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5 plans to travel to New York in summer

Five plans to do in New York in the hottest moths

If you have decided to take advantage of the summer holidays to visit the city that never sleeps, with the New York tour guide in hand, we propose 5 plans that you can prepare to enjoy the city in its hottest months.

Outdoor cinema, concerts and theatre in New york
Outdoor cinema in New York

 

1. Free outdoor activities in New York

On summer nights there is no better plan than to do something outdoors and enjoy the temperature drop. In New York they know it very well and for this reason they have a varied program of projections and free concerts in the parks of the city. Check out the programming of outdoor movies and free concerts.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

 

2. Flee from the heat in museums

An option to avoid the midday heat is to visit one of the many museums that the city has. Our must-sees are the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art), the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of 11-S and the Ellis Island Museum. From here you can find a large list of museums to visit art, film photography, history, technology, history, curiosities, … There are museums for all tastes and for all ages.

Coney Island beach view, Nuew York
Coney Island beach with its promenade and attractions in New York

 

3. Let’s go to the beach!

An option for hot days is to take a dip in the Atlantic on one of the New York beaches (yes, it also has beaches). Rockaway, Coney Island, Long Beach, Jones Beach, the Hamptons,… There are many options. In the summer months you can find flea markets, attractions, shops and open restaurants. But you can also choose the picnic. What you like most.

Beverages at an outdoor terrace in New York
Relax in one of the popular outdoor terraces of the city

 

4. Terraces for coffee, a few beers or dinner

The desire for open air in summer is common. That is why the bars, cafes and restaurants of the city have their terraces ready to welcome tourists and residents eager to drink something in open spaces. For example, on the Time Out website (a fairly complete and recommended guide to several cities in the world) you will find a list of the 30 best establishments with picturesque terraces, patios or gardens where you can enjoy something fresh while you feel like a New Yorker.

Boats at Central Park lake in New York
Rent a boat at the lake of Central Park

 

5. Relaxing by spending an afternoon in Central Park

Our recommendation to relax your last afternoon in the city, is that you pass in Central Park. It seems that no, but visiting the park and discovering its most beautiful corners can take a while.

Prepare the blanket and picnic before leaving. Stroll through all the iconic places in the park (the John Lennon monument, the Bethesda fountain, the statues of Alice in Wonderland and Lewis Carroll or the zoo among others). Rent a rowboat and walk the lake quietly at sunset. And when the sunset begins look for your hole in the lawn in Sheep Meadow and enjoy your picnic like any New Yorker.

 

Are you already filling your suitcase to enjoy your summer vacation in New York? Don't forget to take some Dollars in cash too.

5 tips to avoid an upset during your holidays

We give you 5 advices to avoid be theft during your holidays

For most, holidays are the perfect time of the year. It's time to unwind, relax and enjoy free time. But, at times, that state of relaxation can lead us to be somewhat careless with our belongings, which makes us a target of thiefs.

As in Eurochange we think that holidays are to enjoy them without having to worry about these issues, today we give you 5 tips to make your holidays go smoothly.

Avoid thefts while you are having a bath in the beach

On the beach

Habitual situation: you go with friends or with the family to the beach, you all want to enjoy a bath together and get in the water to appease the heat. On the way back you realize that a backpack, a purse, a phone, a wallet are missing… In the beach destinations, especially on the busiest beaches, the thieves camouflage themselves to perfection. At first sight they look like tourists with their caps, their sunglasses or the newspaper under their arms. Nothing would make us suspect them. But they are well trained, they watch their victims and they are very fast, so in that moment when you turn around or submerge yourself in the water, someone may have taken some of your belongings.

Our tip: with a quick search on the Internet you will see that there are a lot of more or less sophisticated knick-knacks to keep your belongings safe. However, we recommend a little bit of good sense. What valuables are necessary (although not essential) on the beach? The mobile phone, cash or a card, an identification and a key (car, hotel, apartment…). Nothing else. Don’t carry the bulging wallet full of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and more cards. You will not need them and, in case of suffering a theft, it will be a nightmare to cancel them. For the 4 things that are really necessary you can choose to buy a waterproof sleeve/bag. They are a little bigger than a mobile phone and in them you can keep what is strictly necessary and take it to the water during the bath without danger.

Avoid thefts while you are visiting a busy place

On busy streets

Habitual situation: you are walking through the busiest tourist streets, with your backpack on your shoulders, while you contemplate or photograph monuments. In your backpack you carry your wallet, your money, your phone, the key to your accommodation,… While you are absorbed in the views and taking advantage of the tumult, someone stealthily opens your backpack and grabs your wallet with skill. Close the backpack so that you don’t realize anything until you want to pay for the food in a restaurant and see that you don’t have your wallet.

Our tip: as in the previous case, we recommend that you analyze the valuables that are essential to carry. The mobile phone or camera, identification, money and cards and key to the accommodation or car. They are again 4 things and, on this occasion, it’s not necessary to carry all the cards we have. Of course, you will want to bring a bottle of water, the travel guide, the selfie stick, the hat,… With which the backpack is essential to take everything.

