: a4trip Guides :: No Comments »

16 Nov 2007, an appalling news was announced to the world!

“…Alexander Trofimov, 41, the chairman of Koh Puos Investment Group Ltd., was detained in the southern resort town of Sihanoukville and accused of raping at least six girls. He was charged Oct. 17 with debauchery — a Cambodian legal term for sexual abuse of children.

If convicted of debauchery, Trofimov could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for each offense…”

Rescue Our Children
===============
As pure as their heart,
as pure as their dream.
A pure heart for caring universe,
a pure dream for better future.

Abuse breaks heart,
abuse wrecks soul.
What would our future be,
with all the broken hearts,
and wrecked souls?

As evil as child abuse,
as evil as the pedophilla.
A demoniac abuse swells hatred,
a demoniac abuse ruins future.

Rescue mends heart,
rescue comforts soul.
Cease abusing now!
Castigate pedophilia now!

Together we
rescue our children.
As pure as their heart,
as pure as their dream.

ChinSeng
21 Nov 2007,
Malaysia.
www.a4trip.com

admin :: 21 Nov 2007 :: Cambodia News :: 2 Comments »

With more than 40 temples, some of which are in ruins, Angkor Archaeological Park is shrouded with myth, mystery and legend.

Angkor Wat, as the main attraction, is regarded as the most magnificent and comprehensively restored temple. The notable artistry of its massive moats and bas-relief carvings are best viewed at the sunrise or sunset. Photography of Angkor Wat is best taken at dawn as the towers are reflected in the lake beyond the moat wall.

Download your map here

Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei with enormous silk-cotton trees and strangler figs growing from the ruins are best visited at the heat of the day. The roots of silk-cotton tree entwined with the towers and corridors offer a jungle photogenic atmosphere.

Find this information useful? Get your full copy of Siem Reap travel guide now.

admin :: 16 Nov 2007 :: Cambodia Travel :: 2 Comments »

We hope to hear from you if you have any feedback and comments on our travel guide.

• What do you think about the a4trip Siem Reap travel guide?
• Does the guide helps you to prepare for your Siem Reap trip?
• Which section do you think is most useful?
• Would you recommend a4trip travel guide to your family and friends?
• Do you have any suggestion to help us improve?

admin :: 11 Nov 2007 :: a4trip Guides :: 29 Comments »

Korea
In Korea, office workers’ biggest vacation would be the annual summer vacation on July or August whilst their students have two vacations, one is from July to August, and the other is from January to February.

Japan
For Japanese, they have the Golden Week in Japan which occurs mainly from April 29th to May 5th. Also, many Japanese goes on a trip during the month of August and the New Year’s Holiday (usually from December 28th to January 5th). Their students however have a month of vacation during March of every year.

Poland
Poland’s traveling season is from the month of June to September. Even though these few months are the time for Polish to travel, Europeans especially Polish are very particular on when to travel to Cambodia and other South East Asian Countries. One of the factor that comes into consideration is the climate and weather (wet/dry season). Therefore, the best travel season for Europeans would be the dry season that is, from November to February.

Spain
Spanish people have their holidays during the month of August as well as July and September. Other than that, some travel over the Christmas Period that is, from December 22nd to January 7th.

Ireland
For the Irish people, traveling season is an all year round affair and most of the time, family holidays take place during the month of July and August. Traditionally for the month of June, July and August; which coincides with the school holidays and as such there’s a growing trend over the past 5 or 6 years that Christmas should be spent abroad.

Sweden
Swedish traveling period usually occurs from around November to March as most of the charter companies only travel to Southeast Asia during these few months. Also, there are no direct flights to Cambodia as of now and most of the major airlines operate flights to Cambodia through transit lines at places like Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Although, there are unconfirmed information that one or two charter companies are going to operate their own flights this coming winter.

Australia
There are quite a number of traveling season for the Aussies. For example, school holidays begins during the southern hemisphere’s summer season and that’s between December and January. This is the time where most families tend to travel especially during the Christmas period. Other than that, there are small little holidays of around two to three weeks during mid or late April (Easter Holidays), June as well as September.

Spain
Holidays in Spain usually occurs between July and September and most of them travel during the month of August. Some Spanish travels during winter because the plane tickets are cheaper but most of them travel during summer.

United States of America
A lot of Americans travel during the ‘Summer Months’ and thats between June, July and August. Other than this, Americans tend to travel during the month of December as many offices are closed for religious observances.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s travel season are usually during the school holidays which starts from July 13th and ends in the month of August.

New Zealand
New Zealanders loves taking traveling break at the end of the year and that’s December. Some though, wouldn’t mind taking their break during winter in June and July although, that’s a shorter holiday as compared to December.

Slovenia
Slovenia has a big National Holiday from 25th December to 3rd January and 27th April to 3rd May. Most of the people travel during these National Holidays. Also, during the summer vacation that is, from June to September; Slovenians usually visit some Mediterranean countries in Europe. During the winter vacation that is, from November to February; Slovenians will try to escape the very cold winter season and opt for a warmer climate in places like Cambodia as well as other Southeast Asian countries.

