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	<title>Asia Pacific Blog</title>
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	<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog</link>
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	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:21:50 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Popular Tourist Destination in Singapore</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/popular-tourist-destination-in-singapore/</link>
		<comments>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/popular-tourist-destination-in-singapore/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:21:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourist Attraction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourist Destination]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/?p=87</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. The Merlion deemed as the tourism symbol of Singapore, is a regal representation on the island. This is eight-metres in height located at the mouth of the Singapore River. The Merlion is a mythological animal i.e. half lion and half fish. It symbolizes valour, power and flexibility of the people of Singapore. This is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>1. The Merlion deemed as the tourism symbol of Singapore, is a regal representation on the island. This is eight-metres in height located at the mouth of the Singapore River. The Merlion is a mythological animal i.e. half lion and half fish. It symbolizes valour, power and flexibility of the people of Singapore. This is centrally located on Fullerton road and is at a walking distance from numerous hotels in Singapore.</p>
<p>2. Sentosa Island is a well-known island resort in Singapore. It has a beautiful theme park and it is estimated that at least 5 million tourists visit this place every year. The attractions here are museums, beaches, underwater world, dolphin lagoon, Butterfly Park, tiger sky tower, songs of the sea, 4D Magix, and numerous joy rides. Fort Siloso, golf courses and hotels are its other attractions.</p>
<p>3. The Singapore River is lined by three quays &#8211; Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are the more happening and popular of the three. The quays are known for their general celebratory ambience with restaurants offering local and varied cuisines, stalls, eateries, pubs, clubs and carts selling knick-knacks and souvenirs.</p>
<p>4. Chinatown in Singapore is a major tourist attraction. This is a native Chinese area. The place is resplendent with its own colours and flavours. This is a must visit place during the Chinese New Year celebrations. It has many eateries, tea-places, bars, bakeries, stalls and it is one of the oldest places in the world showcasing an eclectic combination of Oriental, Italian and Victorian architecture.</p>
<p>5. The Civilian War Memorial is another place worth visiting. This is dedicated to the people who lost their lives during the 2nd World War.</p>
<p>6. The Hajjah Fatimah Mosque was built way back in 1846 and is situated at Beach Road. It stands out for its architecture which is a combination of local and British features.</p>
<p>7. Geylang is Singapore&#8217;s red light area. There are many buildings here depicting old architecture. Local food in this part of town is very good. Geylang is also an ideal place to find cheap Singapore hotels.</p>
<p>8. The Singapore Flyer is a 165 metre high Flyer and one of the world&#8217;s biggest observation wheels. A 30-minute ride costs about S$29.50. A ride in the night when the city&#8217;s downtown is completely lit is the best time.</p>
<p>9. Jurong Bird Park is another must-see attraction. It is a 20.2 hectare open-model park. It is the biggest in the Asia Pacific region and is considered one of the best bird parks in the world. It has more than 8,000 birds from about 600 species and tourists can find the visit an encounter that is enjoyable and enlightening. There are many bird shows that would be a delight for children.</p>
<p>10. The Thian Hock Keng Temple &#8211; one of the oldest temples and Sri Mariamman Temple are two places of worship.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>A Plane Route With Star Alliance</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/a-plane-route-with-star-alliance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/a-plane-route-with-star-alliance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 06:47:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Round World Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Deal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Ticket]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/?p=82</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Star Alliance has become famous for their multiple air passes for different regions. Today I would like to speak about the option they offer within Asia and South Pacific. First of all, let&#8217;s see which countries this offer includes, as they use the term Asia excluding all the Middle East Region but including some South [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Star Alliance has become famous for their multiple air passes for different regions. Today I would like to speak about the option they offer within Asia and South Pacific. First of all, let&#8217;s see which countries this offer includes, as they use the term Asia excluding all the Middle East Region but including some South Pacific countries.</p>