You can do two things. The first options is to get an anti-theft backpack. In these backpacks the rack system has been improved, they are hidden, which makes it more complicated to open them. The second one is to keep carrying your usual backpack, but take your valuables (remember, 4 things) in a fanny pack or a running style belt, which you can wear discreetly and safely.

Avoid thefts while you are having dinner on a terrace

On a terrace

Habitual situation: after a long day at the beach or walking in the sun in the streets of the city where you are staying, you leave the hotel newly-showered ready to enjoy a cool night. You choose the terrace that you like the most for a drink or to enjoy a delicious dinner. You take your mobile phone to share a photo of the moment and leave it on the table or leave your bag hanging on the back of the chair and prepare to enjoy the moment. In a moment someone passes by your table, something falls to the floor or someone shows you something to distract your attention and, when you look again, your phone or your bag are gone.

Our tip: we will once again insist on what is really necessary. Shorten the list of objects you have to carry and choose the smallest you can to carry it. Keep it always at hand and avoid leaving anything of value on the tables. If you are on the street, avoid hanging things from the back of the chair or leave it in the chair left over. This way you will have your things watched and safe.

 

In the car

Habitual situation: you are going to spend the day on the beach and, to avoid a situation as the ones on the first point of this post, you say "I’m going to leave the mobile and the glasses in the car". So you leave your valuables in the car parked in the classic open space next to the beach, put the car sunshades and go to sunbathe. At the time of lunch you return to the car to get money and go to the chiringuito and you realize that the door has been forced and that neither your phone, nor your glasses, nor your money continue where you left them.

Our tip: obviously, don’t leave valuables in sight. It is also good to save the GPS support or not to leave USB chargers or cigarette lighter placed. Moreover, it is advisable to keep everything when you leave home, before arriving to the beach. Avoid the time to get to the parking lot and keep things in the glove compartment or in the trunk. And, when you open the trunk to get things out of, it's better to leave it empty, so don’t carry a suitcase or anything else that stays inside, because it can be a claim.

Avoid thefts while you are on holiday

In general

As we have mentioned several times throughout the post, the best thing to avoid theft is to take the essential items of value and have them always close and in sight.

If you carry a backpack, better if you have the option to fasten it to the chest (to avoid a possible pull) or if it is an anti-theft backpack. If you carry cash, take only the amount you need and leave the card. If carrying the phone is unavoidable, always carry it with you (although on vacation it is a good time to take advantage of and leave your mobile phone at home;)). Usually hotels romos have a safe where you can keep your personal belongings.

What to do with your Passport? Make a copy and keep the original one in the safe. If you lost or someone steals your wallet, you can have the original one safe. As an added precaution, save a photo of your Passport in your e-mail. It will be very useful if you run out of it to request a new Passport at the consulate or embassy.

We don’t want you to suggest yourself and have persecutory mania during your vacations, but considering four very simple things you can avoid having an undesired situation.

 

We hope that your trip is fantastic and without setbacks and that you enjoy and disconnect as you deserve. Can you think of any other safety advices to share with other travellers?

Please, tell us!

Budget to travel to Poland: 1 week, 2 people

We help you to decide the budget for your trip to Poland

One of the issues that we most doubt when traveling abroad (especially when it comes to a country with a different currency) is how much money we take. And it is not an easy question to answer, but we will try to help you to calculate how many Zlotys to carry for a week in Poland.

Cathedral Island in Wroclaw, Poland
Cathedral Island in Wroclaw, Poland

 

 

Transport

The most convenient option to get around in cities is to buy a transport voucher. These bonds usually take 1, 2 or 3 days and are valid for bus, tram or underground.

Simple tickets usually cost between 3 and 4 zlotys. These tickets allow you to get on any means of transport in 20 minutes from activation. So if you're going to make a quick transfer, they'll serve you. The 1-day passes for zones 1 cost 15 Zlotys and are cheaper if purchased for several days in a row.

If you organize well, you can spend a few days visiting on foot the centers of the cities where most of the tourist attractions are located. The most distant visits can be collected on other days to buy day passes and move by public transport.

To travel between cities the train is a good option. The Intercity PKP Express trains are fast, they take two and a half hours to cover the journey. Tickets from Warsaw to Krakow cost 150 Zlotys being the most expensive. There are also options that take longer and cost half.

And if you prefer to travel by car, the rents of international companies usually have a fairly similar price. Between 150 and 200 Zlotys per day with insurance included. The liter of unleaded petrol 95 goes for about 5.05 – 5.20 zlotys depending on the gas station. In addition there are stretches of highway between some cities.

SUMMARY

  • Transportation tickets for 3 nonconsecutive days: 90 Zlotys
  • Train tickets for two trips: 300 Zlotys
  • Rental car for two days: 300 Zlotys
  • Gasoline for a journey of about 500 kilometers: 250 Zlotys
Royal Castle Square in Warsaw, Poland
Royal Castle Square in Warsaw, Poland

 

Accommodation

As in any other tourist area, accommodation prices may vary depending on the season. Prices tend to range from 40 Zlotys for a hostel or bed and breakfast, to 200 for an average hotel or 400 for a holiday apartment in the center.

Let's put an average of 200 zlotys per day for two people.

