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New Year’s Eve in London: How New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated in London

Plans to enjoy New year’s Eve in London

If this year you are going to spend New Year's Eve and the New Year’s Day in the British capital, we tell you how Londoners celebrate these dates so you can take note and plan your stay.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London

Attractions, activities and ice skating

One of the most fun and lively options to spend the last day of the year is to visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. From the end of November to the beginning of January, a Christmas fair will take place in Hyde Park, where you will find attractions, shows, a Christmas market, bars, restaurants,… in a familiar and welcoming environment.

Admission is free, you just have to pay for some attractions and shows. It is possible and advisable to buy tickets online in advance if you are interested in attending one of their shows or enter some attractions such as the Ferris wheel, the ice skating rink or the roller coasters.

You will find more information on the Winter Wonderland website.

Last dinner of the year

There are multiple options for the last dinner of the year in London. One of them is to dine on board one of the Thames cruises. Most of them include dinner and party or show. There are various prices and there are also formal and informal ones. Some of them come close so you can watch the fireworks and others don’t reach the area. On the website Discount London you can see a list of all available cruises with their prices and route.

Another option is to book a table at any of the restaurants in the city that offer special menus for New Year's Eve dinner. There is also usually a wide range of prices for all budgets and for all tastes. A quick search by Tripadvisor will help you find the option that best suits your needs.

New Year's Eve fireworks at London

Chimes and fireworks

As in many other cities in the world, in London the farewell and arrival of the year are celebrated with bells and fireworks. The show takes place next to the London Eye, on the banks of the Thames. During the show you can hear the chimes of Big Ben and the London Eye lights up changing color.

For some years it is mandatory to buy tickets to see them (up close). There are several zones, but the price of the entrance is the same, 10 Pounds. If you haven’t been able to get your ticket, don’t worry. You will be able to look for a place to see them with less visibility in the streets and bridges around the viewing area or look for some hill further away from which to see them.

New Year’s Eve partys

If after the fireworks you feel like going, you can go to one of the clubs in the city where you can dance and enjoy until the early hours. In addition, there are also emblematic celebrations in the city such as the Vintage New Year's Ball, the London New Year's Eve Ball or the party at Sky Bar London (some of them with dinner option).

New Year's Day Parade, London

New Year's Day

If you have survived the New Year's Eve, there are also activities to enjoy on New Year's Day.

The main one is the New Year's parade that goes from Picadilly to Parliament Street. You can see it from any point of the route for free. There is also access to bleachers paying for a ticket. In the parade are involved neighborhoods, associations, schools,… from around the world. It is a totally recommendable tradition. After the parade, at Waterloo Place there is an area to eat something and regain strength.

 

We hope you enjoy your stay in London and that you celebrate New Year's Eve as it deserves. To avoid having to worry during your stay, remember to change Euros to Pounds before your trip. At Eurochange you can make your change immediately in our offices or make your purchase online and receive it in 24 hours at home.

 

Enjoy your trip!

A walk through the Old Town of Benidorm

Discover Benidorm’s Old Town with a nice walk

A walk through the Old Town of Benidorm

A sunny autumn (or winter, or spring) day may be perfect for a walk and discover the Old Town of Benidorm. Walk its streets and discover the best views of the beaches of Levante and Poniente. And, if your visit coincides with the second weekend of November (during Benidorm Fiestas), you may find flower offerings, peñas, bands or processions that will make you enjoy the traditional festive atmosphere of the city.

Map of the walk through Old Town

Click the map to enlarge

The Old Town is on what is known as Punta de Canfali and it is the first settlement of the inhabitants of the city. Nowadays it is a very pleasant area to know and a great tourist interest.

Let’s go for a walk!

Plaza Canalejas - Benidorm

Plaza Canalejas with Levante beach at the end

We begin our tour in Plaza Canalejas (1), at the beginning of the Levante beach. In this square is the Torrejo Municipal Center building, where you will see a tourist information point. Here you can get a map of the city and also information on all the leisure, tourist and cultural offer of the city. In this building was the city council until 2003.

Door og the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana - Benidorm

Main entrance to the church

We go up the first slope that we found, along Calle Médico Cosme Bayona and we arrive at the door of the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana (2). This church is the oldest in Benidorm and was built in the second half of the 18th century.

Inside the Church is the image of the Virgen del Sufragio, patron saint of Benidorm since her discovery intact among the ashes of a ship in the year 1740. If you want to know more about this historical fact, the second Saturday of November, before the offering of flowers, on the beach next to the Parque de Elche (the dove park), there is a representation of it.

Plaza San Jaime - Benidorm

San Jaime square with the church at the end

The square in front of the church is the Plaza de San Jaime (3) that leads to a viewpoint to Levante beach.