<p>This travel pass can bring you to South-East Asia includes Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. You can travel to all those destinations if you want, but you can&#8217;t fly to a country that is outside this zone and then come back to visit another one belonging to the zone. You need to finish the countries you want to see in this zone before going on, and North Asia has the same rules as the one before, and the countries included are Hong-Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. Finally, the South-Pacific area includes only Australia and New Zealand.</p>
<p>There exist two options, one for 15,000 miles and the other for 18,000, with different prices and also depending on the class you prefer when flying. The minimum stay allowed is 3 days and the maximum is 6 months, taking into account that you need to do at least 2 stopovers during your route, you are allowed to land only once in each city. In the end, taking a look at all this, the plan seem very interesting for all Asia and South Pacific lovers, as this offer comes together with reduced prices and allows great flexibility, adapting to the needs of almost every passenger. If it has only one negative point, is that you must travel within the 3 sectors, drawing a circle, so in case that you have very few days, probably the price will not be worth and a local ticket that could apply to only one of the regions or to one country alone could be more price-saving. Of course you are allowed to visit the three regions in three days but&#8230; Do you really think you will enjoy a trip like this one?</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Worth Places to See When Traveling to Japan</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/worth-places-to-see-when-traveling-to-japan/</link>
		<comments>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/worth-places-to-see-when-traveling-to-japan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:15:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan Attractions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan Holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourist Destination]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/?p=79</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Japan is filled with amazing culture, food, and places to visit. With its exotic beauty and marvelous attractions, choosing a starting point can be difficult. Depending upon your vacation time, knowing what to see and how to make the most out of your time in Japan is important. So start wide and wander and marvel [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Japan is filled with amazing culture, food, and places to visit. With its exotic beauty and marvelous attractions, choosing a starting point can be difficult. Depending upon your vacation time, knowing what to see and how to make the most out of your time in Japan is important. So start wide and wander and marvel at all the unique and eccentric sights Japan has to offer.</p>
<p>Tokyo is the number one hotspot in Japan and unlike any other big city in the world. Be ready for a shock, as it will show you what the term &#8220;foreign&#8221; really means! In Tokyo, you&#8217;ll see the famous Tokyo Tower; examine the intriguing mix of old monuments and shrines together with new age shops and modern buildings. Prepare to be awed by the majesty of the Imperial Palace and find the perfect picture in the Kokyo Gaien, an impressive garden just outside the palace. </p>
<p>Once you&#8217;ve finished in Tokyo, move on to Kyoto, Japan&#8217;s original capital where emperors of past centuries once ruled. As Japan&#8217;s second most popular tourist destination, it contains over 15 historical sites. Kyoto was undamaged during World War II, which makes it the best place to see preserved examples of Japan&#8217;s feudal times. Temples abound in Kyoto, such as the Golden Pavillion, where you can go to be awed or just take a bit of time for meditation. Filled with places to shop as well as nightlife to experience, Kyoto has it all.</p>
<p>Of course, you cannot visit Japan without taking in the majestic Mount Fuji. Escape the cities for a while and relish the wide open air in the south where Mt. Fuji rests. The mountain is actually a volcano and is said to be imbued with a living spirit. Climbers will enjoy the challenge, as the mountain is open to them from July through August. But if climbing isn&#8217;t your style, you can still indulge in the outdoors by trekking through the Hakone National Park, taking a moment to soak in a natural hot spring along the way.</p>
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		<title>Real Estate in Thailand</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/real-estate-in-thailand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/real-estate-in-thailand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:44:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thailand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thailand Property]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thailand Real Estate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/?p=76</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone knows that Real Estate is big business, and many people are trying to get their own part of the action by looking to new places around the world to build on. In Europe this means places like Hungary and other Eastern European countries, outside of Europe people are looking to the Far East. In [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Everyone knows that Real Estate is big business, and many people are trying to get their own part of the action by looking to new places around the world to build on. In Europe this means places like Hungary and other Eastern European countries, outside of Europe people are looking to the Far East. In the Far East there is no bigger market than Thailand real estate. Thailand is a hugely popular destination for tourists and is easy to get to from all parts of the world; an increasing number of people are looking to live in Thailand as well as venture there on holiday.</p>