SUMMARY

  • Accommodation for 3 nights economic: 600 Zlotys
  • Accommodation for 3 nights regular: 150 Zlotys
Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland
Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland

 

Sights

In the main cities of Poland there are several guided tours companies with very cheap prices. There are even those who do the tours in exchange for tips, with which we put the price ourselves.

There are also other paid visits to the cities for around 40-50 zlotys or excursions to nearby places of between 100 – 200 zlotys per person (such as visits to Auschwitz, to the salt mines of Wieliczka or to Zakopane from Krakow).

Tickets to museums have quite different prices. If you look at the pages of the museums that you want to visit in advance, you can confirm if the day of your visit is paid or not, since there are days when visits are free. Prices are between 10 and 60 zlotys per person.

SUMMARY

  • Two guided tours for two people: 100 Zlotys
  • Guided tour of Auschwitz (not including transportation): 100 Zlotys
  • Entrances to the Marie Curie Museum Warsaw: 22 Zlotys
  • Tickets to the Chopin Museum Warsaw: 44 Zlotys
  • Entrances to the viewpoint of the Palace of Culture and Science Warsaw: 40 Zlotys
  • Tickets to the Museum of the Schindler Factory Krakow: 64 Zlotys
Typical polish: Pierogi Ruskie
Typical polish food: pierogi ruskie filled with potato and cheese

 

Food and drink

As far as food and beverages are concerned, prices are usually quite cheap. Although it is like everything else, there are always places in more tourist areas where you can see that prices are higher and others are more distant where it seems you are lying paying so little.

For example, it is possible to pay 4 Euros for a normal draft beer of 30 cl. but the prices are usually between 8 and 16 Zlotys in the most tourist areas.

Especially in summer, the most demanded are ice cream. A normal cone ice cream with a ball costs between 2 and 5 zlotys.

And for lunch or dinner, you have dairies where you can eat for less than 10 zlotys. In restaurants, the prices of dishes are usually between 15 and 20 zlotys. If you decide to go to the supermarket and make the purchase for a picnic, then calculate roughly half the budget.

SUMMARY

  • 3 meals in a la carte restaurant: 150 Zlotys
  • 4 dinners in a la carte restaurant: 200 Zlotys
  • 2 meals and 1 dinner at dairies: 80 Zlotys
  • 1 lunch and 1 picnic dinner: 30 Zlotys
  • Take something (a few beers or some ice cream several days): 100 Zlotys
Market Square in Krakow, Poland
Market Square in Krakow, Poland

 

Whims and unforeseen

When we talk about budgets to take a trip, we always recommend bringing some money for whims and incidentals. It is true that you can always make your payments by card and in almost any place they accept them, but when returning home it can be a surprise when you check the price or commissions that your bank has charged you.

For example, about 200 or 300 zlotys per person in a good amount to buy some souvenirs and to have some cash in case we want to do some activity that we did not have scheduled.

SUMMARY

  • Extra for other expenses: 500 Zlotys

 

TOTAL BUDGET

  • Transportation: 940 Zlotys
  • Accommodation: 750 Zlotys
  • Food and drink: 560 Zlotys
  • Tourist attractions: 370 Zlotys
  • Whims and unforeseen expenses: 500 Zlotys

RECOMMENDED TOTAL: 3.100 Zlotys for two people a week. How much is that in Euros? 3.100 Zlotys are about 800 Euros, which would make a total of 400 Euros per person.

Like everything, it always depends on what you are going to do, the cities you are going to visit and the journeys you want to make. But we hope we gave you an approximate orientation to prepare your travel budget.

Last quick and useful trick

Sometimes it is difficult to get used to the idea of ​​the price that is being paid by doing it with a different currency. A quick way to calculate approximately the prices in Euros is to divide the amount in Zlotys by 4.

A Zloty costs us a little more than 25 cents of Euro, so when dividing the amount by 4, we can get an idea of ​​the cost of everything easily.

We hope you enjoy your trip!

***

I want to buy Polish Zlotys

4 holiday destinatios in the Caribbean

We propose you 4 of the best destinations in the Caribbean sea

When we hear about travel to the Caribbean, we immediately imagine the paradisiacal beaches, palm trees and sunbeds that you would never want to raise. If you also want to live the experience and discover how the holidays are on the beaches of the photos, point out these 4 destinations that we propose today.

 

Aruba – The Happy Island

Beach in Aruba
Beach in Aruba

 

Aruba is a small island near the north coast of Venezuela, being an autonomous country of the Netherlands. Its history has made it a mixture of cultures such as Caribbean, African and European, that have made it an open, welcoming and, above all, happy people. Hence, they call it the happy island (according to the Arubans, the happiest in the Caribbean).

Aruba is a small island (about 30km long and 10km wide) which makes it easy to travel and discover in 10-15 days of vacation. It is a safe destination (as in all places you can always find a pickpocket) but it is a destination that you can visit and go at your leisure without problems to leave the resort as it happens in other Caribbean destinations.

Snorkeling in Aruba
Snorkeling in Aruba

 

The offer of activities is very wide: diving or snorkeling (which is a must-do), bicycle tours, discover the Arikok National Park, beach sports (windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, …). In addition, it is very prepared for family holidays with an offer to everyone's taste.

