travels Archives - Page 9 of 14

5 Things to know to organize a trip to China

Five things to know before organising a trip to China

China has become a very popular and demanded destination for foreign tourists. Its beauty, its culture and its history are an attraction for millions of traveling tourists from around the world.

If you are also going to travel to China, either organizing the trip on your own or with an organized package, we tell you 5 things that you have to keep in mind so that your trip does not have any setback.

Visa

A tourist visa is required to enter China. The validity of the visa and the duration of the stay will be authorized by consular employees depending on the situation of each traveler.

How to get a visa to travel to China?

First of all, to apply for a visa you must present, in addition to your Passport, your travel documents such as airline tickets, train tickets, hotel reservations of at least 50% of the stay,… So you must have your trip planned in advance.

The Chinese Embassy has two visa application centers in Spain: one in Madrid and one in Barcelona. It can also be processed by mail through the Madrid headquarters.

The necessary documentation to obtain the tourist visa is:

Passport with at least 6 months of validity and with 2 blank pages for the visa to fit.
Form filled online on the website of the office where the application will be processed and a photo.
For unemployed people, a balance certificate must be attached to the account of 1,000 Euros and at least 100 Euros per day of stay in China. That is, if your stay is 10 days, you must have 1,000 Euros plus 100×10 days. In total 2,000 Euros.
If you travel to see Chinese friends or relatives or foreigners residing in China, you will also need an invitation letter.

The visa application date must be done between three months and one month before the trip and the process takes about 10 days as long as the documentation is correct. The visa price is from € 126.55 as of the date of this post. This price may go up if the paperwork is done by mail for documentation shipments.

If you travel through a travel agency, they usually offer the option to process it for organized trips. In addition there are private companies that also process it online.

Restricted internet access in China

Access to many pages or applications that we use on a daily basis is restricted in China. So, even if you are looking for areas with free Wi-Fi, you may not be able to find what you need. Fortunately there are companies like HolaFly in which you can buy Internet access cards for China and you can use WhatsApp, Facebook and whatever you want.

Language

We won’t tell you that it is necessary to speak Chinese to travel to China, but you have to keep in mind that it is not usual for people to speak English and much less Spanish. In the hotels of the most tourist areas they do speak English (at least a little bit). But in rural areas, public transport, monuments, etc. You may not find anyone who understands you in a foreign language.

So, a useful add-on is a pocket dictionary or one of those in which usual phrases are already translated. You will also find the mobile translator very useful, but beware, there are places where you may not have coverage.

Currency exchange

The official currency in China is the Yuan or Renminbi. Is the same. Keep in mind that you will need to change Euros to Yuan. We always recommend carrying at least a portion of the trip money in cash. In China they accept card or other digital means of payment in many places, but there are also those in which they do not accept payments of foreign cards.

So our recommendation is to be safe and carry the cash already changed. This way you will avoid having to change in Airports where you will be charged a very high commission or having to waste your vacation time in looking for somewhere to make the change.

If you are organizing your trip to China, you can now buy the Chinese Yuan you need and we will send them to you in 1-2 days.

Travel insurance

Health in China is expensive. Also, in slightly more rural areas, health services may not be what you expected. So it is advisable to arrange health insurance for your trip. In this way, if you need it, you will have coverage in the country for any incident. The prices are not very expensive and there are many companies that already offer these types of policies.

Are you preparing a trip to China? What more preparations are you doing?

Rijeka and Galway European Capitals of Culture in 2020

European Capitals of Culture 2020

As usual in our blog, we begin the year with a post about the European Capitals of Culture for this year. The two cities that will hold this title in 2020 are Rijeka (Croatia) and Galway (Ireland). Read on if you want to know the charms of these two cities and what awaits you if you want to visit them during this year.

Rijeka (Croatia) – Port of Diversity

Rijeka is the third most populous city in Croatia. It is located in the north of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Carnaro. It also has the main port of the country, for this reason its leitmotiv will be Port of Diversity.

It is a city that has been part of different countries or sovereignty throughout its history. For this reason today it is an open and liberal city where much of the cultural scene will be concentrated in 2020.

Rijeka is the first Croatian city to be the European Capital of Culture. During this year its cultural program will focus on three topics on the agenda: water, work and migration. The program has more than 600 cultural events among which there will be concerts, operas, festivals, conferences, exhibitions,… of both Croatian and international artists. In addition, the city has been preparing for this moment for some years, enabling and building places to host all these experiences.

The program will be divided into 7 segments: 27 neighborhoods, Times of Power, Dopolavoro, Kitchen of Diversity, Children's House, Lungomare, Sweet & Salt. And each of them will have its related events.

The inauguration will be held on February 1st at the Port of Rijeka, admission is free and the work of Rijeka's most famous artist, David Maljković will be shown on the exhibition.

Check the full program on the Rijeka 2020 website.

Galway (Ireland) – Let the magic in

Galway is a city located on the west coast of Ireland. It is the third Irish city to be the European Capital of Culture and its 2020 program is strongly linked to its Celtic tradition. Hence his leitmotiv: Let the magic in.