<p>There are unfortunately wide ranging and complex laws regarding the purchase of land and the building of property, which makes it far more restrictive than building in other parts of the world. One such rule means that foreigners are not allowed to own land in Thailand, although they are allowed to own buildings. There are two ways around this, whereby the land is leased for periods of thirty years, or the land is purchased by a Thai company. This last option is preferential but all Thai companies require at least seven members on the board, five of whom should be Thai. It does get complicated very quickly, and local knowledge is vital to meet all requiements.</p>
<p>Then of course there are issues about immigration laws regarding the purchase of Thailand real estate. Depending on what visas individual have may need individual to leave or re-entry the country four times a year, or else apply for extensions. The easiest option could be to just purchase building and rent them out; there is profit to be made, as places like Phuket are becoming increasingly popular amongst the tourist trade, although even this has barriers.</p>
<p>For those people willing to do the research and put the money and effort in there is a lot of money to be made from Thailand real estate. It is advisable though to get a good agent and a reputable lawyer. Both of these professionals are indispensable when dealing with laws, taxes and fees all required to make a successful step into Thailand real estate.</p>
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		<title>A Different Kind of Dating in Taiwan</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/a-different-kind-of-dating-in-taiwan/</link>
		<comments>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/a-different-kind-of-dating-in-taiwan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:22:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Murphy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Taiwan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AsiaPacific]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Palau]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/a-different-kind-of-dating-in-taiwan/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What happens if you want to spend some time for a place that you want to be? One of the best and exciting places to spend your vacation is Taiwan. But why Taiwan? Actually, some men from United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and other countries have one thing that they want in Taiwan. Not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What happens if you want to spend some time for a place that you want to be? One of the best and exciting places to spend your vacation is Taiwan. But why Taiwan? Actually, some men from United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and other countries have one thing that they want in Taiwan. Not only they want to spend vacation there, but to date Taiwanese women. Why do they want to date Taiwanese women? Is it because of their looks and beauty? Actually, Taiwan is a place that you can see beautiful women who look younger than any other women in other countries. You cannot recognize their age, because of their beauty. Even they are in the mid-40&#8242;s or 50&#8242;s, you can guess that they are still between the age of twenty to thirty.</p>
<p>Taiwanese women are so cute and friendly, particularly to foreign men. They prefer to develop their relations with foreigners as they guide anywhere in the city, or talking about their life and culture here in Taiwan. When foreign men saw a Taiwanese girl for the first time, they become attracted and inviting them to a date. Dating in Taiwan are much different than what you experienced in your own country. You may feel something different to these Taiwanese women, because of their beauty in terms of skin. Taiwan has some anti aging products which are so effective that make them feel young and beautiful, and it will attract lots of men on Taiwan and the rest of the world. If we compare maintaining an anti aging product between a Taiwanese and an American, we can say that these products are more effective to a Taiwanese than an American. When you search in the internet about Taiwanese women, you might feel something different about them, and you want to have a good relationship between you and a Taiwanese girl. If there are any problems on dating Taiwanese women, there are lots of Taiwan dating guide books and articles online to read and apply. It may help a lot to improve the relationship of both a Taiwanese woman and a foreign guy, either friendly or in love with each other.</p>
<p>Most Asian countries are full of beautiful and young aged women like Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Thailand and China. Sometimes, we do not understand why they are more beautiful than English-speaking women. We can say that&#8217; s for racial and ethnic groups, and we cannot change it. More and more men from English-speaking countries are spending their money to fly across any Asian country just to date with these beautiful women, whether friendly or in a relationship. These men wants them to be their girlfriend, and we can see that both a foreign man and a Taiwanese girl are holding hands while walking around the park or in a mall. Taiwanese women are something special just like other Asian countries, as foreigners cannot resist themselves to develop their relationship to Taiwanese women. It is like they finally found their dream girl to date with.</p>