More information: Aruba tourism website

 

Jamaica – The land of "All Right"

Beach in Jamaica
Beach in Jamaica

 

South of the island of Cuba is Jamaica, a colourful and welcoming land with a great cultural, gastronomic and nature offer. It is the land that hides behind the Rastafarian culture and that gave life to its maximum representative: Bob Marley.

In Jamaica you will find some of the best beaches in the Caribbean as well as tropical jungles, excursions, sports, nightlife and a surprising gastronomy. In Jamaica there are many places to discover, so it is common to make the trip by staying in several places to know all the areas of the island. Although there is also the option to stay in one place and visit the others based on excursions. But keep in mind that crossing the island in length can take about 7 hours, so you have to choose well what your headquarters will be.

Jamaican woman cooking in the beach
Woman cooking in the beach of Jamaica

 

Whether you are looking for relaxation, a family trip, a romantic environment or adventure, Jamaica is a destination that meets all these requirements.

More information: Tourism website of Jamaica

 

Dominican Republic – It has everything

In the Dominican Republic there are many of the best known destinations in the Caribbean: Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Samana, La Romana, Puerto Plata,… There you will also find many of the best beaches, not the Caribbean, but the world. The popularity of the destination has made the prices more affordable than other islands, but also that there are areas a little overcrowded at some times of the year. Anyway, don’t worry, with 400 kilometers of beaches it is impossible for you not to find your little lonely corner in paradise.

Beach in Punta Cana
Beach in Punta Cana

 

They say that the Dominican Republic has it all because it combines culture, art, beaches, mountains, tropical jungles and endless activities. It is the second largest country in the Caribbean, so you will have to choose your destination well or combine several places where your stay depends on what you want to do during your visit.

Santo Domingo - Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo – Dominican Republic

 

Our recommendations are that you do not miss Santo Domingo, the first Spanish colonial city, where you can enjoy the vestiges of that time in the colonial city on the banks of the Ozama River and a large, modern city where you can shop, find restaurants and enjoy life at another pace. In addition, adventure parks have proliferated in recent years and adventure tourism with zip lines, trekking, 4×4 routes in the surroundings of its two natural parks has become fashionable.

More information: Tourism website of the Dominican Republic

 

Costa Rica – Pura vida!

Waterfall in Costa Rica
Waterfall in Costa Rica

 

Our last proposal is not an island, it is Costa Rica, a Central American country located between Nicaragua and Panama. It is not one of the Caribbean countries best known for its beaches and that is why we wanted to end this destination. It is true that it has beaches that have nothing to envy to those of its neighboring countries, but what we like most about this destination is not to lie down in the sun.

Costa Rica is a country with a great biodiversity, where you can make excursions in tropical jungles of which you can’t see the sky of how leafy they are. You can also trek through one of its two volcanoes, find hundreds of waterfalls in which to cool off in its forests or do adventure sports in the best possible environment: canyoning, climbing, caving,…

Hanging bridge in Costa Rica
Hanging bridge in Costa Rica

 

And when you need to regain strength, you will find a rich and creative cuisine where fruits, vegetables and grains accompanied by fish, seafood or meat are very important. And if you like to taste good coffee, you should know that Costa Rica is among the 15 largest coffee producers in the world. But not only that. In recent years, small coffee producers have been proliferating, producing and selling gourmet coffee on their own in the country's market. Especially in the capital, San José, the small coffee shops that sell gourmet coffees of the country at a good price are fashionable. It will be an experience that you won’t want to miss.

 

If you have already decided and you are going to start looking for flights to one of these Caribbean gems, keep in mind two things you can’t forget: a good insect repellent, especially if you are sensitive to bites, so that no mosquito ruins your trip and to take a part of your money in cash (preferably in US Dollars) to be able to enjoy food stalls, street markets, local art stores and any experience that is presented to you to enjoy here and now.

The FIFA World Cup in Russia begins soon

Buy Russian Rubles to travel to the Russia World Cup

Any reason may be good for traveling, but for football fans, a World Cup may be the best of all. In a few days the World Cup begins in Russia where the best football teams in the world will face each other making us enjoy the best football until July 15, day of the final in Moscow.

 

Are you going to travel to the 2018 World Cup in Russia?

If you are going to travel to the World Cup in Russia you will already know that there they do not use the Euro, the official currency of Russia is the Russian Ruble. Do not worry that we at Eurochange make it very easy for you.

 

Pay with card in Russia

In most tourist places you can pay by card. In the trade they will charge an amount in Rubles and your bank will put an exchange rate to make the payment in Euros. Keep in mind that it is possible that the exchange rate put by your bank may be a bit high and then you end up paying more than you thought.

You can also withdraw Rubles from ATMs, but you can also pay higher prices or commissions that make your stay more expensive.

 

Pay in cash in Russia

From Eurochange we always recommend taking at least part of the money already exchanged.

Why? First of all because when you arrive at the destination you will have to pay for things that have to be in cash (a taxi, train, bus, …). It is always better to carry some money prepared than having to change at the exchange offices of airports where they charge very high prices.

Secondly, because in addition to these expenses, there will be others that you have to pay in cash: in some restaurants, shops or tourist attractions.