The Galway cultural program is structured around the Celtic calendar, which consists of 4 parts that are the four seasons: Imbolc (from February to April), Bealtaine (from May to July), Lughansa (from August to October) and Samhain (from November to January). And the activities distributed during the seasons will revolve around three themes: language, landscape and migration. Its program consists of activities, exhibitions, theaters, concerts, screenings and festivals in which local and international artists will be accommodated.

The opening events will take place between February 1st and 8th, coinciding with the end of winter in the Celtic calendar. There will be activities not only in the city of Galway, but throughout the county. These days the values par excellence of the Irish will be exalted: courage, creativity and resilience.

On the Galway 2020 website you can check all the activities.

Have you already decided which city you are going to travel to get in touch with culture in 2020? Remember that if you need to exchange your Euros into Croatian Kuna, in Eurochange we have the best price and total availability.

Travel to watch the Champions League matches

Exchange your currency in advance

It is increasingly common among football fans and partners clubs to organize a trip to watch their team's match in the Champions League, if they are lucky to travel to see the final or travel to attend an Europa League game.

If this is your case and you are going to travel to a European city to watch your team's Champions match, we can help you.

At present there are already several companies that are dedicated to organizing trips of a couple of days and include accommodation, travel and tickets to the game. All included and organized.

But there is something that is not usually taken into account: currency exchange. Although there are matches that are played in countries where the Euro is used, there are others in which the official currency is another. And it is an issue that is sometimes overlooked and can be a last minute headache.

So in Eurochange we recommend that you make your change of Euros in advance to the currency of the country to which you are traveling.

In this way you will forget to be thinking about changing currency once you arrive at the destination, you will avoid paying high commissions if you pay with your card and, most importantly, you will have the security of being able to pay anywhere you go. You will not have problems because your card has a limit, a lock to use it outside of Spain or that stops working properly. In short: you will avoid problems during your trip.

Make your change in our offices or make your purchase online and receive your order at home in 1-2 days. Currency exchange becomes easy, comfortable and safe with us.

And if your team wins, better than better!

What to see in Bulgaria in one week

Are you travelling to Bulgaria? Check what you can see in one week

Bulgaria is a country located on the Balkan Peninsula unknown to most. Gradually it is emerging as a tourist power. A perfect combination between nature, culture and ancient traditions. An exotic and very economical destination within the European Union. Today we have a look to this destination thanks to our friends of Bulgaria Turismo (site in Spanish).

Enjoying a week in Bulgaria is surprisingly cheap for Western Europeans. Sightseeing, gastronomy or transport have very competitive prices for wages in the euro zone.

The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev. It is very easy to convert to euros: 1 Lev is approximately 0.60€. You can dine at a traditional restaurant in the capital, Sofia, for just 12 levas, about 7 euros.

Sofia

The capital of Bulgaria is one of the essential destinations in the country and the city that receives the largest number of visitors. They emphasize its orthodox temples of Byzantine inspiration, its monuments of Soviet cut and the influence of the Ottoman Empire.

In the following link you’ll see a guide to visit Sofia in 3 days.

Veliko Tarnovo

A city of Thracian origin founded in 3,000 B.C. It was the capital of the Bulgarian Empire between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. Veliko Tarnovo is the most visited city in the northern part of Bulgaria and is located 250 kilometers from Sofia.

Plovdiv

Although it usually depends on the source we consult, Plovdiv is often considered the oldest city in Europe.

Its first settlement dates from the Neolithic, around 6000 B.C. It was conquered by the Roman Empire, becoming the capital of the ancient Roman province of Thrace. Highlight the Roman Theater and the Trimontium Stadium.

Rila Monastery

The monasteries of Bulgaria are one of the cultural references of the country, greatly influenced throughout its history by the Orthodox Church of Eastern Europe.

The Rila Monastery stands out, located about 100 kilometers south of Sofia, nestled in the Rila National Park, a huge natural environment beauty. It also offers the possibility of accommodation.

Varna

Varna is known as the summer capital of Bulgaria. It is the third city in the country in number of inhabitants and is a real gem on the Black Sea coast.

Highlight its holiday resorts, its monuments of the Soviet era, its beaches with crystal clear waters and its orthodox temples. The Black Sea coast is gradually gaining ground to other beach destinations such as the Balearic Islands.

Nessebar

Another city on the shores of the Black Sea, with a historic center that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. He was under Roman influence from 71 BC, to later become a center of commerce for the Byzantine Empire. In the link we leave you information about what to see in Nessebar.

Belogradchik Fortress in Bulgaria — Leyenda

Belogradchick Fortress

Belogradchik was the European Destination of Excellence in 2008. The northern area of the Balkans is an area of incalculable tourist value. In the vicinity of Belogradchik we find caves like Magura or Venetsa, which receive thousands of tourists a year.

5 things to keep in mind before traveling to the United States

Five things to prepare before travelling to the USA

At Eurochange we always recommend a little planning before traveling. Although there are travelers who prefer to leave everything to chance, we don’t want you to cross half the world to realize that you have not booked somewhere you wanted to visit or that you are missing an important document.

So in our post today we are going to tell you 5 things that you should keep in mind before your trip so that everything goes perfectly and you don't have any last minute problems.

Tips to travel to the USA - Apply for ESTA — Tips to travel to the USA – Apply for ESTA

1. Request the ESTA

Citizens of the countries of the European Union (and some more) do not have to apply for a visa to enter the United States but it is necessary to apply for a travel authorization (ESTA).