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		<title>The Most Amazing Variety of Marine Life in Palau</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/the-most-amazing-variety-of-marine-life-in-palau/</link>
		<comments>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/the-most-amazing-variety-of-marine-life-in-palau/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Murphy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Palau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resorts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scuba Diving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/the-most-amazing-variety-of-marine-life-in-palau/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Situated east of Philippines, the islands of Palau are a rare oasis in the Pacific Ocean. Palau&#8217;s waters life is one of the richest and the weather is beneficial so it is a great destination when it comes to scuba diving. The only major problem is that you may go scuba diving in Palau and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Situated east of Philippines, the islands of Palau are a rare oasis in the Pacific Ocean. Palau&#8217;s waters life is one of the richest and the weather is beneficial so it is a great destination when it comes to scuba diving. The only major problem is that you may go scuba diving in Palau and get to meet more divers than marine life. The Japanese have few locations where they are allowed to practice scuba diving so they are usually crowded; Palau is one of them. This is why you should go for scuba diving in Palau in a period when it is less visited if you want to enjoy the beauty that lies in those waters.</p>
<p>In what concerns how to get to Palau, a direct flight can be taken from Taipei but it is recommended for you to make reservations ahead. You only need your passport or your birth certificate in order to be allowed to visit Palau for scuba diving. If you have already decided on where you are going to stay in Palau and you made the reservations then you will have no problem once you get to the airport as someone from the hotel will get you from there. You should also know that when you are leaving Palau you have to pay a $20 tax. In what concerns the resorts, you will surely find something that fits your needs and your budget no matter how these are. The temperature is great in Palau so you need lightweight clothes thought you might as well be there in some rainy days so a sweater and a waterproof jacket can be also great. </p>
<p>The weather of Palau is very pleasant with a mean temperature of 27° C. However it has some rainy days, the humidity is quite increased. With no more than 18,000 inhabitants, Palau&#8217;s tourism is not very well developed, yet it is one of the most interesting archipelagos in the world. Palau consists in 340 islands that are surrounded by a huge reef. By scuba diving in the clear waters that Palau offers you will get to meet with more than 1500 species of fish, with lots of types of coral and with dangerous predators if you swim in deeper waters.</p>
<p>Palau islands are indeed some of the natural wonders of the world if we consider the beauty of their marine life. Tourists continue to visit Palau for scuba diving as they certainly feel like they are in paradise when they swim around all those extraordinary creatures. If you haven&#8217;t decided yet on where you are going next for a scuba diving vacation you should definitely consider visiting Palau. There is no doubt that if you plan the trip in time you will enjoy a unique and fascinating experience. Not only you will spend some time on this beautiful island but you will also get to swim between diverse species that will totally fascinate you.</p>
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		<title>How To Impress Taiwan Girls</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/how-to-impress-taiwan-girls/</link>
		<comments>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/how-to-impress-taiwan-girls/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Apr 2010 07:38:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Taiwan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/how-to-impress-taiwan-girls/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To be able to maintain the relations lively, there should certainly be mutual interaction. You could try not to help with making her bored during your conversations on various subjects. A gal should certainly feel comfort when she is with your company. Humor is definitely an critical element whilst chatting with you. So comment on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To be able to maintain the relations lively, there should certainly be mutual interaction. You could try not to help with making her bored during your conversations on various subjects. A gal should certainly feel comfort when she is with your company.</p>
<p>Humor is definitely an critical element whilst chatting with you. So comment on factors that generate humor but never discuss about their beauty. Usually do not say all sorts of things that can make them assume that you simply are just immediately after sex.</p>