Finally, as we have already said, even if you can pay with a card you will know what amount in Rubles will charge you, but you will not know what amount your bank will charge you for that operation. However, if you have the rubles already purchased, you will always know how much you have paid for them and it will be easier to calculate what you pay during the holidays.

Of course, always carry your card, you never know when you may have an unforeseen or an expense that you did not count on. In those cases, it is best to have a plan B just in case.

 

Change from Euros to Rubles

If you need to change Euros to Russian Rubles in Eurochange we make it very easy for you. Enter our website and ask for the Rubles you need. Make the payment and we will send them to you in 24-48 hours.

Enjoy the show!

5 reasons to travel to Bulgaria in 2018

Bulgaria is an economical, surprising and charming destination

Bulgaria is located in the southeast of the Balkan Peninsula with access to the Black Sea, it is a destination that has not yet fallen in the tourist mass and a real gem to discover. Today we give you 5 reasons why we think you should visit this destination.

Sarafovo Beach, Bulgaria
Sarafovo Beach, near Varna, in the coast of the Black Sea
 
 

1- Travel on a budget

Bulgaria is a country affordable for all types of budgets, even the most moderate ones. We start with the flights. There are low cost airlines flying from the main Spanish and British airports to Sofia (capital of the country) for an average of 60-70 Euros per flight. As for accommodation, you can find hostels for 5 Euros a day or 2-3-star hotels for 20 Euros a day. At lunchtime, two people can eat two dishes with dessert at an à la carte restaurant for 10-15 Euros per person.

The currency in Bulgaria is the Lev. Although we tell you that prices are cheap, be careful in card payments or where you exchange your money, since you can pay commissions that will make it a bit more expensive.

Park in Sofia, Bulgaria
Park in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria
 
 

2- Adapted to all tastes

Sightseeing in Bulgaria will satisfy all types of travellers, since in this country you will find nature, beaches, cities, rural areas, cultural visits,…

In Sofia, the capital, you will find vestiges of communism, a mixture of cultures and religions, museums, monuments, cafés … wich make it an emerging European capital and with much to see and do.

Varna, on the Black Sea coast, is considered the second capital of Bulgaria for being one of the main tourist destinations, having a booming university life and being the main seaport of the country. You can enjoy a city with many tourist attractions, quiet beaches or beaches with clubs in the purest Ibiza style.

If you prefer nature and quietness, we recommend rural tourism in the Balkans (in the centre of the country) where you can contemplate nature, make excursions and enjoy an atmosphere reminiscent of the Alps with a communist touch.

Typical salad
One of typical salads is made of tomato, pickles and cheese
 
 

3- Speaking of tastes … its gastronomy is tasty

Bulgarian cuisine has many things in common with other well-known ones such as Greek or Turkish. It is one of the issues that most surprises and appeals to travellers who discover the country as it has a lot of Mediterranean diet with fresh ingredients.

In general, the use of fruits and vegetables with meat or fish predominates. The typical dishes are usually stewed or baked in mud although it is also common to see them on the grill. Soups and salads are also among the typical dishes. As well as dairy products (mainly yogurt or cheese). All accompanied by Bulgarian wines, very appreciated in the country and outside of it.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Streets of Plovdiv, a turistic town in the centre of Bulgaria
 

 

4- Near and easy to travel

The flight from Spain or UK to Sofia lasts about 3 hours or 3 hours and a half what makes it an ideal destination if you don’t have many days of travel or for a weekend/long weekend getaway.

On the other hand, once there, to cross it is quite affordable. The surface of Bulgaria is approximately one third of that of Spain, which makes it a good option to rent a car and know all its secrets. The rents are usually cheap, the main roads are good and the distances between cities are not very long. So if you have a couple of weeks, don’t think about it, rent a car and tour the entire country. It won’t disappoint you.

Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria
Lookout in the Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria
 
 

5- The charms of the "unknown"

As we have already told you, Bulgaria has not yet succumbed to the great masses of tourists. There is tourism and it is becoming increasingly fashionable (partly thanks to the low cost airlines that make the trip a lot cheaper), but it still retains that innocence and peace that many other destinations have already lost.

To date it is not in the most popular travel destinations, it does not receive thousands millions of tourists a year, it is not the most wanted destination in Google and the travel guide to Bulgaria isn’t in the top 10 sales list. But if you like to travel on your own, discovering the destination on your own by interacting (in English in some places, some Spanish and by signs in many of them) with the locals, this is your perfect destination.

 

Have you already convinced yourself that Bulgaria is a country made for your holidays? Then get down to work, book flight and hotel and enjoy your trip!

7 tips to organize your trip to Peru

Travel to Peru: 7 travel tips

When thinking about traveling to Peru, many people come to visit the sacred city of Machu Picchu or the Nazca lines, but the country has many other charms to offer. If you are going to organize a trip to Peru there are things that you should take into account when planning it. That's why today we give you 7 tips or previous considerations to make your trip perfect.

Machu Picchu views in Peru

  1. Visa

Peru is a country of free access for Spanish or British tourists (and many other nationalities), therefore a visa is not necessary for tourism and the maximum stay is 183 days. To enter the country it is necessary that the Passport has a minimum validity of six months. So if your Passport expires before six months from the date of your trip, remember to renew it to avoid any problems.

