Asia Travel

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INFORMATION Philippines Country Information The Land || History || The People || First-time Traveler Tips || Visas || Customs || Currency || Weather Clothing || Utilities || Newspapers & Media || Business Hours || Language || Getting Around Modes of Transport || Weather Conditions || Things to Know || Sightseeing || Museums and Art Further Information The Land The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon , the Visayas and Mindanao . Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines , including the capital city of Manila , are in Luzon , but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos. The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues. Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle, the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population. With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours. The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore. Top History Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture. The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila. Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade. Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched. The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Top The People Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international. Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior. This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitalityall part of the Filipino psychewill make your stay a delight. Top Tips for First-time Philippine Travelers Generally speaking, it is important to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. Avoid the extra baggage. You don't want to pay exorbitant fees for your luggage service. As in any foreign place, be careful with pickpockets. Some might act as a helpful stanger, but they're out to get something from you! It's good to be cautious at all times. Whenever going outdoors, being in a group is recommended. If you're bringing kids with you, make sure to bring all the things they would need, like medicine, bottles of potable water (although many bottled water is available, it is always recommended to bring one), and one of your kids' favorite toys for their own receration. Top Visas If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration. Customs Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city. You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country. Currency The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced. Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. Top Weather The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets. Clothing People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in. For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost more or less PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo. Utilities Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets. Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores. Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call. Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline) Police & Fire: 757 or 116 Emergency No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728 Directory Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108 For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory . NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you. Top Newspapers & Other Media The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today. Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world. There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM. Top Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification. The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail. NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Top Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel most of the major routes in Metro Manila. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 9.00, adding a few peso for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 4.00. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment. Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 1 peso additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump. The LRT : It's a fast, cheap way to go to downtown Manila. A token can take you between Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) and Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked. The MRT : After it's somewhat unsuccessful opening, the MRT is now enjoying a fair share of passengers plying EDSA. This is definitely the fastest mode of transport, this side of the metropolis. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, clean stations and coach, with a good view of Metro Manila's landscape. The only problem is that some stations have very high stairways. Although a number of elevators is operational, not all stations have one. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes end to end. Taxis : Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected. Top Other Modes of Transport Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license. Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services most of the major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, SeaAir, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655). Top WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY Climate: Tropical (two seasons) Dry Season: March -May (warm) 33-34 C Wet Season: June- October (monsoonal) November -February (coolest) 29-31C Coastline: 334,539 km. Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs. Top THINGS TO KNOW Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world. Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c, PhP 1, PhP 5. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos. Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services. Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays). Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours. Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards. Top SIGHTSEEING Casa Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Luzon Chocolate Hills : Bohols most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol. Visayas* Colon Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu. Cebu. Visayas* Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. Laguna, Luzon Island Magellans Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized. Cebu. Visayas* Top PARKS & WILDLIFE Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindinao* Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines. Palawan. Luzon* Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available. Alaminos, Laguna. Luzon, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue. Quezon City. Luzon. Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday. Ermita, Manila. Luzon. Top MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City Tel: (02) 998 721 Metropolitan Museum of Manila Tel: (02) 832 3645 National Museum Manila Tel: (02) 494 450 Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698 Top VISAS AND PASSPORTS Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed. Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport (7 km from city centre) Ninoy Aquino Avenue Manila, Philippines: Mactan International Airport Cebu, Philippines: (Most major airlines have flights to the country). Top FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street Rizal Park Metro Manila P.O. Box 3451 Tel: (02)523-8411 Fax: (02) 521 7374 Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17 Legasi Towers 300 Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Tel: (02) 525-93-18-27 Fax: (02) 521-61-65/ 525-33-14 Top

