Russia Travel Resources >

Russia Travel Guide - Money Matters  You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Money Matters Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Money Matters From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Like everywhere else you travel, you'll need money when you visit Russia. Below you'll find handy information about money in Russia, including cash, credit cards, travelers checks, exchange rates, ATMs, and banks. Currency The currency in Russia is the ruble (RUR). One ruble equals 100 kopeks. Banknotes have a value of 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rubles. Coins are found in 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopek pieces and 1, 2 and 5 ruble coins. Only notes and coins dated 1997 or after are valid. Taking Money with You If your travel plans are just to the larger cities of European Russia, it's best to bring a mixture of cash, travelers checks, and credit cards. You should bring just $100-200 per person. Travelers checks, which are safe because if lost or stolen can be replaced, can't normally be used to pay for goods or services but can be used to get cash when you need it. If you travel outside of larger cities in European Russia, expect to use cash only. Exchanging Money Check the latest conversion rates before you go. Don't change money on the street as there is no need and the risks are too great. Change money in a bank or currency exchange office, or use an ATM machine. The problem with ATMs is that there are now scams where account and PIN numbers are electronically stolen. Therefore, it might be safer to use an ATM machine inside a bank. Currency exchange offices are "obmyen balooti," and they usually advertise their rates in their windows. There are plenty of them in the big cities and their rates tend to be better than in banks. Credit Cards MasterCard and Visa credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and many shops in larger cities. In the hinterlands, you'll have to rely more on cash. Travelers Checks American Express and Thomas Cook travelers checks are the most widely accepted, and there are offices in major cities where you can exchange them for cash. Banks Banking hours are generally Mon–Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 or 8:00 pm. Many banks offer Western Union money transfer services. Costs Moscow can be expensive for tourists, especially for hotels and upscale restaurnats, and costs can be twice that of St. Petersburg. Outside these two cities, costs are considerably lower. Depending on the level of luxury you require, however, budget travelers can still find reasonable costs in Russia's larger cities, whether for accommodations or meals. Other costs, such as certain groceries and public transportation, are very cheap. Russia Travel Guide Index Profile of Russia City Profile: Moscow City Profile: St. Petersburg Before You Go Need to Know Money Matters Intercity Travel City Transit Driving Health and Safety Lodging Dining and Drinking Communications Shopping        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings

CRUISE VACATIONS 2005 -

Antarctica Travel Antarctica Cruise Antarctica Vacation Antarctica Travel Cruises and Tours Antarctica Travel Cruises Tours Reservations & Inquiries ANTARCTICA TRAVEL CRUISE VACATIONS 2005 - 2006 Explore the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the M/S Andrea Cruise Antarctica on the m/s Andrea. Pre-departure materials and final documents for the trip. All meals on board including wine and beer served with lunch and dinner. On Antarctic Cruises Only: One night pre-cruise accommodation in Ushuaia, Argentina at a first class hotel on a bed & Breakfast basis. Group Transfer with porterage from the hotel to the ship and from the ship to the airport . All shore excursions including Zodiac cruising and landings where necessary. (On Antarctic Only). Services of a professional expedition leader and guest lecturers. Port Charges. Post Expedition Log. Special Expedition jacket (on Antarctic cruises only). Cruise Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic Islands Antarctica Adventure Cruises Choose from 9 luxury cruises aboard the M/S Andrea From 10 nights to 18 nights Departure Dates & Prices Cruise the South Shetland Islands , Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Grigoriy Mikheev Antarctica Expedition Cruises Choice of 9 Antarctica Cruises From 10 nights to 18 nights Falklands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula Our small, specially designed expedition ships journey south, taking full advantage of the 24 hours of daylight during the austral summer. Ice-strengthened hulls and state-of-the-art equipment allow us to navigate safely through the pack ice and narrow waterways. Our zodiac excursions, guided by foremost Antarctic experts, offer the freedom to explore remote locations and observe Antarcticas abundant wildlife. Our cruise itineraries include: the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Orkney Islands. Departure Dates & Prices About Scantours General Conditions Travel Insurance Practical Tips CST # 2022206-40 SCANTOURS INC. USA Toll free US & Canada: 1-800-223-7226 Local Phone: 310-636-4656 Fax: 310-390-0493 Comments? Suggestions? E-mail us at info@scantours.com 2003 Scantours Inc. All rights reserved. HOME USEFUL LINKS Webmaster