  1. Vaccines

At present the sanitary and hygienic conditions of the country have been modernized and there are no mandatory vaccines to enter. However, there are some recommended vaccines, especially for travellers who will visit the Amazonian areas, such as yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid fever. In addition, there are also medicines to prevent malaria, dengue and Zika virus.

Mosquitoes are the transmitters of many of these diseases. So keep in mind bring an effective repellent.

What you can do is going to your nearest International Vaccination Centre (link for Spain) and there you can check everything you need. They will provide you all the information you need based on the route of your trip.

  1. Travel insurance

It is advisable to have travel insurance whenever you are leaving Spain. There are many companies with travel insurances that cover cancellation, loss of luggage, illness, hospital admissions, accidents,… Prices are usually not very high and it is worth paying to be protected against possible unforeseen events.

  1. Traveller registration

In the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a register of travellers for tourists traveling outside the country. In this register the travellers are registered, the dates and the place of stay as well as the contact data in the country. In this way, the Ministry can contact you in case of emergency.

  1. Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is a disorder that you can manifest, to a greater or lesser extent, from 2,400 meters above sea level. In some of the most tourist areas of Peru this altitude is exceeded, so it is important to know what it is and how to cope.

The symptoms of altitude sickness are fatigue, exhaustion, headache, nausea, vomiting,… To reduce it, it is best to acclimate and not make efforts during the first days. Also, you should avoid copious or very heavy meals, alcoholic beverages and you must maintain a good hydration.

  1. Currency and payments

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol. In many tourist places it is also possible to pay with US Dollars, but it is always advisable to take local currency because when paying with another currency it is possible to pay a higher price. In Eurochange you can buy Peruvian Soles and thus have some cash to pay the expenses that arise during the trip. In cities and many tourist sites you can pay with a card or withdraw cash from the ATM, but keep in mind that the prices and commissions they apply can be very high.

  1. Plan the itinerary

Peru is a large country and has many different things to see: the northern zone and the Amazon basin, the coast with its desert landscape or the mountains with their vestiges of the Inca civilization. There is a lot to see, so we recommend that you choose the places you are going to visit well and that you decide the route in advance to make the most of your stay. Of course, keep in mind that in Peru the pace of life is not as busy as in other countries and it may be the perfect opportunity not to cram the trip, disconnect and enjoy the country.

 

We hope these tips will help you to organize your trip and enjoy your trip!

Prepare your holidays in Malaga!

Enjoy the best activities in the province of Malaga

If you are going to make a trip to Malaga, you will discover a land of charms throughout the year. Between the months of May and September temperatures are warmer and it is the ideal time to relax on its beaches, sunbathe and do endless water activities such as diving, boat trips, kayaking,…

Caminito del Rey - Malaga
Caminito del Rey – Malaga
 
 

During the rest of the year the temperatures also allow to know their towns and cities, discover their natural landscapes and enjoy all their tourist attractions.

Flamenco show
Flamenco show
 
 

In our money exchange offices in Benalmádena and Torremolinos you can buy tickets to various Malaga attractions such as the Sea Life in Torremolinos, the Bioparc in Fuengirola, flamenco shows, museums, excursions, …

Don’t miss out on anything in your visit with the convenience of buying all the tickets at the same place.

For further information, you can contact directly with our branches:

Eurochange Torremolinos: (+34) 952 053 656

Eurochange Benalmádena: (+34) 952 964 758

Eurochange Cala de Mijas: (+34) 952 494 237

 

Enjoy your stay!

Alhambra - Granada
Alhambra – Granada
 

What do you know about … China? Chinese New Year

Information about Chinese New Year celebrations

Last Friday, February 16, 2018, the Chinese New Year took place. Thousands of Chinese around the world celebrated this day and in many places the celebrations will last until March 2.

Chinese New Year

Why is the Chinese New Year celebrated in February?

Actually, the date of celebration of the Chinese New Year varies every year with respect to the Western (Gregorian) calendar. Although it will always take place between January 21 and February 21.

This is because the Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar with the year divided into 12 months and between 353 or 353 days. To adjust this difference with the lunar calendar, every three years a month is added, resulting in a year of 13 months and 383 or 385 days.

The first day of the year, always coincides with the first new moon closer to the period between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

For these reasons there is a mismatch between the dates with the Western calendar and also never falls on the same day.

Oh! And since they started using this calendar much earlier than the Western one, this year 2018 is for them the 4716. But not everything is so different, at present their weeks also have 7 days and their days are divided into hours, seconds and minutes.

 

How is the Chinese New Year celebrated?

The celebration begins the first day of your calendar, the New Year or Spring Festival as it is known in China. And it ends on the 15th of the first month with the celebration of the Lantern Festival.

Like Christmas in the West, the Chinese New Year is celebrated as a family. In fact, there are so many people moving in China and China during this time of year, that this movement has its own name: the spring movement.

Before the last day of the year, it is tradition to clean the house to eliminate bad luck and enter the new year on the right foot. In addition, the different decorations always refer to attract good fortune.

The last night of the year, the most important dinner of the year takes place, where typical dishes are usually prepared for dinner with the whole family. After dinner, it's time for fireworks. It is also traditional to give a red envelope, which symbolizes good luck, to the younger ones with some money.