Spain Travel

Spain Travel, Links - Directory Hotels Search News Car Hire Spain's Search Directory - Travel, Links, Spanish News, Hotels, Car Hire... 77,400 links to Spain - 2,175 categories Spain's leading search engine, directory , and Spanish news information service Full Directory English Castellano Directorio en Castellano Spain Hotels Spain directory categories: Arts & Humanities Business & Economy Computers & Internet Education Gazetteer A-Z Health News & Media Real Estate Society & Culture Sport Tourism PPC Spain advertising from 0.10 a click News from Spain: National News Costa Blanca News Costa del Sol News Madrid News Spain Sports News Latest Culture Events | Spain Hotels Discount Search English Castellano Deutsch Franais Italiano Discount Travel: U.K. Flights To... Madrid | Barcelona | Mlaga | Ibiza SPAIN HOTELS Discount | Last Minute Typically Spanish property database Parador Luxury Accommodation Andaluca videos Car Hire Spain Question & Answer Forum Holiday Rentals FREE Spain Classifieds 1999-2005 Howard Brereton | About | Advertise | Bookmark | Contact | FREE Search on your site | Guestbook | Log-in | Privacy | Spanish Weather Edificio Coronado 62-8, Calle Huertos 83, 29780 NERJA, Mlaga, Espaa. | | Add Free Url | Advertise | What's New | Popular Links Spain News Spain Question & Answer Forum Weather DIRECTORY Arts & Humanities Business & Economy Computers & Internet Education Gazetteer A - Z Health News & Media Real Estate Society & Culture Sport Tourism 1999-2005 Howard Brereton typicallyspanish.com About Privacy Policy Site Map Image Spain Directory Spain ThinkSpain.com

Travel Help Worldwide Call

STA TRAVEL | Home ALT plus 0 goes Back to top ALT plus 1 skip to Main Navigation ALT plus 2 skip to Main Content ALT plus 9 skip to Footer Navigation Quicknavigation Find a Store Join Now Travel Help Worldwide Call Us: (800) 781-4040 Search Mainnavigation now follows: Book Now . Sub menu items for: Book Now Flights . Hotels & Hostels . Packages . Bus & Rail Passes . Car Rental . ID & Discount Cards . Travel Insurance . Travel Gear . Learn a Language . End of sub menu items for: Book Now Travel Info . Sub menu items for: Travel Info Round the World . First Timer Tips . Travel Safety . Keep in Touch . Visas & Passports . Currency & Weather . Group Travel . End of sub menu items for: Travel Info Deals and Discounts . Sub menu items for: Deals and Discounts Specials . Last Minute Packages . ID & Discount Cards . End of sub menu items for: Deals and Discounts On the Road . Sub menu items for: On the Road I Purchased Travel in North America . I Purchased Travel Outside North America . End of sub menu items for: On the Road People Like You . Sub menu items for: People Like You Travel Websites . Newsletter . Global Community . Win Stuff . Travel Addict Rewards . End of sub menu items for: People Like You Work and Learn . Sub menu items for: Work and Learn Work . Learn . Volunteer . End of sub menu items for: Work and Learn Spring Break . Sub menu items for: Spring Break Cancun . Acapulco . Jamaica . Bahamas . Hawaii . Cabo San Lucas . Europe . Alternative . End of sub menu items for: Spring Break My Profile Newsletter Cart Flights Bus & Rail Packages Insurance Discount Cards Hotels & Hostels Flights From To Departure Return One way flight No. of Travelers 1 2 3 4 Date of Birth Eligibility Student Non-Student Search Advanced Search Multi-city & more search options You have disabled JavaScript. Therefore you cannot use the "Search and Book" functionality. Please turn on JavaScript. Booking Engine Spring Break Headquarters! Know what you're doing for your week of freedom? Check out STA Travel's best offers! Beach Parties: Cancun & more! FREE Spring Break! STA Travel Contiki Europe Trip Tips for Travelers Leaving soon? Just starting to plan? Check out helpful info here. Tips for choosing a hostel Traveling Safely Planning a Study Abroad Trip Macromedia FLASH plugin required To view the teaser please install the Macromedia Flash plugin. Macromedia FLASH plugin Proceed without FLASH NON-STUDENT? NON-PROBLEM. If you're 25 or younger but not a student, the Youth Card lets you take advantage of discount airfares and more! More Get Around Europe by Rail Travel to all 17 countries in the Eurail network. Great for rail travel on long backpacking trips. More Travel Resolutions for '06 5 ways to make the most of the New Year. 1. Be more spontaneous (it's worth it!) 2. Give something back - volunteer 3. Stop throwing money away! Take advantage of your student status 4. Keep in touch with friends and family more 5. Get a passport! Top Offers Flights Costa Rica fr $257 Cheap London Flights From $202 Paris from $235 Rome from $235 All Flight Offers Getting Around 20% Off Italy Railpass Car Rentals Anywhere All Bus & Rail Offers Sleeps Great Paris Hotels From $70/night Europe Hostels From $10/night All Hotel Offers Trips Fiji Spring Break From $755 10% Off 2006 Tours All Package Specials Footer Contact Us About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Advertising Press Employment Feedback Site Map Australia Austria Canada China Denmark Finland Germany Hong Kong Hungary Japan Malaysia Norway Poland Singapore Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom Latvia New Zealand South Africa Sweden Thailand © 2005 - STA Travel, Inc.