It is a very simple procedure and, although on the web they recommend ordering it at least 72 hours in advance, we recommend that it be the first procedure so that we do not forget. In addition, it is common for flight companies to remind us via e-mail when purchasing flights. So, as soon as you have the tickets, you can request it.

How is ESTA requested to enter the United States?

To request the ESTA you will have to access the official website of requests. You can make the request individually or for a group (2 or more people). You will fill out a slightly extensive form where you will be asked for personal data, family contacts, information about the last job you have had or your current job,… Once you have filled it out you will have to pay a fee of 14 Dollars per person (with card or Paypal) and in a couple of days you will receive the approved application in your email.

You print it and carry it by hand along with your Passport for arrival in the country. We take this opportunity to remind you to check the expiration date of your Passport 🙂

Tips to travel to the USA - Get internation driving license — Tips to travel to the USA – Get internation driving license

2. Obtain the international driving license

Obviously, if you don’t rent a car, it is not necessary to request it, but if you are going to drive during your trip, you must have it. Although most rental companies are not going to ask for it, it is mandatory to take it since, if the police asks you to stop and they request it, they can fine you for not taking it. Why? Because the Spanish driver's license is only valid for the countries of the European Union and those of the European Economic Area in addition to others with which there is a bilateral treaty. Among which is not the United States.

So you know, if you want to drive and avoid problems, ask for your international permit.

How do you apply for the international driver's license?

The international driving license can be requested online or directly at the Traffic Office (by appointment). It has a cost of about 10 Euros and is valid for one year. If you can not do the process in person, in any agency they can do it for you (yes, the cost would be higher).

Tips to travel to the USA - Check your connection — Tips to travel to the USA – Check your connection

3. Mobile phone and connections

One thing you should keep in mind is that mobile operators use different frequency bands to connect to the network. And not all phones are compatible. So it is possible that a mobile phone purchased in Spain or the UK is not compatible with the United States network.

How to know if my phone will work in the United States?

On the Kimovil website there is a frequency tester. Choose the country of destination and the brand and model of your mobile and you can see the compatibility. In addition, you should check if roaming is included in your rate. If it isn't, you can end up paying a lot of money for the connections you make during your trip.

And remember the plug! Buy a power adapter before your trip to be able to charge your devices without problem during your stay.

Tips to travel to the USA - Book your tickets in advance — Tips to travel to the USA – Book your tickets in advance

4. Book or buy tickets

Even if you like to improvise, keep in mind that some of the main tourist attractions in each city may be a bit crowded, especially if you are traveling in the summer months or at Christmas.

Don't let the lack of forecast ruin your vacation and book or buy tickets to the most visited sites before your trip. In addition to securing your ticket, you may get a discount for online purchase.

Also consider giving a review of transportation options, cards per day, transportation and discounts on tourist attractions, etc. to be clear about what you are going to use and save on your trip.

Tips to travel to the USA - Exchange Euros to Dollars — Tips to travel to the USA – Exchange Euros to Dollars

5. Currency exchange

Last but not least, keep in mind that to pay in the United States you will need to change Euros in Dollars.

How to know where and when to change Euros to Dollars at the best price?

On the Eurochange website you can check the daily price to change from Euro to United States Dollar. The average price to buy Dollars in the first 6 months of 2019 has been € 0.902. So a price that is around this amount would be a good price to make your purchase. Anyway, if you have any questions, contact us and we will solve it as quickly as possible.

Enjoy your trip!

7-day route through Poland in summer

What to do on one week in Poland in summer

When thinking about summer holidays, many people think of beaches, hammocks, palm trees and piña colada. But there are many travelers who prefer to visit the capitals of northern Europe in the warmer months. It is a good opportunity to see these cities with more life than ever. Both tourists and locals go out to the street to enjoy the terraces and parks making the experience totally different to what they would find traveling during other months.

Today we propose a 7-day tour through three of the main Polish cities with advice on what to see and what to do in Poland in summer. If your trip lasts less days, you can easily adapt it and choose the options that you prefer.

The cities that we propose to visit are Wroclaw, Krakow and Warsaw. The distances between them are similar (3-3: 30h) which makes them perfect to visit in the order you want. In addition, you can organize the trip to make the transfers by train or car and you can choose the arrival and departure airports that best suit you since the three cities have good connections with the main Spanish airports.

Day 1 Warsaw

The first thing that draws attention when arriving in Warsaw is the contrast between the modern office buildings, the Soviet buildings and the old town. But the old Town with cobbled streets is not such. After the World War II more than 85% of the buildings in Warsaw were destroyed, forming a mass of rubble. After the war, began the reconstruction of almost everything you will see during your visit and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to know more about the subject, you can visit the Warsaw Museum in the Market Square, in the old town. Nearby you will also find the Miniatures Park where some of the most interesting buildings that were destroyed or severely modified throughout the history of the city are reproduced.

You can also take the first day to visit the old town, or Stare Miasto, where you will also find the Royal Castle, the Column of Sigismund III and the Mermaid Fountain. And in the immediate vicinity you can visit the Marie Curie Museum or get closer to watching the multimedia fountain show (at dusk or at night it is best to see the lights and the effects of the fountain while you take an ice cream).

