in July/August 2005
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resources_travelwisdom.html
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The Little Book of Travel Wisdom
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39. Waterborne Bugs on Tap
There's no end to the trouble that a little dirty water can cause you. Among the common bacterial illnesses that can be transmitted by drinking water are cholera and E. Coli infection; viruses can include hepatitis; and parasites such as giardia and amoeba can lurk in a sparkling glass of water, too. Fortunately, the water in most cities is chlorinated—but why take the chance when traveling in a country with poor water quality? Always buy bottled water (ideally not from your hotel: Some hotels charge as much as $5 a bottle—which might not be made clear until you check out). Remember to brush your teeth using bottled water—not tap water. When at a restaurant, ask whether their table water has been purified. And reconsider that cocktail—ice from bad water can carry bacteria, too. Beer or bottled sodas might be your best libations. Steamed vegetables are safer than raw vegetables and salads.
40. Phoning Home
Here's how to avoid sky-high phone fees charged by hotels. International calling plans from U.S. providers such as AT&T One Rate Global Plus cost a monthly fee plus per-call surcharges, but guarantee competitive rates from international destinations and streamline fees on your monthly phone bill. Prepaid calling cards have set limits of talk time and are widely available at newsstands in Europe and Asia. They're easy to use and cheap, though you might have to call from a pay phone. Some U.S. cell phones operate internationally; if yours doesn't, you can rent a local cell phone at many international airports.
»Heading Home 41. Check It Out
Examine your hotel bill carefully before checking out to make sure you were billed the quoted rate, particularly when your stay spans both a weekend and weekday, which are often billed at different rates. Mistakes are common (which is a good reason to avoid the express checkout service).
42. Customs Shortcuts
Know the restrictions of bringing home goods such as produce, food products, and cigars from other countries. Some rules of thumb: Fresh produce is usually not allowed, but dried and preserved fruits are no problem. Salami and sausages are prohibited, although vacuum-packed meats are sometimes okay. Soft cheeses like Camembert are generally a no-no; harder varieties such as cheddar and Stilton are welcome. Tip: "Don't buy expensive food, because there's always a chance it will be taken away," warns U.S. Customs manager Janice Mosher. Cuban cigars are prohibited no matter what country you bring them from and will likely be confiscated. For a complete list of customs restrictions, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security online.
43. Shop 'Til You Drop
Duty-free shopping has its perks: reduced taxes, convenience, and a good way to use leftover currency. While actual bargains are few, smart shopping can get you the best deals. Major luxe retailers often price an item based on a country's income level. "I priced a Hermès watch in various airports over a year and bought it duty-free in Prague where it was less expensive than in Paris," says Suzy Gershman, author of Frommer's Born to Shop series. In most cases, you'll save on an item in its native country—buy Swedish glass in Stockholm and hard-to-find electronics in Singapore. Check out airline duty-free too; low overhead often makes it less expensive.
44. Get Your VAT Back
Travelers to Europe can recoup a percentage of purchase price on goods—ranging by country from 7.6 percent (Switzerland) to 24.5 percent (Iceland)—in the form of a value-added tax (VAT) refund. A minimum purchase (which also varies by country) is required, but the real reason travelers abandon millions in refunds each year is that securing a refund can be troublesome. But it's worth the effort. Travelers must have their refund request, including original receipt, stamped by a customs official upon departure. Typically this request is then mailed back to the store, which is required to send a refund check (in foreign currency). A better solution is to look for a Global Refund outlet at the airport; this processing agency gives out cash refunds immediately (sometimes a commission is taken based on a percentage of the total price of the item).
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