And of course, you should not miss these days of celebration, honor the ancestors. Depending on the place the customs and offerings vary, but you should never forget the ancestors in this celebration.

 

We hope you learned a little more about Chinese traditions with our post!

And remember, if you are going to travel to China and need to exchange Euros for Chinese Yuan, you can buy them right now on our website and receive them in 2-3 days.

Basic prices in… Stockholm (Sweden)

We give you some indicative prices of the Swedish capital

If you are planning a trip to Sweden, you may wonder how much money to take. When we think about traveling to Sweden, as with other countries in northern Europe, we think that it is a very expensive country. It is true that it is not the most affordable country to visit, but today we are going to give you some indications so that you have a more real idea of ​​the country's prices. Although everything will depend on the area you visit and the style of your trip (it is not the same a backpacker trip than going to a 5-star hotel).

Gamla Stan street with caffees and restaurants

 

To eat

As it could happen in any other destination in the world, in Sweden you can find restaurants for all budgets. Among the cheapest options are fast food restaurants, pizzerias, kebabs or breweries where you can eat and have a beer for 150 or 200 SEK (15 or 20 Euros) per person. In medium-priced restaurants, dishes can cost between 150 and 300 SEK (15 and 30 Euros). Of course, it is very common to see the "special’s of the day" or Dagens Rätt. It usually includes salad, a drink and coffee and costs around 100 SEK (10 Euros).

On Tripadvisor you can see a list of Stockholm restaurants sorted by type of cuisine and prices.

 

Cultural visits

Many of the things to see in Stockholm are free: stroll through Gamla Stan, see the Stortorget square, stroll through its parks and gardens, contemplate the views of the islands,…

Vasa Museum

But if you are passionate about visiting museums and immersing yourself in local culture and art, in Stockholm you will find a large number of museums that you won’t want to miss. Here you have the prices of the main ones:

 

The visit to these museums would cost you about 110 Euros. So if you want to see everything possible for the lowest price, think about the option to buy a Stockholm Pass. This card allows entry to 60 tourist attractions, unlimited trips on the tourist bus and a city guide. Prices range from 595 SEK (63 Euros) for one day to 1,295 (137 Euros) SEK for 5 days.

 

Displacements

One of the charms of Stockholm is to know the city on foot. Stroll through its streets, cross the bridges that connect the islands and enjoy discovering its charms. But there are several options when it comes to moving around the city.

From April to October you can rent a bicycle with the City Bikes service. There is a season card that costs 250 SEK (26 Euros) and one for three days that costs 165 SEK 17 Euros.

If you buy a Stockholm Pass card to visit the tourist attractions of the city, you can also add a Travelcard. Prices are 125 SEK (13 Euros) for one day and 250 SEK (26 Euros) for three days. This transport card allows unlimited travel throughout the public transport network of the city: bus, train, metro, boat or commuter train. In addition, with this card transportation to and from Arlanda airport costs only an extra 120 SEK (12 Euros) per way, instead of the 280 SEK (29 Euros) that the Arlanda Express costs, for example.

Visiting the islands that surround Stockholm is a totally recommendable experience. You can visit inhabited islands or the smallest ones where nobody lives. The tickets for a single trip go from 50 (5 Euros) to 150 SEK (15 Euros). There are passes for five days for 445 SEK (47 Euros) or even a month for 790 SEK (83 Euros).

 

At the hotel

The average price of a double room in a central hotel in Stockholm is between 950 and 1400 SEK per night (100-150 Euros). Although you can also find hostels and B&Bs for cheaper prices.

 

Tips

One of the issues that most worries some travelers is the tips, since there are places where leaving a tip is frowned upon. But this is not the case in Stockholm. Although it is not mandatory, in bars and restaurants it’s usual to give around 10% of the total price. In hotels it is not very common to give tips, but it is left if we have been attended to any special request or the deal has been very good. And as for transport, in taxis it is common to round the price as a tip.

If you want to learn more about the customs of Sweden or discover more things to see and do during your trip, we recommend that you visit the Swedish tourism website: Visit Sweden.

 

One last tip

The prices in Euros that we have given in this post are rounded and calculated with the price of the day of publication 0,10596 €. A simple trick to calculate how much each thing costs once you are in Sweden is to multiply the price in SEK by 0.11 (which is more or less the price we pay for each Swedish Krona). So if you see something that costs 10 SEK, the approximate price in Euros will be € 1.10. Something that costs 100 SEK will be 11 Euros. Simple, right?

Stockholm panoramic views

If you already know that Sweden is going to be your next destination, buy your Swedish Krones at the best price on our website. You can pick them up or receive them at your home in 24-48 hours.

Have a good trip!

New Year’s Eve in New York

If you are going to spend New Year’s Eve in New York, have a look

With the arrival of the month of December we begin to think about Christmas and New Year's Eve. There are those who return home to spend a few days with the family, there are those who flee to deserted islands to avoid seeing ornaments or listening to Christmas carols and there are those who plan a trip to emblematic places, to get the Christmas spirit and enjoy a movie New Year's Eve.