Day 2 Warsaw

Palace on the Island, Lazienki Park, Warsaw

Once you've seen the old town, it's time to take the Royal Route as if you were one of the ancient kings of Poland. The Royal Route begins at Royal Castle (at Stare Miasto) and exits southwards through Krakowskie Przedmieście, continues through Nowy Świat, Aleje Ujazdowskie, Belwederska, Sobieskiego and ends at Aleja Wilanowska. This route of more than 11 kilometers is what the kings did to move from their usual residence in the old case to their palaces outside the center: the Ujazdów Palace, the Palace on the Island in the Łazienki Park and the Wilanów Palace.

Although there are regular buses that will take you to the main tourist attractions of the route, we recommend you to do the first section that goes from the old town to Aleje Jerozolimskie on foot (or by bike). In this area, a large part of the city's gastronomic, shopping and nightlife offer is concentrated. You can also get closer by taking a walk to the Frédéric Chopin Museum.

Day 3 Warsaw

For the last day in the Polish capital, we recommend you to get away from the center to discover other charms of the city. It may be a good time for you to look for a "milk bar" or Bar Mleczny where you will regress in the early twentieth century eating traditional food, without artifices and at a cheap price.

Clandestine printing, Uprising Museum, Warsaw

One of the historical facts for which Warsaw has been known throughout the world is the Warsaw Uprising against the Nazi invasion. In the Museum of the Uprising you can learn everything that happened before, during and after the rebellion. If your visit coincides with August 1, the anniversary of the start of the uprising is celebrated in the city. On the street you will see men and women dressed in typical clothing from the 40s, there are concerts and many activities to remember this day.

For the last day's sunset, reserve a moment to climb the PKIN viewpoint or Pałac Kultury i Nauki w Warszawie. It is a palace that Stalin once "gave" to the Poles. Nowadays it houses offices, exhibition halls and movie and theater halls. From the viewpoint you have the best views of the city.

Day 4 Warsaw – Krakow

Cloth hall in Krakow — Cloth hall building in Krakow

On the fourth day of travel, we change city to go from Warsaw to Krakow, about 300 kilometers to the south. You can do this journey by train or car rental. Both options are fast and not very expensive.

The first thing to visit in Krakow is its old town. The Stare Miasto in Krakow is surrounded by a green belt that is where the city wall once stood. It has a horseshoe shape. In the south is the Wawel Hill, with its Castle and its Cathedral. To the north is the Barbican, one of the doors that gave access to the city through its wall. In the center is the Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe, with the Cloth Hall in the center and surrounded by several historic buildings such as the St. Mary's Basilica. Near the Market Square you will also find the Jagiellonian University where they studied, among others, Pope John Paul II or Nicolaus Copernicus.

Courtyard of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow

In addition to contemplating the passers-by of the square, you can have a drink or a meal in one of its numerous bars and restaurants or you can also buy souvenirs. But, undoubtedly, the most curious thing you can see (or rather, listen to) in the square is the trumpet call every hour on the hour from one of the towers of the St. Mary's Basilica.

Day 5 Krakow

For the second day in the city of Krakow we propose you to get to know one of the neighborhoods with more atmosphere and more activity of the city, the Jewish district Kasimierz. It is the neighborhood where the Hebrews of the city traditionally settled until the Second World War. Its streets and buildings are very well preserved.

There you will find synagogues, exhibitions, basilicas, museums and countless restaurants and bars that animate its streets and squares. It is a good option to try the specialties of kosher cuisine and traditional Hebrew dishes.

Cabinets in the Pharmacie Under the Eagle

South of the Vistula River you can expand the history of the Jewish population of the city during the Nazi occupation at the Oscar Schindler Museum and the Pharmacie Under The Eagle. Both buildings contain exhibits so visitors can see how they were trying to save the lives of Jewish citizens of the Krakow ghetto.

Day 6 Krakow – Auschwitz – Wroclaw

On the sixth day of travel we leave Krakow to travel to Wroclaw, 270 kilometers away. Again you have the possibility to go by rental car or to make the trip by train. But, as you will see, our recommendation is to take a car (at least from this day) to have more freedom on the move.

About 70 kilometers from Krakow is the Extermination Camp of Auschwitz Birkenau. We leave to your choice if you want to make this type of visits during your holidays or not, since they are not pleasant visits. But it can be a good option to become aware of the magnitude of what happened not only in Poland, but in much of Europe. If you decide to see it, keep in mind that in summer there are usually many people, be patient with the queues.

For the first day or the first afternoon in Wroclaw you have to take a walk through the old town with its Market Square. You can see the St. Mary Magdalene Church or the St. Elizabeth's Church whose bell towers stand out above the buildings of the city. In the center of the square stands the City Hall Building with different architectural styles that reflect the passage of time. In a corner of the Market Square you will see the Hansel and Gretel houses. And you can entertain yourself during the walk by looking for all the figurines of the dwarves of Wroclaw (which are not only in the old town, are spread throughout the city).

The Oder River that crosses the city, passes through the north of the old town, at the foot of the University of Wroclaw. On the river there are several islands with landscaped areas to stroll through and also several churches and historic buildings. And on the other side of the river is the largest concentration of religious buildings in the city with the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Giles, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Faculty of Theology and the Archbishop's Palace between others.