<p>Be ready towards the simple fact that the ladies are confident enough to talk with other individuals which are all over you. It is nice in case you might have a buddy circle of regional individuals as because of to this you may catch interest from the ladies. Nearly all Taiwanese ladies are prone to chat about their families, since they respect and have a strong feeling for them so be ready to speak about this subject matter.</p>
<p>Your likelihood of impressing Taiwan ladies are far more if you don&#8217;t conceal facts about your self. Stay reliable with them. Anything at all that holds true for Americans and Europeans might not be accurate for Taiwanese. So you might have to behave accordingly.</p>
<p>If you are exploring to get a trouble-free path to date Taiwanese Females, hunt for Taiwan dating sites. You can expect to unearth plenty of serious Taiwanese members during there. It is possible to even evaluate their photos and are able to message them as you desire. Hence you will get in touch with nearby girls.</p>
<p>For anybody who is a foreigner in Taiwan, you should certainly treat the Taiwanese girls in a very respectful manner. You should certainly respect their growing culture whilst discussing with them.</p>
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		<title>Asian Decor and Asian Furniture</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/asian-decor-and-asian-furniture/</link>
		<comments>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/asian-decor-and-asian-furniture/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:16:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Miller</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asian Shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/asian-decor-and-asian-furniture/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many ways to use this design influence in your space. Some people, however, are a little lost when it comes to using Asian design in their own home. But, how to use the best? Feng Shui is a Chinese concept of space and object placement. Feng Shui associates the home with both health [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many ways to use this design influence in your space. Some people, however, are a little lost when it comes to using Asian design in their own home. But, how to use the best?</p>
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<p>Feng Shui is a Chinese concept of space and object placement. Feng Shui associates the home with both health and prosperity. There are various rooms in which Feng Shui is more prevalent. The kitchen is one of them. Couple this perspective with the role of the kitchen as &#8220;the heart of the home,&#8221; and you can see that any feng shui in this room can have a significant impact on your family. A few things you can try are to place Buddha statues at strategic places. Buddha statues are known to add vibrant chi power to your home. Especially the Laughing Buddha statue. Buddha statues can be made from various stones. Jade as well as bronze are the most popular choices. Quan Yin is the female version of Buddha.</p>
<p>Common Feng Shui gifts include Chinese dragons. These dragons are said not only to provide powerful chi energy, but also keep evil spirits from entering your home. For better wealth, riches and prosperity, one can turn to Chinese Feng Shui money frogs. These frogs are made from either jade or agate. They symbolize fortune and good luck with your hard work and clever mind. If you&#8217;re looking for a healthier frame of body and mind, an Asian Feng Shui crystal globe might be your answer. This is one of the most commonly used cures and produces amazing results. When sunlight hits these crystals, beams of colored light radiate in all directions activating chi energy, and can also be used to slow down chi. Incidentally, various Asian animal figures such as jade horses can also be used to the same effect.</p>
<p>The Japanese perspective of home decorating and home furnishings is quite different. Rather than concentrate on objects to attract or repel energies, the Japanese focuses on spatial matters. It uses room dividers known as Shoji screens to separate form and function within a living space. A single Shoji screen can transform a dull square room into practical, attractive living areas. These oriental screens are often made with rice paper and can have vibrant colors or symbols. Some common designs are bamboo tree shoji screen, cherry blossom shoji screen or Geisha shoji screen. Light also plays a vital role in Japanese home design. Japanese lanterns are known for their boxy shape which reflects strength and substance. The thin rice paper allows ample light to shine through while displaying the intended images, much like the way silk paintings are. In fact, Japanese lanterns are sometime made from silk.</p>
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		<title>Asian Holiday: How To Save Your Money</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/asian-holiday-how-to-save-your-money/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:31:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asian Holiday]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[What is probably outstanding is your Travel Money Strategy. No, I don’t mean how much money you expect to spend in Singapore versus Bangkok, but how are you going to have access to the right amount of money, in the right currency, at the right time and place. Of course, without having to carry it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What is probably outstanding is your Travel Money Strategy. No, I don’t mean how much money you expect to spend in Singapore versus Bangkok, but how are you going to have access to the right amount of money, in the right currency, at the right time and place. Of course, without having to carry it all on your person!</p>
