## Why Vietnam

Vietnam is a landscape of many aspects, breathtaking nature, nice people, sensational food and many more. Vietnam has been a tourist favorite country for the past few years. It is said that it is a less well-known Thailand. Whether this is true, everyone will have to judge it themselves. It is suitable for visiting with children, but also without children and only with a backpack. If you are a lover of infinitely long sandy beaches, beautiful weather, recreational activities with nature and great food, do not hesitate and go to Vietnam, which offers all of these.

Vietnam also has a rich history, so even art lovers will be into it. Tourists are offered a lot of activities, from exploring the Vietnamese underground, hiking to the highest mountain of Indochina, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, diving, cooking classes, sailing on the Mekong, camping on the beach or playing in the dunes. In general, you can do anything you can think of here.

## The capital of Vietnam

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, an ever-evolving metropolis, which is bustling and fascinating. It has a population of almost 8 million and is a major cultural, political and economic center. The first mention of Hanoi is back to the middle of the 10th century, when northen Vietnam was under control of Chinese rules. The then king of the first Vietnamese dynasty, Ly, chose his capital here and moved here from Hoa Lu. He named the city Thang Long or the city of the flying dragon. In the 18th century, thanks to the influence of the rebels and the new successor, dynasty Nguyen, the capital moved again to Hue. In 1831, Thang Long was renamed Ha Noi, or the city inside of the rivers. Until 1976, Hanoi was only the capital of northern Vietnam. After the coup and the unification of the country in 1976, it became the capital of the entire Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

In the 1970s, Hanoi was severely damaged by the ongoing American war in Indochina, yet there remain a large number of fascinating cultural monuments. Among the most famous ones are the Hanoi Opera, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Quoc Tu Giam Temple of literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda and many others that are definitely worth a visit.

## Flag of Vietnam

The Vietnam flag's meaning is easily understandable. The base is a red rectangle and a yellow star in the middle. Red symbolizes blood and yellow is the "skin color" of the Vietnamese people. It is claimed that the red background also represents the struggle for independence that the Vietnamese coped with for many years. The five-pointed star symbolizes the cohesion of each Vietnamese people, despite the great differences between 5 social groups, workers, traders, the army, farmers and intellectuals. The flag in its current form has been used since 1976.

## Population of Vietnam

Vietnam or the full name Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 2015 was inhabited by over 95 million people. The capital Hanoi has more than 8 million inhabitants. The majority of population is Vietnamese (about 85%). Other 53 ethnic groups live in Vietnam such as Khmer, Hmong, Chinese. During the wars between Vietnam and China, almost half a million Chinese left Vietnam.

In 1986, property rights and freedoms were liberated and people began to move to cities on a large scale. The rate of urbanization is increasing every year. Today, about 36% of the population lives in cities.

## Holidays in Vietnam

The best opportunity to get to know Vietnamese culture is to take part in a national holiday or celebration. Some holidays have a fixed date, others have a changeable date according to the lunar calendar. If we decide to visit Vietnam at a time when there are some celebrations, let's take a thicker wallet with us. Prices are rising very high during the holidays.

- January 1st, New Year's Eve / Tet Duong Lich /
- January-February (the 1st - 5th of the first lunar month), Tet Nguyen Dan - MOST IMPORTANT
  holiday in Vietnam, New Year and Christmas are celebrated at once
- April 30th, Vietnam Unification Day / Saigon Giai Phong / - celebration of the end of the
  war on April 30th, 1975
- May 1st, Labor Day
- May 19th, Ho Chi Minh's Birthday Celebration / Sinh Nhat Bac Ho /
- May 26th (the 8th of the April in lunar calendar) - Buddha's birthday celebrations
- Md-autumn festival (the 15th of the August lunar month)
- September 1, Independence Day - Ho Chi Minh City's Declaration of Independence
  in 1954
- December 24th and 25th, Christmas' Eve

## Emblem of Vietnam

The yellow five-pointed star on a red circular base is the basis of the Vietnamese
Emblem. This circle is bordered by a wreath of rice representing agriculture.
Part of the emblem is a cogwheel symbolizing industry. The whole emblem is tied with a red ribbon on which
the inscription "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" is. The emblem has been used since 1976.

## Currency in Vietnam

The national Vietnamese currency is the dong, which means copper. It comes from the initial currency, which was made of copper. The abbreviation of the Vietnamese dong is VND. All banknotes depict Ho Chi Minh, one of the most important figures in the history of Vietnam. The best way to exchange dollars is in Vietnam. The euro is also not a problem, but exchange rates are better for the dollar. We can change money in the bank, goldsmiths and tourist areas and currency conversion offices. In conversion, USD 1 is equal to VND 23,122.19, see [currency converter](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=VND).

## Timeshift

New York City is in the UTC -4 time zone and Vietnam UTC + 7, so the difference is 11
hours. If we are at 12:00 pm in New York, it is 11 hours more in Vietnam, ie 11:00 am.
London is in the UTC +0 time zone different from Vietnam, if it is 7 am in London, then it is 2 pm in Vietnam.

## Prices in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the cheaper destinations for foreign tourists. Although prices are constantly rising with increasing tourism, they are still lower or at most the same as in our country. As anywhere in the world, living in Vietnam is cheap but also expensive. The advantage of Asian countries is that it is very easy to bargain here, you often get 50% of the original price.