Plaza Castelar - Benidorm

Plaza Castelar with the domes and the anchor

Cala del Mal Pas and the Marina

Views from Castelar square

We continue climbing going under the arch that follows the facade of the church to reach the Plaza Castelar (4). From this square you can see the two blue domes of the church. In addition to a mosaic made in honor of the Virgen del Sufragio in 1992. In this square is also an anchor donated to the city by the Spanish Navy in 2007. From here you can look out to contemplate the Cala del Mal Pas, the marina and Poniente Beach.

Plaza Santa Ana - Benidorm

Cannons on Santa Ana square

We continue ascending to the Plaza de Santa Ana (5) where we will find four iron cannons each pointing to a cardinal point. These guns belonged to the old castle that was located at the top of the Old Town. A curious fact is that the people of Benidorm know the Old Town in a popular way as "the Castle". And visitors are surprised to be called that way when there is no castle. This is because the castle that was in the city (more a fortress than a castle) was destroyed in the 19th century. The little that remains of this place of defense today are these four guns.

Plaza del Castillo - Benidorm

Old well - Benidorm

Mirador del Castillo - Benidorm

Plaza del Castillo, old well and the viewpoint

We go up the stairs that we find on the right or the left of the square to reach the Plaza del Castillo (6). In this square there is a wooden pergola with benches to sit and rest and enjoy the views. Behind it is a well, which is an old cistern that was in use for several centuries to supply water to the inhabitants. At the end of the square we find a staircase that goes down to the Mirador del Castillo (7) where you can have a 360 degree view of the two beaches of Benidorm. A few meters from the viewpoint, in the sea, there is a metal structure. It is the old geyser of the city. One of its tourist attractions until a few years ago when it stopped working due to the erosion it caused in the rocks of the castle.

Plaza de la Señoría - Benidorm

Plaza de la Señoría

From this point we take the road back up the stairs again and following the balustrade that we find on the left. We return to the Plaza de Santa Ana and Plaza Castelar and continue down the small corridor that is behind the church to reach the Plaza de la Señoría (8). In this square during the summer nights there is a market with handicrafts. On one side there is a sculpture formed by an anchor and two figures of men surrounded by water. It is a monument to the dead in the sea since Benidorm has a strong fishing tradition.

Lighthouse promenade - Benidorm

Breakweather walk

We continue our walk again following the balustrade on our left until we reach the stairs (9) that will take us down to the Marina. From here we can walk the breakwater to the lighthouse having one of the best views of the Old Town.

Benidorm Old Town view

View to Benidorm's Old Town from the promenade

 

Do we take a break?

In the Old Town and surroundings, British establishments, cocktail bars and tapas bars coexist in harmony. If you fancy a break and have a drink, you will only have to go down the streets of Santa Faz or Alicante to find a varied gastronomic offer in a few minutes.

Boca del Calvari Museum - Benidorm

Entrance of Boca del Calvari Museum, at Calle Tomás Ortuño

We hope we have encouraged you to take a walk through the oldest part of the city and discover a little more about its history. If you want to know a little more about the city, go to the Boca del Calvari Museum (10), where there are usually exhibitions of the history of Benidorm.

If you are in the area and need a currency exchange office, in our office on Paseo de la Carretera you can make your exchange with the best rate and without commissions. You will only have to go down Calle Santa Faz and you will find us right in front of you.

Enjoy your stay!

5 things to do in Benidorm in Autumn

You some things you can do to enjoy your autumn holidays in Benidorm

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Benidorm. While in the UK the temperaturas are lower every day, they are still good here (with average temperatures of 25 degrees during the day and 17 degrees at night), there is still a good atmosphere and things to do and there are not as many people as during the summer months. If you still don’t know everything you can do in Benidorm in autumn, keep reading this post and we'll tell you.

Levante Beach in October, Benidorm
This photo was taken the 4th October 2018
 
 

Going to the beach

Yes, it’s true. In the autumn months the beach is still almost full. Once November or the beginning of December, the bathers are disappearing, but tourists and locals still take advantage of the mild temperatures of the day to sunbathe.

No need to go in a bikini with the umbrella and the mat as we would in the middle of August, but you can really spend a very nice day lying in the sand.

Tapas and pintxos in Benidorm

Enjoy the gastronomy

In the months of most tourist affluence it can be very difficult to visit the gastronomic area of ​​Benidorm par excellence: the Basques street or the tapas alley. In these 4/5 streets you will find bars, taverns and restaurants for all tastes. From the beer+tapa (or wine+tapa) for 1 Euro to restaurants where you can eat the best typical dishes of the area and the country.

You can wander around, enter the bar that you like to have a drink, go to the next one, stay there,… What you most want, without overwhelming people.

Moreover, during the autumn months there are several gastronomic events such as the Oktoberfest or the Paella Days.