<p>Here are some insider tips to money matters for those who will travel in Asia, beyond the metropolises like Singapore and Hong Kong.</p>
<p>Travelers Cheques</p>
<p>Whilst these are the regular staple for travels to Europe, in Asia, they are somewhat less convenient. As a rule of thumb, they are not as widely accepted in Asia (outside of larger cities), as they would be elsewhere in the world.</p>
<p>If you are taking any travelers cheques with you, plan to change these at bigger cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.</p>
<p>Of course, the rate you will get for changing travelers cheques will be less than hard cash.</p>
<p>Also, once you are off the beaten track, expect people to look at you as if your are offering them Monopoly Money, when you put your travelers cheques forward.</p>
<p>ATMs/Cash Machines</p>
<p>These are increasingly available across Asia, and now a days have penetrated well beyond the big cities, into second/third tier cities, as well as most of the main Asian holiday resort destinations, such as the Bali Island, Phuket, and Langkawi.</p>
<p>Whilst in bigger cities, you will spot ATMs with ease, at many other destinations you will have to actually go looking for them. In Bali, for example, many cash machines are located at Circle K outlets (convenience store chain), or petrol/gas stations. In other more remote places, you will need to try your luck at the local mini-market and even the chemists!</p>
<p>However, ATMs are by far one of the most convenient ways of accessing cash easily in Asia, without having to carry huge amounts in person.</p>
<p>However, again, similar to travelers cheques, you will have to pay for the convenience/service in an incremental way. Banks and credit card companies will make money from you in two ways.</p>
<p>Firstly, because you are withdrawing at a foreign currency, there are exchange rates involved. For ATM withdrawals you will almost certainly end up getting a poorer exchange rate than if you were changing cash.</p>
<p>The second area of payment, is in the form of foreign currency withdrawal charge that will be imposed on your transaction. Given that this charge is often a flat fee, you are better off making fewer withdrawals of bigger amounts of money, than many withdrawals, each of which resulting in a separate charge.</p>
<p>Money Belts</p>
<p>There is no two ways about it, keeping your cash and valuables in a money belt is a safer way than carrying a big wallet, or a handbag which may be snatched with ease.</p>
<p>However, keep in mind that, unless you are traveling to Beijing or Seoul in the winter, your Asian travels will inevitably take you to hot tropical destinations.</p>
<p>As those who have had to carry money belts in the tropics will attest, they can very quickly become very uncomfortable (and wet!). Also, when at more humid environments, a money belt easily becomes very visible when perspiration sticks your clothing onto your body, or you remove your top for a swim. All of a sudden, what once was a discrete security measure becomes a bill-board advertising that you are carrying valuables on you, in the process pinpointing the location too!</p>
<p>So, as they say, horses-for-courses. You will need to decide on the best method of carrying your valuables depending on the environment. Or even better, if you feel like you are in a high risk situation, it is probably best to leave most of your valuables under the protection of a reputable hotel safety box.</p>
<p>Money Exchange</p>
<p>As a general rule of thumb, you will get a better exchange rate for your money at your Asian destination, than back home, regardless of where you change your money. Of course with the exception of larger international hotels, where the exchange rates on offer match the nightly room rates! So, it is well worth doing your homework before your leave home, and check the prevailing exchange rates for your currency, at some of the bigger banks’ internet sites for your destination(s).</p>
<p>Once you are in Asia, the best and safest way of changing money is to visit one of the local banks. It is worth noting that, in Asia banking office hours will vary substantially from country to country. For example, in Bali, most banks will open at around 9 am, where as in Singapore, some bank branches will not open their doors till 11 am. If your need is time sensitive, it will pay to plan ahead the day before. The good news is, most banks in Asia will accept many different currencies, and often offer fair rates, and provide official receipts. (Of course, some currencies such as the US Dollar, the Euro, and the Japanese Yen, are more readily accepted by more banks than currencies from some other countries.)</p>
<p>If however, you wanted to squeeze a little more from your money, or you have no other choice, you may be tempted to use an Exchange Services/Kiosks, found throughout Asia. Typically, these should offer slightly better rates than banks.</p>
<p>If you are going to use this option, here are a few tips and tricks.</p>
<p>You will probably get a fair rate, and be treated fairly in cities like Singapore, where local laws and enforcement will help protect you.</p>
<p>However, in some other cities/resorts you do need to take care, and be on the guard.</p>
<p>In many countries, most of these exchange kiosks are no more authorised than the handwritten (or nowadays printed) authorization sign they carry!</p>
<p>Some are blatantly unscrupulous, and will successfully short change even the most worldly-wise of travelers.</p>