- Accommodation in a double room from VND 150,000 - 300,000
- Accommodation for the more demanding from VND 1,000,000
- Food in a cheaper restaurant about VND 15,000 - 30,000
- Food in a more expensive restaurant about VND 40,000 - 150,000
- Beer VND 8,000 - 13,000
- Bottled water approx. VND 5,000
- Postcard VND 3,500
- Taxi for 1km VND 10,000 - 15,000
- Motorbike rental per day VND 100,000 - 300,000

## Vaccination in Vietnam

Vietnam is becoming more and more a popular tourist area every year. There is a large accumulation of people here and hygiene habits are not like in other countries. As prevention, several vaccinations are recommended, but none is mandatory, so it is always at the discretion of each of us.

Jaundice A + B, typhoid fever and tetanus are recommended as basic vaccinations.

Vaccination against typhoid fever is for about 5 years and its price is around USD 242. Then revaccination is needed.

Other recommended vaccinations include rabies and malaria. Vaccination depends on the nature of the trip and the areas visited. Contact your general practitioner or travel medicine institute for more information.

## Visa to Vietnam

A visa is required for foreign citizens to enter the country. Depending on your needs, you can choose from three different visas - an E-visa, a 30-day multi-entry visa and a 180-day multi-entry visa.

An e-visa is a single-entry visa valid for a maximum of 30 days. The application can be submitted on the website <https://immigration.gov.vn/dv-bao-lanh> and its price is USD 25.

In order to obtain a multi-entry visa or so-called "Visa on arrival", it is necessary to apply for a letter for approval, which we will present at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam.

If we are going to the Phu Quoc island and stay within 30 days, we will do without a visa. However, we have to arrive from the international airport and also fly out of there from Vietnam.

## Security in Vietnam

Vietnam is a very safe country to travel. The people here are nice and willing to help with anything. Crime is very low here, but as everywhere in the world, pickpocketing is not avoided in Vietnam either. Keep all money, passports and valuables well.

Healthcare is at a very high level here, if you look for a "private hospital", you will find several in almost every city. English can usually be spoken to paramedics.

Mosquito-borne diseases, dengue fever, are on the rise. It is not possible to vaccinate against this disease and it is recommended to use a repellent with a high DEET component as effective prevention. As in most Asian countries, tap water is not drinkable in Vietnam, so it is recommended to drink only bottled water.

## Interesting facts about Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that offers many attractions and curiosities. Did you know, for example, that Vietnam is the largest producer of cashew nuts in the world? It accounts for 37% of exports. Or that most of the banknotes are made of plastic?

It is one of the longest underground tunnel complexes in Vietnam, measuring 250 km. The Cu Chi tunnels (/gu: tʃi/) served as a transport and logistics haven during the Vietnam War. Only half of these tunnels have been preserved.

## Important contacts

**Where to call in case of emergency in Vietnam?**

- Firefighters 114
- Police 113
- Ambulance 115

**Vietnam phone code is +84.**

**Contacts at U.S Ambassy Hanoi:**

**Address:**
7 Lang Ha street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: 024 3850-5000
Email: support-vietnam@ustraveldocs.com.
Further contacts can be found on the <https://vn.usembassy.gov/>

**Contacts at British Embassy Hanoi:**

**Address:**

Central Building, 4th floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: 024 3936 0500
Email: generalenquiries.vietnam@fcdo.gov.uk.
Further contacts can be found on the <https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-hanoi>

**Contacts at Australia Ambassy Vietnam:**

**Address:**
8 Dao Tan Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: 024 37740100
Email: consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au
Further contacts can be found on the <https://vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/home.html>

Guide to Vietnam

## Why Thailand

Thailand is one of the most frequently searched countries in the world when it comes to tourism. However, there are still some places not so familiar to tourists. The most attractive things for tourists are the **infinitely long sandy beaches**, **beautiful weather**, full of greenery and unrivaled **cuisine**. It is a country full of contrasts. On the one hand, luxury resorts are right next to a slum. Many locals offer a "restaurant" right at home in these slums. You can often see them all the way to the kitchen. But don't be fooled by the first impression, as this is usually the best gastronomic experience and for a few dollars.

As Thailand is a Buddhist country, lovers of history and art will find many unique monuments here. You can find a Buddha statue or Buddhist temples on almost every corner. If you are not a pure art lover, you will certainly enjoy the wildlife of national parks or nature preservations. Swimming in waterfalls, swimming with elephants, feeding monkeys or "just" taking a walk in the jungle, all these and many more will attract you to these parks. The most famous and beautiful of them is Erawan Park. Another reason to travel to Thailand is the weather, beaches and beautiful romantic islands. The weather here is tropical and is divided into dry and rainy seasons. There is no bad time to travel to Thailand. You can come here all year round, only from June to October it rains more.

What would it be like to spend our vacation in Thailand if we didn't indulge in a **Thai massage**. You don't even have to look for massage offers, they will literally approach you step by step. Thai massage is essentially an art. It is a combination of yoga and massage, where the body and soul come together. The recommended massage time is at least 90 minutes. You will pay around BHT 300 for such a massage.

## The capital of Thailand

The capital of Thailand is Bangkok, or the city of sins. With its 8 million inhabitants, it is also the most populous city in the country and also the center of finance and trade in Thailand. In history, Bangkok has served as a trading post. This has been the case since the 15th century. At the end of the 19th century, the city was greatly influenced by modernization from the west, it became the center of rebellion and coups. Between the years 1960 and 1980, there was rapid growth, which has an impact on current politics, the media, the economy and education. Regional representations of multinational companies were built here. Due to its rapid growth, it has very significant problems with its transport infrastructure.

