The Travel Thread

[TRMNTR]

On 9/24/2023 at 4:18 AM, Snake said:

A office buddy of mine is taking his first intl trip at the end of the month. He wanted to know whats the best way to save on atm fees/ forex fees while withdrawing some cash. He has a hdfc regalia card which according to him has a 2% mark up fee. he will mostly be using his CC except when he need cash. Hes visiting Japan and SK

 

what are his options?

 

Niyo/Fi, HDFC forex card?

 

On 9/24/2023 at 12:23 PM, Bird Bird Bird said:

Japan has weird acceptance for some cards. Fi didn’t work for me at many places, and had to resort to using CC with forex markup (specially at 7/11 - Fi just refused to work). Always carry CC and cash. Japan is still very cash dependent economy. 

 

I ended up going with Niyo Global instead of Fi. So far, it’s been pretty great. I'm in SK and cards are accepted everywhere except for some local vendors. There was an ATM fee of approx 225 rupees for cash withdrawal by the local bank which doesn't include the 100 rupees that Niyo charges. Been using the card for everything and it's working flawlessly. 

[KunjanPSD]

2 hours ago, TRMNTR said:

 

 

I ended up going with Niyo Global instead of Fi. So far, it’s been pretty great. I'm in SK and cards are accepted everywhere except for some local vendors. There was an ATM fee of approx 225 rupees for cash withdrawal by the local bank which doesn't include the 100 rupees that Niyo charges. Been using the card for everything and it's working flawlessly. 

Did you make sure to select withdraw without conversion/withdraw in local currency?

[ZooZoo]

Going to Bali later this year for first time, looking for some good places suggestions to stay in Ubud, Kuta and Ulawatu. I have 7 days there spread between these areas. Whichever hotel I am finding on Agoda or mmt, even though they have average rating of 8 or 9 but they will have some concerning low scores of 1-2 which complain about cleanliness, staff or insects/lizards. Any tips on finding good hotels for this trip?

 

If anyone has been there before and has some suggestions for a first time traveler to that country then please share. Currently plan is to spend 3 days in ubud, 2 days in Nusa Penida and then 3 days in Kuta/UIawatu. 

 

For forex, I got the Scapia and Fi card. Have ICICI card and HDFC Diners Club card as a backup. How good is Tripmoney Card by makemytrip?

[achilles]

11 hours ago, dante77 said:

Decided for Uzbekistan instead. Flights were cheap and wanted to go somewhere different. Apparently it is a very tourist friendly place. 

 

Anyone have been there? 

The hottest, prettiest girls outside of Russia. Enjoy, Mr. Dante 

[TRMNTR]

6 hours ago, KunjanPSD said:

Did you make sure to select withdraw without conversion/withdraw in local currency?

 

I honestly didn't see an option for that.

 

PS - I've only taken out cash once (at the airport). I'll double-check next time.

 

 

Edited September 26, 2023 by TRMNTR

[KunjanPSD]

30 minutes ago, TRMNTR said:

 

I honestly didn't see an option for that.

 

PS - I've only taken out cash once (at the airport). I'll double-check next time.

 

 

There is always an option.

The ATM will conveniently show you a converted value i.e. instead of 10 dollars, it will show you 900 bucks under the pretence of making it easier for you to know how much you are withdrawing. But this conversion will happen at an abysmal rate. Like 4-5% higher than what your card issuer (bank/network) will charge you.

 

So, always make sure you are select to withdraw without conversion or withdraw in local currency i.e. without conversion.

[TRMNTR]

15 minutes ago, KunjanPSD said:

There is always an option.

The ATM will conveniently show you a converted value i.e. instead of 10 dollars, it will show you 900 bucks under the pretence of making it easier for you to know how much you are withdrawing. But this conversion will happen at an abysmal rate. Like 4-5% higher than what your card issuer (bank/network) will charge you.

 

So, always make sure you are select to withdraw without conversion or withdraw in local currency i.e. without conversion.

 

I checked the conversion in the app and it was spot on.

[akhilgopal]

22 hours ago, ZooZoo said:

Going to Bali later this year for first time, looking for some good places suggestions to stay in Ubud, Kuta and Ulawatu. I have 7 days there spread between these areas. Whichever hotel I am finding on Agoda or mmt, even though they have average rating of 8 or 9 but they will have some concerning low scores of 1-2 which complain about cleanliness, staff or insects/lizards. Any tips on finding good hotels for this trip?

 

If anyone has been there before and has some suggestions for a first time traveler to that country then please share. Currently plan is to spend 3 days in ubud, 2 days in Nusa Penida and then 3 days in Kuta/UIawatu. 

 

For forex, I got the Scapia and Fi card. Have ICICI card and HDFC Diners Club card as a backup. How good is Tripmoney Card by makemytrip?