France
Families usually travel from July to August because of the school holidays. Other than that, schools are closed during Christmas for two weeks. In February, it is very cold (almost -10°C) and most French would love to escape this cold period and thus travel to tropical places like Cambodia or other Southeast Asian countries.

Austria
Austria generally has 2 big holidays occurring during the summer holidays (first week of July till second week of September) and winter holidays (around 20th December till 7th January). There are holidays for students in universities across the country during February as well. Also, Easter holidays occurs for roughly one to two weeks between late March and late April.

India
India has a few unique and special holiday seasons. One of them is the Puja holidays for the residents of Calcutta (closest Indian city to travel to Cambodia) which occurs in September. Another one would be Diwali for all Indians and it happens from late October to early November. Indians also have holidays during Christmas, which happens from 15th December to 9th January, as well as summer, which happens from 20th March to 1st June. Many families travel during the month of April, May and June due to the long summer vacation where school’s are closed. Short overseas are also undertaken especially by newly weds and this of course occurs throughout the whole year except for July, November and December.

South Africa
For South Africa, Autumn vacation begins from the last week of March and lasts for up to three weeks. Winter break though begins from mid-June and lasts for one month. For Spring break, it occurs from mid-September till the 1st week of October and last but not least the main travel season is during the Summer break which begins from mid-December till the beginning of January and this covers the Christmas and New Year period.

admin :: 07 Nov 2007 :: Travel Insights :: No Comments »

For travelers who intend to spend a day visit and to cover most of the major temples, you might want to consider using our suggested itineraries of Angkor Archaeological Park. The itineraries are classified into two types – cycling and tuk-tuk tours, as illustrated in the map, which are cheaper options comparing to car taxi or bus tour.

Download your route here

For 1-day cycling tour, you have to rent a bicycle the night before the tour. The price of bicycle rental is around USD 2 to 3 per day. Start your cycling from Siem Reap at 4 am in order to reach the Angkor Archaeological Park before its visiting hour at 5 am. Purchase your USD 20 ticket pass at the main entrance on the road to Angkor Wat. Cycle toward the Angkor Wat and park your bicycle. Pay 500 Riel to the guardian of your bicycle.

As for 1-day tuk-tuk tour, make an arrangement with a tuk-tuk driver the night before the tour. Ask him to pick you up at 4am for a day trip to Angkor Archaeological Park. The price of hiring a tuk-tuk driver is about USD 10 to 13 for this route. Purchase your USD 20 ticket pass at the main entrance on the road to Angkor Wat. Ask the tuk-tuk driver to stop at Angkor Wat.

After contemplating the sunrise and its architecture from Angkor Wat, you can follow the cycling or tuk-tuk route respectively to continue your expedition of other temples.

There are many food stalls inside the Angkor Archaeological Park where you can stop by for savory dish craving.

Find this information useful? Get your full copy of Siem Reap travel guide now.

admin :: 06 Nov 2007 :: Cambodia Travel :: No Comments »

Visa

e-Visa is highly recommended by Cambodia government to tourists as a replacement of the traditional way of getting Cambodia Visa from embassy. Cambodia e-Visa provides the convenience to tourists to apply a Cambodia Visa at any where, at any time as long as they can access to Internet. Tourists won’t need to visit the Cambodia embassy, queue up and wait for the passport to be done. All they need is a computer with Internet. The process is fast, secure and well planned. Cambodia government have constantly upgrade and improve the system in order to serve tourists better.

If you are not eligible for e-Visa, you can apply your Cambodia Visa at the nearest embassy or on-arrival at all major checkpoints.

Weather

It times to visit to Cambodia this November. November to February is the “cool season”, which is dry and not too hot (up to about 30C or 85F). In April it gets really hot (40/100 daily, 30/85 at night), but not rainy. Starting around June it gets rainy and still hot. It rains off and on all the time, so roads are muddy and some areas are impassable, and it stays like that until November, when cool & dry comes gloriously back.

Custom

Keep in mind that shorts are frowned on in temples (such as at Angkor Wat). In fact, few men in Cambodia wear shorts unless they have particular sweaty jobs, so there is a class element to this. But since foreigners are seen as completely strange anyway, they can get away with odd behavior and dress to an extent. Certainly lighter dress is fine during exercise (you can go running or biking in the morning along the river in Phnom Penh). Good walking/hiking shoes are a plus for a visit to the temples. Sandals (not leather) are good for rainy season in the city, the mud and fecal matter just rinses right off!

Money

Bring dollars if you already have them or baht if you don’t. Dollars (and to a lesser extent Thai baht) are accepted almost everywhere in Cambodia, intermingled freely with riel. You will get some riel as change when you spend dollars; just mix ‘n’ match. One dollar equals 4050 riel (as of January 2006); the riel has lost less than half its value since 1995 (those IMF policies keep inflation down, if nothing else). Coins have not been used for many, many years.

admin :: 02 Nov 2007 :: Cambodia Travel :: No Comments »