Tourists will find many cultural monuments here, but they will also enjoy the nightlife. The main important monuments include the Buddhist temples Wat Arun and Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, Chatuchak Weekend Market and King Power MahanaKhon. Bangkok is the third most visited city in the world. In the ranking in front of it are only London and Paris. At the same time, it was called the best city in the world, three times in a row, by Travel + Leisure magazine.

## King of Thailand

Maha Vatchiralongkon Bodindradebajavarangkun or Rama X. is the tenth king of Thailand from the Chakra dynasty since 13th October 2016. Rama X. is the only son of Rama IX. and Queen Sikirit born on 28th July 1952.

The king was married a total of three times. He has an only daughter from his first marriage. His second marriage brought him a total of five descendants, including four sons and one daughter. After the divorce, Princess Yuvadhida, his second wife, moved to Britain with her children. Rama X. then kidnapped his daughter from this marriage back to Thailand, the remaining sons were rejected by the king after the divorce. From the third marriage, King Rama X has his last son.

## Flag of Thailand

The flag of Thailand or tricolor consists of five stripes in red, white, blue, white, red. The bandwidth ratio is 1:1:2:1:1. In history, blue resembled an ally during World War I. The main one was France, whose flag also has a tricolor blue-red-white. According to modern interpretation, it symbolizes the kingdom. Red is a symbol of shed blood for its acquisition and subsequent freedom. White represents the purity of the nation and Buddhism. In the past, an elephant was depicted on the national flag, as Thailand was often nicknamed the Land of the White Elephant. To this day, it is possible to buy a miniature flag with an elephant in stores.

## Population of Thailand

At the last census in 2018, Thailand had a population of 69.2 million. The metropolis of Bangkok is home to 14 million, accounting for more than 22% of the country's population. 75% of the population is Thai. Other ethnic groups approved by the Thai government include the Chinese, Malays, Khmer and Laos. There are a total of 62 approved ethnic groups. More than 93% of the population resorts to Buddhism, 5% are Muslims and 1% Christians.

## Holidays in Thailand

Thai holidays always have a fixed date. This is the case in contrast to various festivities and celebrations. This is because it follows the lunar calendar. If the holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is always a day off.

- 1st January New Year
- January / February Chinese New Year - this is not an official holiday, but the country is significantly paralyzed for 2-3 days
- 6th April Chakri Dynasty Day - A celebration of the founding of the currently ruling dynasty
- April (full moon day) Songkran - Thai New Year
- 5th May Coronation day
- May / June (full moon) Visakha Bucha - celebration of Buddha's birth
- July (full moon) Asalha Bucha - a holiday to celebrate the Buddha's first sermon
- Khao Phansa (the day after Asalha Bucha) - the day when the three-month period of fasting of Buddhist monks begins
- 12th August Her Majesty Queen Sikirit's birthday - Mother's Day
- 23th October King Chulalongkor Day - celebrations in honor of the death of King Rama V.
- October / November Ok Phansa - the end of a three-month Buddhist fast
- November (full moon) Lond Krathong - Feast of Lights
- 5th December King's birthday - celebrations of fathers
- 10th December Constitution Day - the anniversary of the date of adoption of the Constitution in 1932
- 31st December New Year's Eve

During Thai holidays and all kinds of festivities, accommodation prices may vary. It is, therefore, a good idea to find out this information before you travel.

## Emblem of Thailand

The main national emblem of Thailand is a symbol of freedom and a better morning, the mythical bird Garuda. An explanation of it exists in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The bird is depicted in red and gold.

The first Thai emblem was founded by Rama I. The red flag was supplemented by a white Buddhist wheel of law, decorated on the inside with a ring. Rama II then added a white elephant in the middle of the wheel. It was a symbol of rare elephants. Rama IV, during his reign, has removed the white wheel of law and only the elephant remained.

The first official emblem was established during the reign of Rama V in 1873. Today's form of the emblem has existed since 1910 when it was founded by Rama VI.

## Currency of Thailand

The only currency in Thailand is the Thai baht (bat). The world code is TBH. The best exchange rate in Thailand is Euros or US Dollars. Money can be exchanged at the airport, the exchange rate does not differ much from banks or exchange offices in cities. Tourist areas are richly equipped with ATMs, but there is a charge for them. Payment by card is not as common here as in Europe, as Thais pay large fees to the bank for it.

## Prices in Thailand

Prices in Thailand are much lower than the dollar average. In tourist resorts, however, it is a bit exaggerated. The advantage is that you can bargain in almost every store. But beware of the double price standards. It can be found quite often in Thailand. This is a price for Thai people and a price (always higher) for tourists.

In conversion, one baht is based on approximately USD 0.032.

[Before leaving, you can check the course here, for example](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=THB).

Approximate prices

- **Postcard** TBH 5
- **Food in cheaper bistros** TBH 15-80
- **Food in restaurants** from TBH 100
- **Beer in the restaurant** TBH 50-80
- **Bottled water** TBH 8-15
- **Tuk Tuk** TBH 100
- **Accommodation** per night TBH 200 - 2000
- **Scooter** per day from TBH 150
- **Petrol** TBH 20 - 45
- **Boat trips** by destination from TBH 250
- **Thai massage** TBH 250 - 350

## Vaccination in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist countries. There is a large accumulation of people here and hygiene habits are not the same as in other countries. As prevention, several vaccinations are recommended, but none is mandatory, so it is always at the discretion of each of us.