 

Just finished my third trip to Bali. We stayed at Grandmas Plus Hotel in Legian, near Kuta. The hotel is pretty basic but very good. For ubud, even i couldn't find myself a good hotel and we finally stayed in a private room in a hostel. Give more days to Ubud, you will mostly like Ubud more than Kuta. Last time me and my friends stayed in Chili Ubud Cottage in Ubud, but that was just okay. 

 

 

From Kuta: 1 day for in and around Uluwatu (several beaches are there) GWK. Go for Kecak show in Uluwatu. Its good. Visit Uluwatu around sunset and go for Kecak after that.  You have free shows of different artforms in GWK every hour as well. 

 

1 day for shopping/ Activities/ roaming around/ Tanah lot, if you want. Visit Tanah lot in the evening. 

 

1 day for Nusa Penida Boat trip. If you want to hike down to the beach, go in the early morning before the rush. 

 

From Ubud: 1 day for Ulun Danu/ Jatiluwih rice fields.

 

1 day for Waterfalls/ Tegalalang/ Monkey Forest/ Tirta Empul/  Roaming around Ubud. 

 

Visit the ridge walk/ rice field walk near the Ubud centre, if possible. 

 

Vist the shops near the MAS Village in Ubud if you want to see amazing art work they do in stone/ wood. 

 

If you want, you go for a Barong/ Kecak/ other art forms in Ubud as well. There are evening shows almost everyday near the Ubud palace. 

 

If you're traveling back to Airport from Ubud, make sure you have enough time. Sometimes there will be traffic and may take more than 2h for the commute.

 

If you don't have a trolley or have only backpack, you can hire a scooter from Kuta itself for the whole trip. Check the odo/ tire condition/ mobile holder in the scooter before finalizing the deal. 

 

There are many non-touristy places that you visit. Its totally up to you.

 

Let me know if you need any help. 

 

Thanks,

Akhil

[Snake]

On 9/24/2023 at 12:38 PM, Bird Bird Bird said:

I’m not sure tbh. Never withdrew cash at international places. Others will know better. 

 

On 9/24/2023 at 12:54 PM, KunjanPSD said:

Ask him to carry Niyo/Fi.

Ask him to enable Global Value Program on Regalia via contacting CC, costs 199+GST but gives 1% cashback upto 1000/month i.e. 1L spends.

Ask him to carry cash, use it as it is or use cash to load into a Suica card (prepaid card which is surprisingly accepted well).

 

Use a combination of these and he should be set.

Afaik Niyo/Fi doesn't charge forec on withdrawals as well except a small fee, so not a big deal.

 

On 9/26/2023 at 7:52 AM, TRMNTR said:

 

 

I ended up going with Niyo Global instead of Fi. So far, it’s been pretty great. I'm in SK and cards are accepted everywhere except for some local vendors. There was an ATM fee of approx 225 rupees for cash withdrawal by the local bank which doesn't include the 100 rupees that Niyo charges. Been using the card for everything and it's working flawlessly. 

 

Friend decided to go with Fi, let's see how that works out.

 

Also what size luggage do you guys carry @Bird Bird Bird@TRMNTR ??

 

Need one for intl travel , airline limit is 158 cms. he needs to buy one in the next few days

[Bird Bird Bird]

1 hour ago, Snake said:

 

 

 

Friend decided to go with Fi, let's see how that works out.

 

Also what size luggage do you guys carry @Bird Bird Bird@TRMNTR ??

 

Need one for intl travel , airline limit is 158 cms. he needs to buy one in the next few days

Depends on need. Usually checked in is less than 160 cm (anything above will be oversized), and 1 or 2 cabin baggage. 
Get a good Samsonite/VIP. They will easily last a decade or more. 

Edited October 1, 2023 by Bird Bird Bird

[TRMNTR]

1 hour ago, Snake said:

Friend decided to go with Fi, let's see how that works out.

 

Also what size luggage do you guys carry @Bird Bird Bird@TRMNTR ??

 

Need one for intl travel , airline limit is 158 cms. he needs to buy one in the next few days

 

I used to carry a medium and a small (carry-on) but ever since the kid, I've been carrying a large and a small. I have a Samsonite set (S, M, L) that I bought back in 2017 and it's still going strong. So yeah, I concur with @Bird Bird Bird's advice.

[Bird Bird Bird]

50 minutes ago, TRMNTR said:

 

I used to carry a medium and a small (carry-on) but ever since the kid, I've been carrying a large and a small. I have a Samsonite set (S, M, L) that I bought back in 2017 and it's still going strong. So yeah, I concur with @Bird Bird Bird's advice.

With kids, it’s usually 2 large suitcases and 2 carry ons (since it’s 4 of us travelling then - 2 kids, 2 adults). 

[TRMNTR]

20 minutes ago, Bird Bird Bird said:

With kids, it’s usually 2 large suitcases and 2 carry ons (since it’s 4 of us travelling then - 2 kids, 2 adults). 

 

2 large and and 1 carry-on with pram and car seat for us. 1 infant, 2 adults. Read somewhere that car seats are mandatory in SK, turned out to be false and now having to lug this thing around. 