Day 7 Wroclaw

For the last day in Poland we propose a curious and not at all overcrowded visit, since the vast majority of tourists traveling to Poland are unaware of this place. It is about the underground city of Osowka. The city is located about 80 kilometers southwest of Wroclaw. It is a network of tunnels dug by the Nazis under the mountains of the area. Being a wooded area, they were not easy to detect by enemies. The purpose of this construction was kept secret and nowadays it is not known for what purpose they were created, although it is speculated that it could be a hideout to hide if they lost the war and could survive for a few years until they could leave again or they could be the new secret headquarters of Hitler. The total complex has 7 excavations in different parts of the Owl Mountains, next to the Polish border with the Czech Republic.

The guided tour is in Polish (if you're lucky one of the guides speaks Spanish) but you can take the audio guide in English.

Back to Wroclaw you can make a stop in Ksiaz, to visit its Castle or in Swidnica to visit the Church of Peace.

We hope you find this post helpful to organize your next vacation in Poland. And before your trip, remember to change Euros to Polish Zlotys for the purchases and payments you make during your stay.

Enjoy the trip!

5 things to do in New Zealand from north to south

Prepare your trip to New Zealand with these 5 tips

New Zealand is a natural paradise is divided into two islands: North Island and South Island. We will mention five interesting things you can do from north to south in New Zealand so that, in this way, you can make the most of your time, your money and your strength.

Hobbitt Houses at Wellywood, New Zealand — Hobbit Houses at Wellywood, New Zealand

Cinema scenario

In the North Island you will feel like a movie star as this island served as the setting for the filming of the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" movies. Whether or not you are a fan of this saga, doing one of the tours that are organized in the filmographic set will undoubtedly be one of the funniest things you can do. That is why we recommend you to watch the movie before going. They will tell you in the guided tour anecdotes and curious things about the shooting that has made all the world rage. In "Wellywood", as the city of Wellington is known, it is where you will find these cinema stages and you will be able to discover much more about the filming.

Handmade in New Zealand

If you like to buy handicrafts in your travels, you will have to visit Wairarapa. This region is also located on the North Island of New Zealand and you will find it just 60 minutes from Wellington, the capital. This area is known for its handmade crafts and objects. Here you can shop for costume jewelery, pottery and handmade things in general but, in addition, taste wines, chocolates and cheeses made with 100% handmade and ecological techniques.

Land of volcanoes

Another place we recommend you to visit in the North Island is the Tongariro National Park. This place is the oldest National Park in New Zealand and is considered a World Heritage Site according to UNESCO. Here you will be able to cross three active volcanoes by land: the Tongariro, the Ruapehu and the Ngauruhoe. These lands are full of the elements of the ancient Maori culture of New Zealand. We suggest you read a little more about this culture to enjoy more of this local experience. On the website of the Tongariro National Park you will find more information about it.

Historical Tram, Christchurch, New Zealand

Art and nature

Once enjoyed the North Island, it's time to go to the South Island to enjoy Christchurch. This city is a crazy combination between art and nature. It is not uncommon to see works of art everywhere on the public roads of this region. Set aside at least two full days in this city to give you time to see the wild penguins native to their natural habitat thanks to one-day ecological tours that are organized from this point. Christchurch is known throughout the country for offering a wide range of outdoor activities.

Adventure for all tastes

And finally, to finish the route on the South Island, you can not miss out on Milford Sound. It is a Natural Park that is one of the most popular places in the country. There are endless activities to do there such as canoe tours, hiking trails or you can even visit it while cruising. We recommend you to see this natural beauty in a canoe because the reflection of its waters will give you the sensation of sailing on top of a mirror. In addition, you can do camping during your stay to have a 100% adventure experience. On the Milford Sound website you will find more information about the whole range of activities.

Don’t forget to exchange your Euros for New Zealand Dollars before your trip so you don’t have to worry about currency exchange while you are there.

Have a movie stay!

4 getaways through Europe for this summer

Four ideas for a short trip in Europe during this summer

If this summer you don’t have time or budget to make a long trip to the other side of the world, don’t worry. You also have options to make a 3-4 day getaway to European destinations on a budget. What are you waiting for? Take a look and start preparing your trip for this summer!

Krakow, Poland

Located in southern Poland, Krakow was the capital of the country for several centuries. Although at present it is not the capital of the country, it is still an important cultural, economic and educational point.

The old town (Stare Miasto) of Krakow can be visited in one day. Don’t miss out on the market square (Rynek Główny) and the Hejnał Mariacki, the trumpet played hourly from one of the columns of the cathedral.

You can spend another day touring the Wawel Castle and the Wawel Cathedral and ending the day with a picnic along the Vistula River.

In the Jewish quarter you can get to know more about its culture and its gastronomy by walking through its intricate streets. In addition to witnessing its most recent history during the Second World War visiting the Oscar Schindler's Factory.

Bucharest, Romania

Palace of the Parliament in Bucarest, Romania

Bucharest is the capital of Romania, located in the south of the country. It is also its industrial and economic engine and, in recent years, has seen tourism grow in its streets.