Jaundice A + B, typhoid fever and tetanus are recommended as basic vaccinations. Vaccination against typhoid fever is for about 3 years and its price is from USD 34.6 to 51.9. Every tourist should have been vaccinated against tetanus. Its protection lasts from approximately 10 to 15 years. Then revaccination is needed.

Other recommended vaccinations include rabies and malaria. Vaccination depends on the nature of the trip and the areas visited. Contact your general practitioner or travel medicine institute for more information.

## Security in Thailand

Security in Thailand is no different from most other countries. Actually, it is considered one of the safest Asian countries. Robberies rarely happen. It's a good idea to watch out for pickpockets at some night markets. Keep all money, passports and valuables well. However, this is recommended anywhere in the world.

As far as healthcare is concerned, it is at a very high level in Thailand. In remote parts of the country, medical facilities are less available, but everywhere there are very well-equipped pharmacies, where a lot of medicine is available without a prescription. It is recommended to use a repellent to prevent diseases caused by mosquito transmission.

As tap water is not drinkable in Thailand, it is recommended to drink only bottled water. The price of drinking water is around a few baht and can be found almost anywhere. Buying a filter bottle is a good idea.

## Interesting facts about Thailand

Thailand is a country full of attractions and curiosities. Did you know that Thai national beer Singha is produced using hops from the Czech Republic which is famous by excellent beer quality? Or that the original name of the capital Bangkok is Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amorn Rattanakosindra Mahindrayutthaya Mahadilokpop Noparattana Radchhani Burirom Udom Rachnivet Mahastan Amorn Pimarn Avatarn Satit Sakututtiya Vishnukarm Prasit. Since 1782, the locals have called it Krung Thep alias, city of angels for short. Speaking of angels, did you know the famous Red Bull that gives you wings originated in Thailand.

## Important contacts

As in every country, so in Thailand you need to know a few useful contacts. Even though it is a safe destination, you never know when it will come in handy.

- Tourist Police Tel. 1155
- Fire brigade Tel. 199
- Police Tel. 191
- Rescue service Tel. 1554

**The phone code** for Thailand is **+66.**

It is recommended to purchase a one-time sim card. It can be obtained at any airport upon arrival. You can choose from many offered tariffs, most of which also offer very good internet. For example, you can buy a sim card for 15 days for 600 TBH with unlimited internet and 100 free minutes. Wifi in Thailand doesn't work very well.

**Contacts at the U.S. Embassy Bangkok:**

**Address:**
95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: +66-2-205-4000, 02-205-4000
Emergency line: 02-205-4000
Email: thailand@ustraveldocs.com
Further contacts can be found at <https://th.usembassy.gov/>

**Contacts at the Australian Embassy Thailand:**

**Address:**
181 Wireless Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 344 6300, +66 2 118 7100
Emergency line: +66 2 344 6300
Email: austembassy.bangkok@dfat.gov.au  
Further contacts can be found at <https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/home.html>

**Contacts at the British Embassy Bangkok:**

**Address:**
British Embassy, AIA Sathorn Tower, Floor 12A, 11/1 South Sathorn Road,
Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Phone: +66 (0) 2 305 8333
Emergency line: +66 (0) 2 305 8333
Email: Info.Bangkok@fcdo.gov.uk
Further contacts can be found at <https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-bangkok>

Guide to Thailand

## Why Sri Lanka

For many reasons. Whether you are fan of active holidays or coming with your family including small children, you'll enjoy your visit. You can surf on sunny beaches all day long, your children may have fun in the beautiful blue pool, or in the central area you can try several mountain treks, or visit several palaces with a rich history, mostly associated with a visit to Siddhartha.

## The capital of Sri Lanka

The official capital of Sri Lanka is **Sri Jayavardanapura Kotte**, abbreviated **Kotte**. It is a suburb of the largest city of Colombo and the capital has been since 1977. Until then, it used to be Colombo. In addition to the new Parliament building, other government offices began to move here in 1982.

## Flag of Sri Lanka

A yellow lion holding a sword as a symbol of power on a red background. Green and orange stripes symbolizes Hindu Tamils and Muslim Moors. Four yellow tickets are meant to commemorate Buddhist values - kindness, compassion, joy and peace.

## Population of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has over 22 million inhabitants. The most numerous nationalities are Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims.

## Holidays in Sri Lanka

Many holidays are celebrated in Sri Lanka. For some, it is not possible to determine the exact date easily - for example, for Muslims they are determined by the phase of the moon, for Hindus based on astrological calculations.

The days of **Poja** are full moon celebrations. These days, people do not go to work and are not allowed to sell or consume alcohol. However, this restriction does not apply to tourists and alcohol is served in restaurants.

The largest and most important festival is the **Esala perahera** in Kandy (July / August). 10-day celebrations full of dancers, artists and elephants. The celebrations are colorful and very photogenic for tourists.

The second most important holiday is the Duruthu perahera in Colombo (January), on a full moon day. Celebrating the first visit of the Buddha in Sri Lanka.