Switzerland Travel Guide >

Swiss Rail Improvements 2005 - Switzerland Train Travel Gets Faster and More Comfortable  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Switzerland Travel Guide > Swiss Rail Improvements 2005 - Switzerland Train Travel Gets Faster and More Comfortable Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Switzerland Fast Rail Travel: Swiss Tilting Train Photo provided by RailEurope Stay up to date! Switzerland Fast Rail Travel: Swiss Tilting Train Photo provided by RailEurope Email to a friend Print this page Switzerland Travel Resources Switzerland Travel Directory Switzerland Travel Map and Resources Swiss Rail Pass and Transportation Information Switzerland Rail Travel Resources Rail 2000 Information from Swiss Rail SSB Switzerland Rail Passes Swiss Rail SSB Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Switzerland Rail Travel - What's New in Swiss Trains and Timetables From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Aug 28 2005 Travel in Switzerland just got easier Switzerland's rail system is undergoing an expansion program called Rail 2000. What's in it for the traveler to Switzerland? Shorter travel times, more frequent service - including half-hourly departures between major cities - and greater comfort on a growing number of new and refurbished trains. You can get to Switzerland's major airports by train, and in 2005 it'll be easier and more convenient. In early morning on Swiss rail, some cars are designated "quiet cars" where even talking is prohibited--and it's enforced. Switzerland also offers some of the most innovative rail passes in Europe (see below). The New Timetables for Switzerland Trains Starting December 12, 90% of Switzerland's trains will run on a new timetable with half-hourly service between all major cities. To simplify travel planning, arrivals and departures will be on the hour and the half-hour in major hubs (such as Zurich, Basel, Bern). Shorter Travel Times on Swiss Rail The core infrastructure project of Rail 2000 responsible for reducing travel times is the recently completed 29 mile-long rail line between Bern and Olten. This line allows trains to travel at 100 mph and shaves 15 minutes off travel times between Bern-Zurich, Bern-Basel and Bern-Lucerne. When a new signaling system becomes operational, trains will run at 124 mph. The new line enables all travel times within the Bern-Basel-Zurich triangle to be less than one hour. Other Rail 2000 construction projects helping to reduce travel times are a new tunnel between Zurich and Thalwil and a new track between Geneva and Coppet, both already in service. The New Fleet of Trains 44 sleek tilting ICN trains traveling up to 15% faster than conventional trains and featuring a restaurant car and business class compartments, as well as 1st and 2nd class compartments; see the picture above. 340 double-decker Intercity trains, with 1st and 2nd class compartments and business seats, and on certain routes a child-friendly family car, bistro/bar on the lower deck and restaurant on the upper deck; 460 refurbished Intercity trains with 1st and 2nd class compartments Improved service to tourist destinations Most alpine tourist destinations will offer faster, more direct service to/from Zurich and Geneva and their airports: Interlaken - Half-hourly service to/from Zurich Airport (now hourly), 15 minutes shorter time. Zermatt and Saas Fee - Reach Zermatt up to 30 minutes faster from Zurich Airport. New direct service Zurich Airport-Brig every other hour means only one change (now two) to go to either resort. Lausanne, Montreux, Aigle, Martigny, Sion - Half-hourly service to/from Geneva Airport. Davos, St. Moritz, Arosa - Hourly non-stop trains Zurich-Landquart and better connections in Chur or Landquart make the trip to/from Zurich up to 25 minutes faster. Trains on these routes will also have more space for sports equipment and luggage than currently. Locarno - New direct train every hour from either Basel or Zurich. Switzerland Rail Passes There are quite a few options for the traveler these days. You can buy a Swiss Pass with different durations and savings, or you can buy combo passes that combine travel on Swiss Railways with other bordering countries (currently France and Austria). For information on Rail Passes in Switzerland on one handy page, see Rail Europe: Switzerland Rail Passes . Perhaps the most interesting of the services provided is the Fly Rail Baggage option. For $15 US you can check in your luggage at the airport, make your way to the train and pick up your luggage there. Imagine, you don't have to lug all your bags from your destination to the train station! For more on selecting a Swiss rail pass, see our Swiss Rail Pass and Switzerland Transportation Information .        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There