A large part of its old town was destroyed during the communist era to build the great buildings and avenues of the time, however north of Unirii Square there are still a dozen cobbled streets where you can get to the idea of how the city was before being the metropolis that it is now. In the area there is a great gastronomic and leisure offer as well as the History Museum of Romania and several Orthodox churches.

Bucharest was known as the little Paris in the early twentieth century for its tree-lined avenues as Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff Avenue that leads to its replica of the Arc de Triomphe of the French capital. During communism Unirii Boulevard was also built, trying to imitate the Champs Elysees in Paris. Strolling along this Boulevard you will find some of the grandest buildings in the city with the huge Parliament Palace at the end as the icing on the cake.

To escape the hustle and bustle, prepare a walk through one of the parks in the city or the multiple lakes north of the city.

Prague, Czech Republic

The capital of the Czech Republic is located more or less in the center of the country. Its best-known tourist attraction is the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) with the Church of St. Nicholas and the Astronomical Clock Tower. Around it you will find a network of narrow streets that make up the old part of the city (Staré Město). Synagogues, churches and museums, restaurants, cafeterias and clubs make up its leisure and cultural offer.

On the other side of the river is the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) with Malá Strana at its feet, literally Little Town. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city where you can stroll, visit museums and palaces crowned by the Cathedral of Saint Vithus within the Castle.

To the south of the castle, you can walk like a local in the Petřín Park. It is also one of the best places to have a panoramic view of the city at sunset.

Lake Balaton, Hungary

If what you want for this summer is a getaway to rest in the sun instead of visiting a city, you can choose one of the cities of the "beach of Hungary", Lake Balaton.

Lake Balaton is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Budapest and is the main national tourist destination. Along its 75 kilometers you will find beaches, water activities, the Balaton-felvidéki National Park, accommodation for all tastes and all pockets, vineyards and local wines, historic cities, SPA's,…

To travel around the villages around the lake use the network of trains and buses that connect the towns around the lake and enjoy the views.

We hope we have given you some ideas for your summer holidays. Remember that if you need to buy foreign currency for your trip, at Eurochange we give you the best price with full availability.

Good trip!

A 5 senses experience in Budapest

5 things to do in Budapest to have a 360 degree experience

If you want to absorb a culture, whatever it is, you must stimulate each one of your senses with elements that you can only find in the place you visit. For example, if you taste a popular flavour, surprise your eyes with something interesting, listen to a beautiful recital, discover the smells of the flora of a local park or relax with a good massage with ancestral techniques of the area, you would get to live a 360 degrees experience. Today we tell you how you can get this experience with the 5 senses in the capital of Hungary.

Stimulate the taste

We begin with gastronomy. We suggest you to try the country's signature dish, the Goulash. For the realization of this recipe a kind of paprika from the area is used. This dish is a classic of Hungarian cuisine that dates back to the seventeenth century. It is a kind of meat stew with a base of onion, potatoes, red pepper and lard. Season with typical paprika.

Develop the smell

If you are one of the people who enjoy the smell of grass and flowers, what better than to do the digestion walking around Margaret Island. It is an island on the Danube, where you will find gardens, monuments and restoration areas in case you have dinner time. There is also a sports complex with public pools and a spa. There are several ways to access the island, by boat or on foot from one of the bridges that connect it to the city.

Pamper the touch

You can not leave Budapest without giving your skin a double thermal sensation in one of the largest thermal spas in Europe, the Széchenyi Spa. Can you imagine being in the water of an outdoor pool at 37 degrees while the ambient temperature of the surface is typical of frost? It is a contrast that you will never forget. If you visit the city in summer, there will not be so much contrast in temperatures, but the experience will be equally fantastic. This place has up to 15 different pools distributed both indoor and outdoor and you can accompany your experience with a massage or some of the wellness treatments they also offer.

Enjoy with the hearing

Detail of the building of the Opera in Budapest

The Budapest Opera is a pleasure of sight and hearing. This place is simply awesome. It is one of the main tourist and cultural attractions of the city. During the day there are guided tours of the building that last about an hour where you will learn about the history of the Budapest Opera and a little more about the history of the country. If you want more, you can buy tickets to attend a performance, a ballet, a concert or an opera. There are performances almost every day (except in the summer months), and the weekends are the dates with the most passes and performances. In addition, the tickets are affordable even for the most privileged seats.

A feast for the sight

And finally, to say goodbye to this beautiful city with an indelible image, climb up the hill of Buda to reach the viewpoint Fisherman's Bastion. In addition to visiting a curious building, from there you can see the city of Budapest in postal format with the Parliament Building in the foreground. Perfect for taking some photos that you will want to show when you return.

To enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind, do not forget to exchange your Euros for Hungarian Florins. At Eurochange we have the best rates and total availability. Make your purchase of Hungarian Florins now on our website and pick it up at the nearest office or receive them at home (in Spain).

Enjoy the Pearl of the Danube!

Are you looking for things to do in Budapest?

5 destinations for Easter Holidays 2019

5 destinations for a short trip during Easter holidays

There are only a few weeks left until the Easter Holidays come but it is still not too late if you decide that it is time for a break and disconnect from day to day taking advantage of the holidays. So today we propose you five destinations so you can organize a last minute getaway.

Sweets in Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

Exoticism in Istanbul

Istanbul is a destination that has enchanted travelers from all over the world for centuries. It was capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires and is divided by the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia. These conditions are what favor that in Istanbul coexist technology and tradition, exoticism and conventionality, history and modernity, in a unique way.