Today we are going to give you some recommendations if you are going to receive the New Year in one of the cities where Christmas and New Year's Eve are lived in a more intense way: New York.

New Year's EVe in Times Square, New York

New Year's Eve (New Year's Eve)

On December 31st, the day is short, since shops usually close earlier than usual so that everyone can enjoy the evening. And you will find many plans depending on the environment you are looking for and your budget.

The most popular option is to receive the New Year in Times Square. In the square a crowd of people congregate, reason why it is habitual to see people reserving site from the morning. One payment option is to buy a ticket for some of the private parties that take place in the buildings of the plaza. During the hours before midnight the atmosphere is festive, with the balldrop in the One Times Square building the New Year arrives, followed by fireworks and concerts to enjoy for hours.

If you prefer a not-so-popular option, in Brooklyn's Prospect Park you'll find the perfect place. You can enjoy a more family atmosphere, with live music, entertainment for children and adults, hot chocolate and fireworks at midnight.

And if you're passionate about running, a good option is to participate in the NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park. It is a 4 mile race that begins just with the arrival of the New Year and fireworks. The entrance to the area of ​​the race is exclusive for runners and guests, but if you don’t participate you can watch the race and encourage the runners and enjoy the fireworks in the rest of the park.

In addition to these options, you can also choose from a large number of private parties where the ticket can go from 100 Dollars per person to where your budget comes. There are many types, from a cruise with dinner and open bar to parties with dance and music until the wee hours of the morning.

As for dinner, there are restaurants that close this night and there are others that open offering a closed menu for this occasion. The normal thing is to book in advance, even the most fashionable ones may not have free tables since months before. Another option is to get carried away, walk around and find somewhere to eat something before the party. Keep in mind that the time for dinner is around 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

One last advice: dress for cold weather. Temperatures can even drop below 0 during the night. If you are going to be in the street, walking or waiting for fireworks in a park, you will need to take warm clothes so that you don’t remember that New Year's Eve just because of the cold you went through.

If you are going to travel to New York to enjoy Christmas or New Year's Eve, remember that you will need to exchange your Euros into US Dollars for your cash expenses. At Eurochange you can buy them right now at the best rate and pick them up at our offices or receive them directly at home in 24-48 hours.

And enjoy your trip!

Trip to Toronto, Canada: what to do and what to see

Things to do and to see in Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada

 

The city of Toronto is not the capital of the country, but it is the largest city in Canada and there you can enjoy a vibrant urban scene on the shores of Lake Ontario. We encourage you to get to know this city and plan a trip that will surely be worthwhile.

Culture and sports in Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto – Canada
 
 

In the city you will find a large number of museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum, where you will find art, culture and natural history exhibitions; the Ontario Art Gallery with pieces of art from various origins from the 1st century to the present; or the Ontario Science Center where you will find exhibitions of geology, natural sciences, astronomical science, technology, anatomy and communications among others. In addition the cultural and sports agenda is great and varied: theater, musicals, ice hockey and a great variety of shows await you.

What to see in Toronto?

CN Tower
View of the CN Tower, Toronto – Canada
 
 

Among the places to visit, the first on the list is the CN Tower, from where you can have a panoramic view of the whole city and the more daring you can take a walk outside (Edge Walk). You should also visit the St. James Anglican Cathedral, a neo-Gothic building from the 19th century.

Other places to visit in the city are Chinatown, where you can taste Asian cuisine; the Distillery District, which has gone from being a quarter with almost abandoned factories to being a trendy district with shops, restaurants and cafés and a wide cultural offer; the St. Lawrence Market is one of the largest markets in the world and qualified by National Geographic as No. 1, where you can stroll, buy and eat as a citizen; and the Kensington Market, a more bohemian and alternative quarter where you can eat, drink, buy second hand items and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Going on with the food, if you are a passionate about the gastronomy, you can choose to do one of the food tours that are offered in the city. These types of visits are becoming very popular and help visitors to know not only the gastronomy, but also neighborhoods and restaurants outside the typical.

And if you prefer to have a picnic, you can organize a visit to the Toronto Islands and enjoy nature. There are ferries that will bring you several times a day. Depending on the season you will find different activities to do: beaches, bike and kayak rentals, an amusement park,…

Something you should visit as a curiosity is the PATH of Toronto. It is a network of underground galleries over 30 kilometers under the city, where you will find shops, restaurants and services, as well as connections with some metro lines.

Niagara Falls

NIagara Falls
Niagara Falls
 
 

And during your visit to the city, you can’t miss the opportunity to take a trip to Niagara Falls. The falls are about 130km from Toronto. To get there, there are organized excursions, train and public bus service or you can also rent a car for a day and go your own way. The Niagara River, 56km long, separates Canada from the United States and on its way are the three falls that make up Niagara Falls with a maximum height of 64 meters: the Canadian Falls, the American Falls and the Bride’s Veil Fall. In addition to the waterfalls, in the area you can enjoy other entertainments and, if you like wine, don’t forget to try the local wines that are the pride of the area.

If we have already convinced you to prepare a trip to Toronto, remember that during your visit you will need Canadian Dollars for your expenses there. At Eurochange you can buy Canadian Dollars at the best price.

Have a good trip!

 

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