Air Travel Complaints Commissioner

Welcome to the Canadian Transportation Agency Complaints - Home The Agency's Role Jurisdiction of the Agency Types of Complaints General Consumer Information Canadian Air Carrier Customer Service Departments On February 23, 2005, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale announced, in connection with the Budget, that the position of Air Travel Complaints Commissioner would be eliminated, but the Canadian Transportation Agency would retain responsibility for the air travel complaints program. If you have unresolved issues with your air carrier, you can rest assured that there is a place you will be heard. The Canadian Transportation Agency is available to deal with specific complaints about your travel experiences. As the economic regulator of the air transportation industry in Canada, we administer the Canada Transportation Act . We aim to ensure that Canadian and foreign airlines meet their obligations under the law. The Canadian airline industry has seen major changes, and therefore our role has become more important. That role includes handling consumer complaints, monitoring air fares and addressing violations of the Act in these and other areas. Quality of Service If you have been unable to resolve an issue with your airline, you may bring your complaint to the Agency, which will try to resolve complaints on issues such as quality of service either directly with you and the airline or in cooperation with other government bodies. Terms and Conditions of Carriage Canadian and foreign air carriers must publish and make available the terms and conditions that apply to your flight and they must comply with them. For example, carriers must establish policies to address such concerns as lost baggage, involuntary denied boarding (bumping), and the transportation of persons with disabilities and minors. These terms and conditions must be reasonable and not unduly discriminatory. If you think such terms and conditions were not met or are unreasonable you can complain to the Agency. Air Fares and Cargo Rates On routes within Canada served by only one carrier and its affiliates, we investigate complaints to determine that fares and rates are reasonable, and that carriers are offering an adequate range of fares and rates to travellers and shippers. Accessible Transportation We resolve complaints and work to ensure that air carriers remove undue obstacles to the mobility of persons with disabilities. Last Updated: 2005-10-24 [ Important Notices ]