You can not miss out on Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque. In the Grand Bazar you can buy crafts and souvenirs of your trip. In addition you can discover the authentic Turkish food with influences from Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine.

Cruise through the Norwegian Fjords

The mid season is the perfect time to cruise the Norwegian Fjords. The temperatures are not as extreme as in winter, but you can still contemplate the most spectacular snowy landscapes. In addition, there is still not as much influx of visitors as in the summer months.

It could be said that fjords are, along with salmon, the emblems of Norway. The best known are those of Flåm, Ålesund, Stavanger, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Vik, Trondheim, Romsdal and Oslo. Although you can visit them from the inside, entering a fjord through the sea is a unique experience.

There are cruises of different sizes and routes, you can choose yours adapting it to the duration of your trip. And surely to contemplate these magnificent landscapes is an unrepeatable experience.

Krakow, the heart of Poland

On some other occasion we have already recommended a visit to Krakow, one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. For many years it was the capital of Poland and remains the artistic, cultural, tourist and historical center of the country.

In Kraków you can learn the history of Poland from the Middle Ages to the most recent history. You can also get closer to the life of his two most famous citizens: Pope John Paul II and Oscar Schindler.

In Krakow, you will discover a modern city that is very aware of its past and prides itself on its history.

Nature in Croatia

It is likely that the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of traveling to Croatia are its beaches and its islands. It is true, they are one of its most important tourist attractions. But today we propose a different trip through the country of the Dalmatian Coast.

Croatia has 8 National Parks and 11 Natural Parks. Among them you have to choose between beach, mountains, islands, lakes and a great variety of landscapes with little distance between them. The most popular are the Krka National Park, the Plitvice Lakes National Park or the Kornati National Park.

Choose yours, prepare the routes and the picnic basket because you have all the nature you want at your fingertips.

Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom

The classic London

Year after year, we never tire of recommending an urban getaway to London. If you still do not know the city, you have to visit it. And if you already know it, for sure you've still had something to see.

Museums, excursions, markets, royalty, history,… London is a city where you can spend days and days visiting its main tourist attractions and also losing yourself in its charming alleys and corners.

For a few days' view, note: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, Hyde Park, the Camden market and the Covent Garden market are our must-haves.

We hope we inspired you to organize an Easter break. And if your plan is to stay at home, we are sure you can find plans in your city outside of your usual routine. The important thing is to enjoy and disconnect to return after the holidays with the batteries charged.

Enjoy it!

Holi Festival: the color festival of India

All the information about Holi Festival in India

What is the Holi Festival?

The Holi Festival is a religious celebration celebrated mainly in India and Nepal, but also in other regions of the world with a strong Hindu tradition.

It is celebrated in the last full moon of the winter. In 2019 it will be celebrated on March 21st. It is a festival in which the arrival of spring and love are celebrated.

How is the Holi Festival celebrated?

The Holi Festival begins, in fact, the night before with the celebration of Holika Dahan. That night bonfires are formed in which a figure of Holika is burned.

The Holi colour party takes place the next day. During this day, people play in the streets with coloured powders and coloured water. In this way the arrival of spring is celebrated with colours and joy. During the celebration they also enjoy typical sweets from India and sing songs in the streets.

What is the origin of the Holi Festival?

Legend says that King Hiranyakashipu was the king of the demonic Asuras and made everyone worship him. No one could kill him: neither a human nor an animal, neither indoor nor outdoor, neither by day nor by night, neither by a weapon grasped nor by a weapon thrown, neither on earth nor water nor air.

However, his son, Prince Prahlada, worshiped the God Vishnu. Despite the harsh punishments of his father, the prince did not stop worshiping Vishnu. The sister of King Hiranyakashipu and the prince's aunt, Holika, tricked him into sitting next to her on a pyre. She wore a tunic that protected her from fire, but the prince would be exposed and would burn. When the fire started to burn, the tunic slipped from Holika's body covering Prince Prahlada and protected him from the fire while his aunt burned.

Then Vishnu took the form of another God half human and half lion and at dusk he took Hiranyakashipu to the doorway. He sat him on his lap and killed him with his claws.

For this reason Holika burns again at the stake every year and the victory of good over evil is celebrated.

Another of the legends about the colour festival has to do with the Gods Krishna and Radha. It is said that Krishna had blue skin because a demon tried to kill him by giving him poisoned milk. Krishna cried because of the injustice that meant that his beloved Radha had such a clear skin color. To comfort him his mother told him to go to paint Radha's face the color he wanted and he went and painted her face blue.

According to this legend, the day of the Holi Festival also commemorates the love of Krishna and Radha. It is common for at Holi lovers to look for their beloved one to paint their faces on each other as a symbol of their love.

Where to celebrate the Holi Festival?

If you want to celebrate the Holi Festival in style in India (or elsewhere in the world), check out the Holi Festival website. You will be able to consult all the information to enjoy this colourful and happy festival.

Do you need to exchange Euros to Indian Rupees?

If you are already preparing your trip to India to celebrate the Holi or to know this enigmatic country and all its traditions, you can change your Euros to Indian Rupees right now on our website. We give you the best price without commissions and you receive your Rupees in 48-72 hours.