Vesak in May commemorates the birth of the Buddha and his entry into Nirvana. Buddhists bring flowers and candles to temples. The celebrations end with a pilgrimage to Adam's Mountain.

Christmas is celebrated here on December 25th and the New Year falls on April 14th and is celebrated throughout the week.

## Emblem of Sri Lanka

The base of the emblem is the same as on the flag, lion holding a sword. Furthermore, a wreath of golden lotus petals, a blue ring and a wreath of golden rice surround. At the top is a blue Buddhist wheel of life (dharmachakra). Below the emblem is a golden jug of abundance (punkalasa) and on its sides a golden sun and moon.

## Currency of Sri Lanka

1 **Sri Lankan Rupee**=0.0054 USD (updated on July 10th, 2020), but we recommend that you always check the current exchange rate.

You can exchange money at the airport. After picking up your luggage, you will come across exchange offices. They all have the same rate, but they will entice you to exchange with them. It is ideal to bring US Dollars or Euros to exchange. From our own experience, we recommend exchanging most of your money to smaller banknotes. LKR 1000 is high value for Sri Lankans and they may have trouble to give you back change, for example (tuk tuk drivers).

We also recommend that you take as much cash as possible with you. Some ATMs may not help you. They either take Visa cards only or MasterCard only. Alternatively, if you have both types of cards, you should have enough money on both.

### Prices in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, drinking and food are cheap by western standards. Conversely, alcohol and cigarettes will become more expensive. The prices for drinks are low, but note that they may also be low on volume.

The cheapest transportation option is a bus, but for your convenience we recommend tuk tuk + it is an interesting experience. The price per kilometer is about LKR 50 and if the driver asks you for more, be sure to negotiate the price.

**Example prices:**

- Food in an ordinary restaurant about LKR 250
- Local beer about LKR 300
- Imported beer approx. LKR 500
- Water approx. LKR 50
- Cigarettes / Marlboro / approx. LKR 1500
- Package of Ceylon loose teapot LKR 500
- Spice bag approx. LKR 300
- Fresh coconut approx. LKR 40
- Rice and curry about LKR 200
- Admission Sigiriya about LKR 4000
- Yala National Park about LKR 3000 + 5000 jeep rental
- Horton Plains National Park about LKR 3000
- Dambulla about LKR 1500
- Pinewalla about LKR 2500
- Millenium about LKR 3000
- Temple of the Buddha's Tooth about LKR 1000

## Vaccination in Sri Lanka

Pre-trip vaccination is not mandatory, only recommended:

- Jaundice A
- Jaundice B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus

In addition to vaccination, it is good to take quality repellent with you. In Sri Lanka, especially in tourist areas, there is no risk of malaria, but the risk of dengue fever has increased. Mosquito nets should be part of every accommodation, but if you take your own, you won't spoil anything + sunscreen with high SPF is a good idea too!

When staying in Sri Lanka, it is in any case necessary to follow basic hygiene rules for staying in tropical countries, including appropriate vaccinations, or use of antimalarial, and caution when consuming food and beverages. In the case of health problems, it is necessary to take into account that commonly available health care is not at a level comparable to European or American countries. It is advisable to ask for a recommendation of a medical facility in higher category hotels.

## Visa to Sri Lanka

On January 31st, 2020, the Sri Lankan government suspended the pilot project of issuing free electronic tourist visas upon arrival in Sri Lanka to 46 selected countries.

If you are traveling to Sri Lanka for tourism, visit <http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/> to obtain an electronic travel authorization.

## Security in Sri Lanka

There is very low crime in Sri Lanka. However, use common precaution. Eventually some petty theft may happen, so we recommend guarding your personal assets and not putting them away unnecessarily.

The most dangerous probably is the traffic on the road. There are no rules on this island as we know them, traffic lights, transitions, you have to be really careful. The most common cause of death of tourists are traffic accidents, but if you are vigilant enough, you will be fine.

Local people are very nice, mainly because they want your money. They will attract you in various ways and offer you their services. Be especially careful on busy beaches. **Offering services** is normal, but some are intrusive and annoying, and in a few minutes many will come to you. If you are not interested in buying everything, we recommend that **you ignore the seller**. Once you talk to them, it's hard to get rid of them. But if you are interested in their services (massages, snorkeling) or products (souvenirs), **you can bargain**. As a general rule, when the price is not stated, you can bargain and it would not offend anyone. On the contrary, actually, **you have to**, because most sellers determine the price according to skin color.

## Interesting facts about Sri Lanka

Pole fishermen - even though more efficient fishing methods are already being used, it is still possible to encounter pole fishermen somewhere. Mainly because you can take pictures of them for a fee. For some, it is the main source of income.

You can also support local animals. E.g. elephant orphanage, where you can finally pet an elephant or bathe with it, or a turtle farm. These institutions are mainly used to help and rescue animals.

Locals have their own habits that should be followed. Do not undress yourself unnecessarily, **do not shake left hand and do not use it when eating** (the left hand is unclean, it is used in restroom ...), **do not take pictures turning back to Buddha**, do not smoke in public (in tourist areas it is tolerated).