Alley in the old town of Altea

Excursions and more excursions

If you still don’t know the surrounding villages, it is the perfect time to make excursions and discover the charms of the area. Different bus and Tram lines connect Benidorm with El Albir, Altea, Guadalest, Finestrat, Villajoyosa, Calpe,…

Each place has its charms, whether on the beach or in the mountains, you will surely find something that you love in each one.

In addition, there is also a large offer of organized excursions to these places and also excursions in quad, on horseback, in off-road, in cityboards,…

Moors and christians parade in Benidorm

Photo from: Visit Benidorm
 

Moors and Christians

The festivities of Moors and Christians are very common in the province of Alicante. In these festivities, the Arab invasion of the peninsula and, later, the reconquest by Christians is represented and commemorated.

Each town celebrates its festivities on a date throughout the year. In the case of Benidorm they are celebrated in the first days of the month of October. During the holidays you can enjoy Moors, Christian parades, floats,…

Mascleta fireworks ready to be used

Benidorm Fiestas

In this blog we have already referred in some occasion to the Festivities of Benidorm, also known as Benidorm Fiestas. In them homage is paid to the patrons of the town: the Virgin of Sufragio and Saint James.

The fiestas begin the second weekend of November. During the holidays there are also parades, religious processions, flower offerings, mascletas, fireworks, concerts,… and above all very good atmosphere, a lot of music and many activities for all audiences.

 

If you already have it clear and you are going to spend a few days in Benidorm, we give you one last piece of advice: don’t forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat. Although the sun and good weather predominate, a sunny day may come out and a storm may fall in the afternoon. But at night the sky can be clear again.

And above all, what you can,t forget is the desire to have fun!

Remember that you can exchange Pounds (or any other currency) to Euros in any of our 5 branches in Benidorm. You can also place a reservation in advance to be collected once you are here.

10 tips before travelling to Iceland

10 things to keep in mind before planning a trip to Iceland

Thanks to the locations of Game of Thrones and cheap flights from Low Cost companies, Iceland continues to grow as a holiday destination. As this country doesn’t belong to the European Union, there are some things to keep in mind if you are planning a trip to Iceland.

Country house in Iceland

1. Their currency is the Icelandic Krona, called króna (and represented with kr or ISK). One Krona is divided into 100 cents, having coins of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 Krona. The notes are 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 Krona. A curiosity is that all their coins have on one side some marine animal of Icelandic influence, from the crab to the cod.

2. British can travel with valid Passport, with a minimum recommended validity of between 3 and 6 months, and don’t need a visa for stays up to three months.

3. There is a British Embassy in Reykjavik where you can call in case of need: if you suffer an incident, if you lose your travel documents,…

4. It is important, before any mishap, to have the European Health Insurance Card. You can request yours free of charge in the NHS and with it you will be taken care of before any medical emergency without added costs.

5. Mostly British mobiles are compatible. Currently Iceland is included in European roaming so you can enjoy your usual rate. Remember to activate roaming!

6. In case of emergency, you can continue calling 112.

7. Their official language is Icelandic but most Icelanders speak English, so it won’t be difficult to be understood in this language.

8. In Iceland you can request the tax free. Only for products that you are going to bring with you, the ones that you don’t consume there, and for an amount higher than 4000 ISK (about 25 Pounds/30 Euros).

9. The climate is very variable and can change many times during the day, going from the sun to the rain or vice versa. Prepare your suitcase for different types of weather even in summer and check the temperatures before your trip.

10. No vaccination is necessary to visit Iceland, but take warm clothes to avoid returning from your trip with a cold.

Lake and views in Iceland

Do you already have everything you need? Then prepare the suitcase and enjoy your trip. And remember that if you need to exchange your Euros for Icelandic Krona, right now you can make your purchase on our website and receive them or collect them in your nearest branch in 48 hours.

Have a good trip!

How to get from Alicante airport to Benidorm?

Four ways to go from Alicante Airport to Benidorm

The Alicante Airport is one of the 5 airports that receive the most tourists in Spain. And a rather high percentage has as final destination Benidorm.

Views of Levante Beach in Benidorm

If you are one of the lucky ones who will spend a holiday or season in Benidorm, we tell you how to get from the airport to the city so you don’t waste time in transport and you can enjoy your stay to the fullest.

 

Taxi

As in all airports, at the exit of the terminal you will find a Taxi stop. You can take a taxi that will take about 45 minutes to drive you to Benidorm. Prices are usually between 60 and 70 Euros (it is usual to ask the driver before) depending on the area where you go.

It is not the cheapest option, but it is profitable if you pay it among 4 people.