Enjoy the Holi!

Basic prices in… Oslo (Norway)

Basic prices in the city of Oslo in Norway

One of the questions we usually ask ourselves when preparing a trip is how much money we should take. There are destinations where it is easier because the prices are similar or because they use the same currency (as it happens in all countries of the Euro zone) so we do not have to worry about carrying money changed or making card payments. But there are destinations where the task is made more complicated by the change of currency and the difference in prices. This is the case of Norway, where the official currency is the Norwegian Krone, its value is not similar to that of the Euros o Pounds and, moreover, the prices there are well above the prices of the countries of southern Europe.

So in our post today we are going to review the basic prices of Oslo to help you decide how much money to take to travel to Norway.

In the restaurants

If we think that eating cheap is eating for 10-15 Euros per person (or less), then eating cheap in Oslo is not easy. To give you an idea, a normal-size Big Mac menu at McDonlads will not fall below 100 NOK (about 10 Euros). There are alternatives to spend 150-200 NOK (16-22 Euros) per person, without drinks included, in restaurants such as pizzerias, kebab, burgers or oriental restaurants. They are not usually very elaborate dishes and are simple (we are talking about a margherita pizza, for example) but you can eat for a more affordable price. If you decide to try the local cuisine, in a restaurant you can pay 400-500 NOK (about 44-55 Euros) per person for a main dish and a dessert.

The gardens of the Royal Palace may be a good place to make a picnic in Oslo

You can always compensate for a few days of higher spending on restaurants with shopping in a supermarket to prepare some snacks and some fruit and have a picnic in one of the parks in the city (which is a fairly common custom when the weather is nice) or if you visit the lake areas and surrounding nature.

In the restaurants the water is free and they serve it to you in jars and quite cold. You can ask for all you want. But if you want to order a beer, you will pay peacefully between 80-100 NOK (8-10 Euros).

Visits and activities

First of all, don’t be scared. There are free activities and many places to see in Oslo without spending money. You can tour the Vigeland park (and take the opportunity to have a picnic that day), enter the Akershus Fortress (without a visit to the castle) or stroll through the Opera and its surroundings in the Town centre.

Outdoor spaces of the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

Here you have a list of the prices of the main tourist attractions, but keep in mind that, if you buy the Oslo Pass, you will have free entrance fees to some of these museums as well as other activities and discounts.

Akershus Fortress: the entrance is free. The guided tour costs 60 NOK (6 Euros)

Norway Opera: walking outside and roof is free. The guided tour is 100 NOK (10 Euros). Seeing a function costs between 300 and 1000 NOK (33-110 Euros) depending on what you want to see.

Museum of Viking ships and Historical Cultural Museum: the entrance costs 100 NOK (about 10 Euros) per person and is valid for the two museums in 48 hours.

FRAM Museum: NOK 120 (12 Euros)

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History: 160 NOK (16 Euros)

Munch Museum: NOK 120 (12 Euros)

Transportation

Oslo has a good transport network that includes buses, trams, ferries and metro. The single ticket costs 36 NOK (about 4 Euros) and can be used for 1 hour if you have to change. If you buy the ticket directly on the bus it is 20 NOK more expensive (2 Euros).

Usually, people use public transport, but if you decide to take a taxi, the prices to go or return to Gardemoen Airport are 750-850 NOK (82-92 Euros) depending on where you stay. There is also a train service (Flytoget) that costs about 190 NOK per ride (about 20 Euros) and a bus (Flybussen) which costs about 180 NOK.

The best option if you are going to use transport and visit some museums, is to buy the Oslo Pass. With this card you will have included transport, tickets, discounts on attractions and restaurants,… for 1, 2 or 3 days for 445 NOK, 655 NOK and 820 NOK respectively.

Booking.com

Find the best accomodations in Oslo

Sleep

The average price of a double room, with private bathroom, per night is about 1200-1500 NOK (between 130-160 Euros more or less). Are not there cheaper options? Of course. You can find options for half the price (or even less) if you move a little away from the center or if you opt for options such as hostels and B&B. If you're looking for something very, very cheap, there are hostels where, sharing a room and bathroom, you can pay about 300 NOK (about 30 Euros).

Tips

In bars and restaurants it is usually left between 5% and 10% of the total bill as tip, as long as the service and food have been good. It is not obligatory, it is up to you. In other services such as hotels, taxis, etc. Tipping is not common. But a good service or help in case of need, can always be compensated with a tip.

Trick to calculate prices

We show you a trick to calculate the prices in Norwegian Krones and know more or less what they are in Euros. When you see a price in NOK, remove the two leading zeros and duplicate the first number. E.g., 100 NOK would be 11 Euros, 500 NOK would be 55 Euros, 800 NOK would be 88 Euros, 5 NOK would be 5.50 Euros. It is an approximate change, but useful to make the calculation fast for amounts under 1000 NOK.

As we have said, prices in Norway are generally much higher than in other European countries. Calculate your budget based on the days you are in the country and the activities you want to do. Always carry a card for incidentals, but keep in mind that you may pay high fees for using it in a non-Euro country.

If you want to buy your Norwegian Krones right now, place your order on our website and recieve them at homr or pick them up in an office in 24-48 hours.