## Important contacts

**Where to call in case of an emergency in Sri Lanka?**

- Rescue service: 110
- National Security Line: 118
- Police: 119
- Government aid: 1919

**The area code for Sri Lanka is +94.**

**Contacts at the U.S. Embassy Colombo:**

**Address:**

210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 (11) 249-8500 Emergency line: +94 (11) 249-8500

Email: support-srilanka@ustraveldocs.com

Further contacts can be found at <https://lk.usembassy.gov/>

**Contacts at Australian High Commission Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka:**

**Address:**

21 Srimath RG Senanayake Mawatha Colombo 7

Phone: +94 112463200 Emergency line: +94 112463200

Email: info.aulk@vfshelpline.com

Further contacts can be found at <https://srilanka.embassy.gov.au/clmb/home.html>

**Contacts at British High Commission Colombo:**

**Address:**

389 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 11 5390639. Emergency line: +94 11 5390639.

Email: colombo.general@fcdo.gov.uk

Further contacts can be found at <https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-colombo>

Guide to Sri Lanka

However, they are not all just tall skyscrapers and sand. Founded 50 years ago by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country is now home to more than 200 nationalities and a world pioneer in many industries.

Every year, it welcomes millions of tourists from around the world to explore the rich and diverse experiences that this Arabian gem has to offer.

## Basic information about the UAE

## Why the Emirates

There is no lack of reasons why you should visit the United Arab Emirates. This small country located in the Persian Gulf is home to the tallest building in the world, the most luxurious hotels ever built and a mixture of tradition and novelty that is rare in other countries. The best reasons to visit the United Arab Emirates can be found in each of its 7 emirates, all of which offer their own unique experiences.

## The capital of the Emirates

Abu Dhabi - this emirate is the capital of the UAE and its largest state, which occupies approximately 87% of the country's territory.

Abu Dhabi, the Arab capital of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the national capital of this federation. The city is located on a small island just off the coast of the Persian Gulf and is connected to the mainland by a short bridge. Abu Dhabi was previously an undeveloped city with only local significance, but its oil revenues allowed it to develop into a modern city with a fully developed infrastructure.

## Flag

The flag shows three identical horizontal stripes of green, white and black, from top to bottom, while the red vertical strip is next to the mast. The flag was designed in 1971 by the young Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah. The UAE flag consists of four colors: green, white, black and red. All four represent Arab unity. Green indicates good and agriculture, which is abundant throughout the country. White means peace. Black is about courage and strength. Red refers to strength and sovereignty.

## Emblem of the United Arab Emirates

The emblem is made up of a golden falcon which represents strength and heritage, while the flag in the middle with seven stars around it represents the unity of the seven emirates. Originally, when the emblem was adopted in 1971, it contained an Arab Dhow in the middle instead of the UAE flag and seven stars.

## Population

The current population of the United Arab Emirates (April 2020) is 9,865,519, which corresponds to 0.13% of the total world population. The UAE ranks 93rd in the list of countries by population.

The population density in the United Arab Emirates is 118 per km2.

86.4% of the population is urban. The average age in the United Arab Emirates is 32.6.

## Holidays in the Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, there are two types of holidays - fixed holidays (National Day and New Year) and Islamic holidays, which depend on the phase of the moon and their dates change every year.

Federal ministries, public ministries and government institutions are closed during public holidays.

In 2020, the people of the UAE will have a total of up to 15 holidays.

| Holiday              | Date                      |
| -------------------- | ------------------------- |
| New year             | 1st January 2020          |
| Eid Al Fitr          | 23th or 24th May 2020     |
| Arafat Day           | 29th or 30th July 2020    |
| Eid Al Adha          | 30th or 31st July 2020    |
| Hijri New Year's Day | 19th or 20th August 2020  |
| Martyr's Day         | 1st December 2020         |
| National Day         | 2nd and 3rd December 2020 |

## Currency of the Emirates

The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED or Dhs) and is divided into 100 fils.

Credit and debit cards are generally accepted. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in exchange offices, banks and licensed hotels, a passport is required. If you are shopping in malls or smaller stores, cash is the best choice.

Bank opening hours are usually from Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 - 13:00 (some banks keep later hours). Some banks have small branches in shopping malls, which are also open in the evenings.

[1 AED=0.272294 USD updated on 11th May 2020](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=AED&To=USD)

## Prices in the Emirates

If you are wondering if the UAE is an expensive country to visit and live in, the answer is yes. While the cost of living in the UAE varies depending on the emirate, the total cost is high. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have slipped into the world ranking of the most expensive cities to live in.

When arranging discounts, it is more advantageous to pay in dirhams and in cash. As in many other Arab countries, in Dubai, traders are in the habit of bargaining.

Restaurant:

- Meals, cheap restaurant 25.00 AED
- Meals for 2 people, Middle-class restaurant, three-course menu 200.00 AED
- McMeal at McDonald's AED 25.00
- Homemade beer (0.5 liters) 40.00 AED
- Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) 45.00 AED
- Coca Cola / Pepsi (0.33 l bottle) 3.31 AED
- Water (0.33 1 bottle) 1.44 AED

Trade:

- Milk (1 liter) 5.95 AED
- White bread (500 g) 4.49 AED
- Jablka (1 kg) 8.10 AED
- Banana (1 kg) 6.37 AED
- Oranges (1 kg) 6.37 AED
- Water (1.5 l bottle) 2.44 AED
- Bottle of wine (medium range) 60.00 AED
- Homemade beer (0.5 l bottle) 15.14 AED
- Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) 15.58 AED
- Cigarettes 20ks (Marlboro) 21.50 AED

Transportation:

- One-way ticket (local transport) 5.00 AED
- Monthly ticket (regular price) 247.50 AED
- Start of taxi (normal tariff) 12.00 AED
- Taxi 1 km (normal tariff) 2.00 AED
- Waiting for 1 hour taxi (normal tariff) 30.00 AED
- Petrol (1 liter) 2.30 AED

## Visa to the Emirates

EU citizens have the opportunity to obtain entry visas free of charge after landing at an international airport in the UAE valid for 90 days in any 180-day period. No obligations to obtain in advance are required. This type of visa cannot be extended. Passports should be normal and valid for more than six months. For US and Australian citizens, you can get your visa after landing too but valid for 1 month stay in the UAE

## Security in the Emirates

This country is particularly safe for single women, especially in hotels such as the Dubai Jumeirah Emirates Towers and the Dukes Dubai, which dedicate floors only to women with exclusively female employees.

Not surprisingly, in recent years, Abu Dhabi has surpassed cities such as Vienna and Tokyo, which, according to an online survey by Numbeo, were described as the safest in the world.

The UAE would like to keep it that way, so you will be subject to a very strict customs system when you visit. As you cross Dubai International Airport, you will be able to see 944 control systems, including 23 drug and explosives detectors and 700 radioactivity detectors.

## Interesting facts about the Emirates

- The form of government of the country is an absolute monarchy. Each emirate of the UAE is governed separately royal family, but Emir Abu Dhabi is home to the country's president and head of state, while the Emir of Dubai serves as Prime Minister's.
- Dubai has the longest driverless metro system. It is more than than 75km long
- According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The height of the skyscraper is 828 meters.
- It is always wise for people visiting the country to familiarize themselves with local laws. In Dubai, for example, people were prosecuted and imprisoned for public display of affection.
- Arabic is the national language, but English is widely used
- Burj Al Arab is a 7-star hotel with 24-carat interiors gold

- Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates and across the city you will see mosques. Religion is an important part of Dubai's culture.

## Important contacts

**Where to call in case of emergency in the UAE?**

- Police: 999
- Fire brigade: 997
- Emergency: 998

**The UAE phone code is +971.**

**Contacts at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi:**

**Address:**

P.O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Phone: +971-2 414 2200

Email: AbuDhabiACS@state.gov

**Contacts at the Australian Embassy United Arab Emirates:**

**Address:**

16th Floor, Al Muhairy Centre, Zayed the First Street, Abu Dhabi

Phone: +971 2 401 7500

Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com

**Contacts at the British Embassy Abu Dhabi:**

**Address:**

British Embassy Abu Dhabi, Al Hisn Street, Al Markaziyah West, PO Box 248 Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 2 610 1100

Further contacts can be found on the MFA website.

Guide to the United Arab Emirates

Bali is the main island of the Little Sunda Group. It lies between Java and Lombok. It covers more than 5,633 km². Among foreign tourists, Bali is a very popular destination. As with other Asian countries, life in Bali is very affordable. It offers everything a tourist desires, from monuments to breathtaking nature.

## Basic information about Bali

## Why Bali

The island of Bali is the most visited all over Indonesia. There are several reasons to visit Bali.

Bali or the island of the gods is suitable for visiting with children as well as without children and only with a backpack. In addition to typical holiday requirements, which include beautiful beaches and supernature, it also offers a unique underwater world, rich historical culture, active volcanoes and an endless number of hours that we can spend in the waves when surfing. Bali is one of the best surfing destinations in the world.

As in the whole of Asia, very nice and smiling people live here. It's a joy to just walk down the streets and smile with everyone around you. You can diversify the experience by relaxing and strengthening in a local restaurant. Indonesian food is very tasty and the menu is varied.

## The capital of Bali

The capital, Indonesian province of Bali, is Denpasar. Bali is one of 34 provinces. It is also the most visited island in the country. Denpasar has a population of approximately 800,000 and is the main tourist center that connects most of the islands. It has not been the capital in the beginning, but it was from 1958, when it replaced the original Singaraja in the north of the island. Prior to that year, Denpasar was the capital of the kingdom of Badung until 1906 before it was occupied by the Dutch. After the takeover by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, there was a mass suicide of the royal dynasty and nobility. In memory of this event, a statue of Puputan is exhibited in the square.

Although Denpasar is the capital, it still retains a characteristic of the countryside. It is very quiet, composed of many small tangled villages, Hindu temples and family communities. On the other hand, it is also very modern, there are many new buildings and departments and stores. We can get to know Balinese culture right from Denpasar, just visit the Bali Museum. Other sights and attractions not to be missed include Bali Arts Center, Puputan Monument, Pura Jagatnatha Hindu Temple and Ngurah Rai, the largest mangrove forest in Bali.

## Flag of Bali

Bali, as one of the provinces of Indonesia, has its own flag. It is very simple. The base is an orange rectangle and a pentagon in the middle, which is the emblem of the province. No further explanation of the meaning of the flag is available.

The flag of Indonesia has two stripes, top red and bottom white. It was founded in the 13th century and since 1945 has been used as the official flag of the country.

## Population

The island of Bali has more than 4 million inhabitants. The capital Denpasar has about 800,000 inhabitants. The main ethnic group are Indonesians. The majority of the population is of Hindu religion, followed by Christianity and Islam.