[ZooZoo]

On 9/27/2023 at 12:17 PM, akhilgopal said:

 

Just finished my third trip to Bali. We stayed at Grandmas Plus Hotel in Legian, near Kuta. The hotel is pretty basic but very good. For ubud, even i couldn't find myself a good hotel and we finally stayed in a private room in a hostel. Give more days to Ubud, you will mostly like Ubud more than Kuta. Last time me and my friends stayed in Chili Ubud Cottage in Ubud, but that was just okay. 

 

 

From Kuta: 1 day for in and around Uluwatu (several beaches are there) GWK. Go for Kecak show in Uluwatu. Its good. Visit Uluwatu around sunset and go for Kecak after that.  You have free shows of different artforms in GWK every hour as well. 

 

1 day for shopping/ Activities/ roaming around/ Tanah lot, if you want. Visit Tanah lot in the evening. 

 

1 day for Nusa Penida Boat trip. If you want to hike down to the beach, go in the early morning before the rush. 

 

From Ubud: 1 day for Ulun Danu/ Jatiluwih rice fields.

 

1 day for Waterfalls/ Tegalalang/ Monkey Forest/ Tirta Empul/  Roaming around Ubud. 

 

Visit the ridge walk/ rice field walk near the Ubud centre, if possible. 

 

Vist the shops near the MAS Village in Ubud if you want to see amazing art work they do in stone/ wood. 

 

If you want, you go for a Barong/ Kecak/ other art forms in Ubud as well. There are evening shows almost everyday near the Ubud palace. 

 

If you're traveling back to Airport from Ubud, make sure you have enough time. Sometimes there will be traffic and may take more than 2h for the commute.

 

If you don't have a trolley or have only backpack, you can hire a scooter from Kuta itself for the whole trip. Check the odo/ tire condition/ mobile holder in the scooter before finalizing the deal. 

 

There are many non-touristy places that you visit. Its totally up to you.

 

Let me know if you need any help. 

 

Thanks,

Akhil

Thanks for great suggestions. How much cash you carried? Do they accept the card payments at most places or cash is the way? Also, what locations you suggest in south bali in Ulawatu and Kuta area. We will be in that region for last 3 days before catching the flight. For now, we have decided on Canggu Beach and Ulawatu Temple in those 3 days. 

[dante77]

What all the cards accepted on Encalm lounge International T3 terminal in Delhi? 

 

I have Regalia Credit, Millenia and Coral Debit. Scapia. Am I good? asking for two person, me and my wife.

[akhilgopal]

On 10/3/2023 at 12:37 AM, ZooZoo said:

Thanks for great suggestions. How much cash you carried? Do they accept the card payments at most places or cash is the way? Also, what locations you suggest in south bali in Ulawatu and Kuta area. We will be in that region for last 3 days before catching the flight. For now, we have decided on Canggu Beach and Ulawatu Temple in those 3 days. 

 

We took around 400-500usd in cash. Cards work well and are accepted in almost all places. You get to find ATMs at a lot of places as well. I used Fi in most places. 

 

If you want, you can stay in Kuta and Canggu. But if you are okay with riding a scooter, staying near Kuta/ Legian will be fine. Uluwatu is in one direction and Canggu is in another direction from Kuta. If you want to visit Tanah lot, you have to go through Canggu.

 

I would advise staying in Kuta and visiting Tanah Lot and Canggu in one day. Canggu has a lot of good restaurants/ cafes. 

 

One day to Uluwatu region from Kuta. You can try the Bali Mandara toll road if you want. Uluwatu region has so many beaches. I read that Melasti beach is a good attraction. GWK is a cultural park and just okayish. Work is still going on, so you can skip it if you want. If you visit Uluwatu, go in the evening around sunset, attend the Kecak as well. Be careful with monkeys in Uluwatu. Just keep all your things including sunglasses in the bag. 

 

Third day, you can roam around Kuta/ Seminyak/ shopping/ beach activities etc. 

 

Feel free to message me in case you need any help. 

 

Thanks,

Akhil

 

[SuperT]

10 hours ago, dante77 said:

What all the cards accepted on Encalm lounge International T3 terminal in Delhi? 

 

I have Regalia Credit, Millenia and Coral Debit. Scapia. Am I good? asking for two person, me and my wife.

This list should help but considering that they haven't made any changes recently - https://www.hdfcbank.com/content/bbp/repositories/723fb80a-2dde-42a3-9793-7ae1be57c87f/?path=/Personal/Pay/Cards/Credit Card/Credit Card Landing Page/Credit Cards/DomLounge-List.pdf

[dante77]

I think only my Regalia is gonna work on international lounge. Millinia is my debit card.

 

Is there any other good cheap card with international lounge access? Going on 1st Nov, so I have time. 

[Snake]

Ended my first day in Japan, this place is something else

[Bird Bird Bird]

17 minutes ago, Snake said:

Ended my first day in Japan, this place is something else

It is. Which city ?