<p>If you decide to use an exchange kiosk, here are some best practice tips:</p>
<p>Never change money on your own &#8211; don’t be alarmed, in most places there is usually no risk involved to the individual, but you are better off with 2-3 pairs of eyes than just your own</p>
<p>Change small amounts at a time &#8211; reduces your exposure and their greed!</p>
<p>Agree on the rate, and the amount you are going to change before taking out your money &#8211; unless of course you want to see your real $100 bill change into a recently printed fake in front of your very eyes!</p>
<p>Count the money given to you, and then when you are finished &#8211; hand it over to your partner to count again. (You should never count at the same time together, as you need that 2nd pair of eyes to observe the transaction</p>
<p>If at any point you are in doubt &#8211; just smile and walk-away</p>
<p>In a Nut Shell</p>
<p>1 &#8211; Make a Travel Money Strategy before you leave home</p>
<p>2 &#8211; Ensure that you have sufficient funds/credit on your cards</p>
<p>3 &#8211; Do take some travelers cheques with you, just in case</p>
<p>4 &#8211; Take some cash with you, even if a small amount</p>
<p>5 &#8211; Decide where and how you want to use you money belt</p>
<p>6 &#8211; Do use reputable hotel safes</p>
<p>7 &#8211; When exchanging money, try to stick to official banks</p>
<p>8 &#8211; If changing money elsewhere, try to make sure there is more than just you overseeing the transaction</p>
<p>9 &#8211; Make sure you never loose sight of your money at exchange kiosks</p>
<p>10 &#8211; If you feel uncomfortable during a transaction, just smile and walk away</p>
<p>As they say, prevention is better than the cure. If you decide to use these tips, please also observe your environment, and apply common sense. Just don’t forget, in many of the Asian destinations you will be traveling to, what you pay for a hamburger or a Skinny-Late is probably almost equal to someone’s local wage. Always carry the minimum amount of money with you, and apply caution when at remote parts of the developing world.</p>
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		<title>Booking Cheap International Flights To Asia</title>
		<link>http://www.asiapacificcentral.info/blog/booking-cheap-international-flights-to-asia/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:18:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alan Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia Travel]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Should You Book Your Cheap International Flights to Asia early or late? Can you count on getting a bargain at the last minute? With costs going up for all the international airlines, it seems that the odds of getting cheap international flights to Asia at the last minute are very slim. If at all there [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Should You Book Your Cheap International Flights to Asia early or late?</p>
<p>Can you count on getting a bargain at the last minute? With costs going up for all the international airlines, it seems that the odds of getting cheap international flights to Asia at the last minute are very slim.</p>
<p>If at all there is a cheap air fare, you can be sure it will be snapped up quickly; most likely on the first hour of the first day itself. Deals are available, but last minute deals are rare. Airlines are encouraging people to book in advance through discounted offers and very often cheap international flights to Asia are available a couple of months in advance. Airline budgets are getting tighter and the number of flights going out to destinations is being reduced to maximize profit.</p>
<p>The Early Bird gets the Cheap International Flights to Asia</p>
<p>In general, booking early will get you a good deal; booking a summer flight in January or February will be far less costly than booking the same flight in March or April. With the reduction in capacity, half empty planes are becoming less and less common. This means that the chance of snapping up a last minute deal is low.</p>
<p>However, you should never say never. In the event that you cannot find cheap international flights to Asia, one of the options you can explore when travelling in Asia is the low cost carriers that operate within the major hubs in the region. Singapore&#8217;s Changi Airport could be considered a hub for many of the major air carriers, much like Atlanta in the United States.</p>
<p>Low Cost Carriers and Cheap International Flights to Asia</p>
<p>There are many low cost, no frills airlines around the world. However, they mostly operate in a given region and rarely travel between continents. This means that even if you cannot find cheap international flights to Asia, you can still avail of bargain prices on domestic flights between the cities of the same country. Some low cost carriers will also operate between Asian countries.</p>
<p>If you are travelling around Asia, it might be an idea to consider booking flights on the low cost carriers between the countries that you intend visiting. Long haul flights offered by low cost airlines are only now being introduced between London and some parts of Southeast Asia. However, travel between south eastern Asian countries such as Singapore and Vietnam can be accomplished relying mainly on the low cost air carriers. There are also a handful of domestic airlines operating in Asian countries.</p>
<p>For example, if India is on your travel itinerary, you should note that there are half a dozen low cost airlines competing in India, so you may get a good deal on domestic flights on the subcontinent.</p>
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