## Holidays in Bali

The best opportunity to get to know Balinese life is to attend a national holiday or celebration. Some holidays have a fixed date, others have a changeable date according to the Balinese calendar. The Balinese calendar is called Pawukon and has only 210 days. The calendar is very specific and very different from our Gregorian. Prices are rising very high during the celebrations.

- 1st January - New Year
- 23rd January - Chinese New Year
- 1st February Galungan Day - a celebration of the victory of goodness over evil
- 4th February Birth of the Prophet Muhammad - this is a Muslim holiday
- 23rd March Nyepi - a festival of silence, or a celebration of the Hindu New Year
- 6th April - Good Friday
- 5th May - Hari Raya Waisak - a holiday to celebrate the Buddha, the day of enlightenment
- 17th May - Assumption of Jesus Christ
- 16th June - Isra ‘Mi’raj Nabi Muhammad - Assumption of the Prophet Muhammad
- 20th July - 18th August - Lent month of Ramadan
- 17th August - Indonesia Independence Day - a national holiday
- 18th August - 20th August Hari Idul Fitri - End of Ramadan
- 26th October - Day of Sacrifice Idul Adha
- 15 th November - Muslim New Year
- 25th December - The birth of Jesus Christ

## Time in Bali

New York is in the UTC - 5 and Bali UTC + 8 time zones, so the difference is 13 hours.
If we are at 12:00am, it is 13 hours behind Bali, ie 11:00pm.

## Currency of Bali

The only currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah. The world brand is IDR. It is best to exchange euros or dollars in Bali. Banknotes have a value of 1,000 - 100,000 and coins are 25 - 1,000 rupees. Rupees are further divided into paisa, which is not used much.

[In conversion, 1,000 IDR is approximately
0.071
USD](https://transferwise.com/gb/currency-converter/idr-to-usd-rate?amount=1000).

Money can be exchanged at the airport, but the rate is worse here. It is best to change money in the bank. Local exchange offices are also not recommended to use much. Tourist areas are richly equipped with ATMs, but there is a charge for them. Card payment is not as common here as in Europe or the USA. In tourist resorts, the price is a bit exaggerated. The advantage is that you can bargain in almost every store.

## Prices in Bali

In tourist resorts, prices are very inflated. As elsewhere in Asia, Bali can be well-negotiated in local markets.

- Accommodation in a double room for less demanding from 13 - 26 USD
- Accommodation for the more demanding from 53 USD
- Food in a cheaper restaurant about 1 - 5 USD
- Food in a more expensive restaurant about 5 - 11 USD
- Beer 2 - 3 USD
- Bottled water approx. 0.2 - 0.6 USD
- Massage 4 USD
- Taxi 1km 0.4 - 1 USD

## Visa in Bali

To enter Bali, European citizens are allowed to enter without a visa or "free visa" for up to 30 days of stay.

If we are planning a longer trip, choose from two other types of visas - Visa on arrival and Visit visa. Visit visa needs to be arranged at the Indonesian Embassy, it is a long-term visa. Visa on arrival at the airport, unlike Free visa, can be extended to additional 30 days. The price of a visa is 35 USD.

## Vaccination in Bali

Bali is a very popular destination for travelers. There is a large population here and hygiene habits are not like in other countries. No vaccination is mandatory, but a few are recommended for prevention.

These are jaundice A + B, typhoid fever, tetanus and rabies. Vaccination against jaundice type A + B is usually three-phase and its advantage is that you are then immune to jaundice for life. Vaccination against typhoid fever is for about 3 years and its price is from 36 to 54 USD. Every traveler should have been vaccinated against tetanus. Its protection lasts from approximately 10 to 15 years. Then revaccination is needed. At your district doctor, revaccination against tetanus is free, paid for by the insurance company.

Vaccination effective depends on the schedule of the trip and the areas visited. Contact your general practitioner or travel medicine institute for more information.

## Interesting facts about Bali

Bali is the most visited province of Indonesia. A plethora of interests can be found here.

We have selected few of them for you:

- Hinduism - many would think it is a religion, but it's not. It's a way of life. Well, it depends on a defintion of religion ...
- Names start with "I" - most names in Bali start with the letter I.
- More temples than houses - in Bali, each family has its own temple.
- 18 letters of the alphabet - The alphabet in Bali has only 18 letters and vowels are writen as one letter
- Bali is not a country - Bali is not a country, but one of the provinces of Indonesia
- Many tourists - you will feel almost like in Europe. There are really many tourists here. You will meet the original Indonesian life here more marginally, it is located on the eastern islands.

## Important contacts

**Where to call in case of an emergency in Bali?**

- Firefighters 113
- Police 110
- Rescue Service 118, 119

**The area code for Bali as well as throughout Indonesia is +62.**

**Contacts at the U.S. Embassy Jakarta:**

**Address:**
Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3 - 5 Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Phone: +62-21-5083-1000
Email: <indonesia@ustraveldocs.com>

**Contacts at the British Consulate Bali:**

**Address:**
Jalan Tantular No 32 Renon, Denpasar, Bali, 80234, Indonesia
Phone: (+62) (21) 2356 5200
Website: <www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-bali>

**Contacts at the Australian Consulate-General Bali:**

**Address:**
Jalan Tantular, No. 32, Renon, Denpasar - Bali 80234
Phone: +62 3 612 000 100
Email: <bali.congen@dfat.gov.au>
Website:<https://bali.indonesia.embassy.gov.au>

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Guide to the United Arab Emirates

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Bali guide

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