Russia Travel Guide Despite

Russia for Travelers - City Transit  You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Ways to Travel > Metro Systems > Russia for Travelers - City Transit 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 Russian metro tokesn Stay up to date! Russian metro tokesn Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web St Petersburg Metro Map Moscow Metro Map Moscow Tram Website 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 City Transit - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Despite the proliferation of private vehicles in Russia in the last decade, the majority of residents still rely on public transportation to get around, especially for city travel. Therefore, if you also travel on city transit sytems, you'll have plenty of company. While you will find reasonable public transportation routes in larger cities, be prepared for limited options as you get off the beaten track. In all of Russia, only six cities have underground metro systems: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novosibirsk, and Samara. Buses and trams supplement these systems and also are the main city transit vehicles in other areas. In general, public transportation in Russia needs infrastructure modernization but lack of funding keeps improvements minimal. The cost of public transportation in Russia is heavily subsidized, with costs ranging from four to 10 rubles (15-35 US cents). Moscow Moscow has four types of mass transit: the metro, trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Metro. Moscow's best public transportation is the metro. With over 200 stops, you can get to just about everywhere you want to in the city. Metro entrances are marked with "M" signs. It's worth a visit to the metro just to see some of the stations with their elaborate and beautiful architecture. Trains run very frequently, at least every two to three minutes. They can be very crowded during peak hours. Buses, Trolleybuses, Trams. Moscow has one kind of ticket for all three types of vehicles. You can buy them at kiosks or at metro stations, or from the conductor in the vehicle. When you get on board, look for a little metal box to punch your ticket. Don't lose your ticket until you get off. Taxis. There are a number of taxi companies in Moscow. Like elsewhere in Russia, avoid gypsy cabs by phoning ahead for a taxi or asking your hotel to arrange one for you. If you arrive at the Moscow airport, you will see a number of drivers clamoring for your business. It's better to go outside and line up at the taxi queue, where regulated taxis can be found. St. Petersburg The city offers a metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, taxis and boats. Metro. The metro has four lines and 55 stations. You can pay with either tokens or passes purchased at stations. The metro runs from about 5:45 AM until around midnight. See the box at the upper right to see a map of the metro system. Trams. If you'd rather travel above ground, jump on a tram. Tram stops have a "T" on the signs near the tracks. Trams have conductors whom you can pay directly or show your monthly pass. Buses. Bus stops have an "A" on their signs (stands for avtobus). Regular buses also have conductors whom you can pay or show your pass. T-buses (taxi buses) and E-buses (express buses) take cash only and get you to your destination a bit faster. Marshrutki are passenger vans that cost only about three rubles (10 US cents) and take you to your destination. Trolleybuses. These vehicles are buses that are connected to overhead electric lines to give them power. Their signs are also marked by a "T." Taxis. Taxis are more expensive than mass transit. They should have a meter that shows fares according to distance. If you need a taxi, you can flag one down in the street or ask your hotel to call one for you. Often you can find taxis in front of hotels. 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

Austria Travel

Austria Pictures - Photo Galleries of Austria Travel Pictures  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Austria > Austria Pictures 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 Austria Pictures - Photo Galleries of Austria Sometimes pictures will give you an idea of what a city offers and you can plan you vacation around visual images. Here you'll find travel pictures of Austria. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Up a category Salzburg Pictures Here's the start of our Salzburg Slide Show--annotated pictures of many Salzburg attractions. Vienna Pictures - Vienna Austria Photo Gallery Here are our annotated pictures of Vienna, Austria.        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 Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...