Asia Travel Hotels &

Taiwan (Taipei) Hotels - Asia Travel Taiwan Hotels Reservation Taiwan Hotels & Resorts Office Hours (GMT +08:00) Monday - Friday 09:00 - 18:00 , Saturday 09:00 - 13:00 CLOSE ON SUNDAYS & PUBLIC HOLIDAY Select Taipei hotel from here: Please select Grand Hotel Grand Formosa Regent Grand Hyatt Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Sherwood Hotel The Landis Taipei The Westin Taipei Ambassador Caesar Park Howard Plaza Imperial Le Petit Sherwood Sheraton Taipei Royal (Nikko Taipei) Spring City Resort (Peitou) Holiday Inn Asiaworld San Want Hotel Brother Santos The Riviera Gloria Prince Rebar Crowne Plaza Taipei United Fortuna Golden China Riverview Cosmos Gala Leofoo City East Dragon First Flowers Kilin Paradise Rainbow Royal Castle Chairman Golden Star San Sui Wan Tai Rosemary Hotel New World Other Cities Taichung Kaohsiung Keelung Tan Shui Taoyuan Chung Li/Hsinchu Hualien Chiayi Tainan Kenting Taitung Hotel Rates in Taipei All rates are not applicable for Taiwanese ( For prepayment bookings, we would require at least 07 working days in advance to process hotel reservations ) For enquiry only To Make Booking and Receive Confirmation Hotel Class Seasons Single Twin Breakfast Validity Grand Hotel Standard Room (No View) Super Deluxe High 3450 3450 - 12 Sep-24 Nov, 30-31 Dec 05 4450 4450 Inclusive Low 2950 2950 - 15 Jun-11 Sep, 25 Nov-29 Dec 05 3950 3950 Inclusive Grand Hotel Superior Room (Golden Dragon/Chilin Pavilion) Super Deluxe High 4450 4450 - 12 Sep-24 Nov, 30-31 Dec 05 5450 5450 Inclusive Low 3850 3850 - 15 Jun-11 Sep, 25 Nov-29 Dec 05 4850 4850 Inclusive Grand Hotel Deluxe Room (Main Bldg, 2nd to 5 th floor) Super Deluxe High 5050 5050 - 12 Sep-24 Nov, 30-31 Dec 05 6100 6100 Inclusive Low 4200 4200 - 15 Jun-11 Sep, 25 Nov-29 Dec 05 5200 5200 Inclusive Grand Hotel Grand Deluxe Room (Main Bldg, 6th to 9th floor) Super Deluxe High 5450 5450 - 12 Sep-24 Nov, 30-31 Dec 05 6400 6400 Inclusive Low 4500 4500 - 15 Jun-11 Sep, 25 Nov-29 Dec 05 5550 5550 Inclusive Rates above are based on Mountain View, a surcharge of NT$500 per room per night if City View is required Grand Formosa Regent (not applicable for Japanese) Super Deluxe Low 5650 5650 - Jul, Aug, Dec 05 High 6350 6350 - 4-30 Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov 05 Grand Formosa Regent (Japan Passport Holder) Super Deluxe Peak 7500 7500 - 30-31 Dec 05 Low 5950 5950 - Jul, Aug, 13-29 Dec 05 High 6900 6900 - Sep, Oct, Nov, 1-12 Dec 05 Grand Hyatt Super Deluxe Low Weekday 7050 7050 - All Mon-Thur of Jul, Aug, 1-10, 14 Sep, Dec 05 Low Weekend 5350 5350 - All Fri-Sun of Apr-Dec 05 (except 11 Sep, 14 Oct & 28-29 Oct 05) High Weekday 8000 8000 - All Mon-Thur of 15 Sep-30 Nov (except 10-13,26-27 Oct) Trade 10750 10750 - 11-13 Sep, 10-14, 26-29 Oct 05 Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Superior Room Super Deluxe Low Weekday 6700 6700 - All Mon-Thur Jul, Aug, 1-10 Sep, 11-31 Dec 05 Low Weekend 5950 5950 - All Fri-Sun of Apr-Dec 05 (except 11 Sep) High Weekday 7200 7200 - All Mon-Thur of 15-30 Sep, Oct, Nov, 1-10 Dec 05 Trade 8450 8450 - 11-14 Sep 05 Rates are based on Superior room, if Deluxe room are required, surcharge is NT$ 400 per room per night Sherwood Hotel Super Deluxe High Weekday 6550 6550 - All Mon-Thur of 15-30 Sep, Oct, Nov, 1-8 Dec & 29-31 Dec 05 Low Weekend 5550 5550 - Jul, Aug, 1-10 Sep, 9-28 Dec & All Fri-Sun of Apr-Dec 05 (Except 11 Sep & 30-31 Dec 05) Trade 8550 8550 - 11-14 Sep 05 Taipei Evergreen Laurel Super Deluxe Superior 4700 - Inclusive Apr-Dec (except 11-14 Sep, 10-15 Oct Deluxe 6350 6350 Inclusive Superior 5350 - Inclusive 11-14 Sep, 10-14 Oct Deluxe 6950 6950 Inclusive The Landis Taipei (Formerly The Ritz Landis) Deluxe Low & Weekend 4750 4750 - Jul, Aug, 1-10 Sep, Dec & All Fri-Sat of 11-30 Sep, Oct Nov (except 10-11 Sep, 15-16 Oct) High 5200 5200 - All Sun-Thu of 11-30 Sep, Oct, Nov & 10-11 Sep, 15-16 Oct Airport Transfer Service 1 2 3 Next Taipei City Tours Above hotel rates are in NT (Taiwan) Dollar, inclusive of tax and service charge. All bookings made for the above hotels have to be paid in advance before the check-in date and issue of vouchers. Payment to be billed in US Dollar at prevaling conversion rate upon confirmation of booking and are accepted by credit card or cash. Upon receipt of payment, vouchers will be faxed or emailed to guest. There will be no cancellation charge (except for a 5.5% credit card processing charge) if booking is cancelled 07 working days before the check-in date. [ Taiwan Travel Information ] [ Taipei Travel Information ] [ Map of Taiwan ] Scenic Destinations and Places of Interest in Taiwan Browse or send an electronic postcard to your friends Click here to send electronic birthday cards... Asia Travel Hotels & Resorts || Free & Easy Packages