 

Bus

There is a bus service that leaves every hour from the airport to Benidorm. Every hour there are two lines, one of them stops at the Bus Station (45 minutes) and the other one also stops at Avenida Europa (55 minutes). The price doesn’t reach 10 Euros per person.

Once in the Bus Station or on the Avenida Europa urban bus service is available to reach the final destination if necessary. This service can be an option if you travel alone or with your couple and you are staying near the main stops.

 

Express Shuttle

There are several private transfers services to and from Alicante Airport, but Eurochange Club members have a discount on one of them. It is the Express Connect Shuttle service of the company Beniconnect.

This service goes to La Cala and Benidorm (it also stops  Villajoyosa and El Albir). The price is 15/16 Euros per person and Eurochange Club members have a 5% discount that is applied with a web code that the client has to request to Eurochange.

This service will leave you at the door of your accommodation (as long as the street is not pedestrian). The maximum waiting time at the airport is 60 minutes, but usually it is less time. In addition, Beniconnect keeps track of your flight, so if there are delays, you don’t have to worry. They will make sure you have transportation when you arrive.

This is a good option if you travel alone, in a couple or with a group. The price is the same and you avoid having to take an urban bus to get to your accommodation.

 

Rental car

If you prefer to travel on your own, you can rent a car to get from the airport to Benidorm and then you will have independence to move around the city or visit the surrounding towns (something we highly recommend).

At your arrival you will find desks of the main rental companies, although they usually offer better offers for online reservations in advance. In addition, Eurochange Club members have a discount again. In this case it is a 15% discount on the rental of your car wit Centauro Rent-a-car for reservations made through their Call Center (by phone or email).

 

One last recommendation

It is common to see private individuals at airports offering transportation services at very low prices. Normally they approach people of their nationality or who speak their language to offer them transport to the destination with very cheap prices.

It is important that you try to avoid using these services because they are illegal. They are people who do transports without a license and without the corresponding insurance that covers your security and your belongings.

Keep in mind that, if an accident or problem occurs during your transfer, with these illegal services you will not have the right to claim. So we recommend that, for your safety and tranquility, always use licensed services.

 

We hope you are ready to get to Benidorm and enjoy your holidays as they deserve.

Enjoy your stay!

Money exchange offices in Benidorm

Reserve your currency exchange in Benidorm

 

How to reach my destination from Murcia-San Javier Airport?

Different options to reach your destination from San Javier Airport

Update January 2019: The airport of San Javier was no longer operational at the beginning of January 2019. Since then, the airport in the region is the International Airport of the Region of Murcia.

 

 

San Javier Airport is located in the Mar Menor area. It is small airport that connects this region with the main cities in the United Kingdom: London, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bournemouth, East Midlands and Glasgow.

Taxi stop oustide San javier-Murcia Airport

Taxi

At the Airport you can easily find a Taxi service that will drive you to your destination. Los Alcázares is 5 minutes far from the Airport and San Pedro del Pinatar is 10 minutes far. So if you are staying near those areas you can get there by Taxi with a cost of 10-15 Euros.

If you are staying near Cartagena or Torrevieja (20 minutes) the price will be between 20 and 25 Euros and if you are visiting Murcia (30 minutes) the prices abre around 35-40 Euros.  

Remember that Taxis are valid for 4 people.

Private Taxi

There are also a few companies offering private Taxi services. You can book these services in advance and the cost is about 20 Euros per person to travel to Cartagena or Torrevieja  and about 30 Euros per person to go to Murcia. There are cars for 4 people and they use to offer other shuttles for more people like mini-vans or buses.

Bus

This is a regular bus service (line 70) connecting San Javier to Murcia and Dehesa de Campoamor with stops on the main towns. The prices use to be less than 10 Euros.

To get this bus the nearest bus stop is in Santiago de la Ribera, in Avenida del Mar Menor. You can walk (45 minutes) or get a Taxi (5 minutes).

Rent-a-car

If you prefer to travel by your own, there are car rental companies in the Airport such as Goldcar Rental, Europcar or Firefly.

You can book your car online in advance (with better prices) or you can directly rent you car on the desks in the Airport.

Driving in this area is easy. AP-7 goes parallel to the coast and RM-19 goes to the Murcia city area. Google Maps will be very useful. Keep in mind that AP-7 is a toll motorway.

 

Very important: Where do I exchange my money?

As this is a small Airport there are no currency exchange companies there. Moreover, companies in the Airport have very expensive rates, so try to avoid them.

The nearest currency exchange office is located in Los Alcázares, in the shopping arcade under Hotel 525. It is 5 minutes far from the Airport and we offer the best rates for Pounds (and many other currencies).

If you like to prepare your trip in advance, you can place a reservation to be collected on arrival. This way we will have your Euros ready for you to collect them.

Currency exchange office near San Javier-Murcia Airport

Reserve euros online now

 

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!

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