While You Are Away...

Credit and Debit Cards

Switch, Delta and credit cards are normally accepted in the better restaurants, hotels and shops throughout Latin America. American Express often attracts higher charges than Visa or Mastercard.

Credit and debit card fraud is on the increase in Latin America so try to ensure that payment is processed in front of you. Not only would this prevent someone running off with the card it would also stop them putting it through their machine twice. Tear up or keep carbons if a manual system is in operation.

In Brazil and Ecuador it is generally easier to use Mastercard than Visa. We have received a few reports of overcharging on credit cards for international telephone calls from public call boxes. We can only recommend caution.

Health & Safety

Travellers to Latin America must understand that standards of building, hygiene, health and safety are generally not as high as the UK. Local controls may be in place (eg. building approval) but we expect our clients not to hold unreasonable expectations when visiting developing countries.

We would prefer not to have to spell out some common-sense guidelines but we have been advised to do so.

Even the most experienced travellers occasionally suffer stomach upsets in Latin America. Stick to bottled water and take ice out of drinks unless you are sure that it is safe. Water purifying tablets and travel kettles can be handy. Always wash your hands after going to the lavatory, when preparing food and before eating. Avoid food that has been kept warm or which is uncooked (unless you can peel/shell it yourself). You should avoid food which is likely to have been exposed to flies and it is best to avoid unreliable sources of food (market place kiosks, itinerant traders). Avoid (or boil) unpasteurised milk. Be careful with any uncooked shellfish.

We reccommend that you take antiseptic and plasters with you as even the smallest cut or bite can quickly become infected. Anti-histamines to relieve itching and mosquito repellents are essential for trips to the rainforest or the Pantanal (we recommend roll-on or gel as the most effective). Be wary of seemingly tame animals.

Do not underestimate the strength of the sun.

Please be sensible in the water, whether in the sea or in a pool. Keep an eye open for others who may be in trouble. Children should be supervised by an adult who is a strong swimmer. Young children should not be left unattended at all, least of all near water or a paddling pool. If you (or your children) wish to dive into water please check that it is deep enough. The Foreign Office has advised us that every year there are heartbreaking stories of people who are permanently paralysed as a result of diving into shallow water.

If you are hiring a car or a bike you should check its condition and insurance cover. Don't accept a vehicle unless you are fully confident. The same applies if you are riding. For further information please see our notes about driving in Latin America.

Plumbing can often be a problem, even in 5-star hotels. If there is a waste bin in the bathroom that is where soiled paper must go; this is infinitely better than having a blocked lavatory.

Women should take supplies of tampons as these are not easily obtainable. Iron tablets speed up the replacement of red blood cells and are useful for both men and women at altitude. Women on the pill should note that if you suffer a bout of diarrhoea the pill may not be absorbed, so you may not be protected.

Condoms are not readily available in Latin America.

Altitude

You may be travelling at altitudes in excess of 12,000 ft in the Andes.

You must be reasonably fit. If you have a heart or lung condition or if you get asthma we must be informed. You must consult your doctor before you go and we may require proof of fitness to travel. Your insurance premiums may also be affected so please check details.

The effects of altitude should last no more than a few days but if they persist do not continue with any part of your journey to a higher level until you have acclimatised.

Iron and Glucose tablets help address the problems of altitude. Headache tablets may also be advisable.

Oxygen is normally available at Machu Picchu and on the train between Cuzco and Puno as well as at Copacabana on the way to Bolivia. Many 4 and 5 star hotels in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador have oxygen routinely available.

Airport Security

Due to increased security at aiports we are advising passengers to check in at least 3 hours before flights via the United States, 2 hours for direct flights to Latin America or for flights via Europe.

• You should be aware that a number of items have been banned on board aircraft
  
  
• Toy or replica guns (plastic or metal)
• Household cutlery
• Knives with blades of any length (including nail files)
• Paper knives
• Razor blades
• Work tools (eg. screwdrivers, hammers)
• Darts
• Scissors, tweezers, knitting needles
• Hypodermic syringes
• Sports bats (eg. cricket bats, golf clubs)
• Billiard Cues
• Catapults
• Corkscrews

Such items discovered in hand luggage will be confiscated without redress.

We are sure that our passengers appreciate the reasons for these measures and appreciate your readiness to comply.

 

Extras

Most Latin American countries impose airport taxes that have to be paid locally. For domestic flights the taxes are usually in the $5 to $10 range, for international flights $20 to $35.

Entrance fees to National Parks, sites, museums etc are not usually included in our itineraries as these normally have to be paid locally.

For the Galapagos Islands this amounts to $100 per person, payable on arrival in cash (travellers cheques and credit cards are not accepted).

Items of a personal nature (newspapers, laundry charges, mini-bar bills) have to be budgeted for as well as any meals and drinks that are not included in your itinerary.

Please see our notes abouts giving tips to hotel porters, guides, waiters and drivers.

In Case of Loss

Credit cards:
Contact the relevant credit card company or bank (debit cards).

Passports:
Contact the British Embassy for details of the nearest consulate.

Airline tickets:
Contact the airline for details. A few airlines do not reissue lost or stolen tickets and a new ticket will have to be purchased. You should check to see if your insurance policy covers this. Most airlines will issue replacement tickets provided you guarantee to reimburse them if the original tickets are used. You will have to sign a form of indemnity to this effect.

Mobile Phones:
Contact your network supplier. You may need a police report for any insurance claim.

Insurance:
Check your insurance policy. You may need a police report and may need to notify the insurers within a specified period.

Photography

Take sufficient supplies of film because you won't necessarily be able to get want you want when you are away. If you are after a particular type of roll (eg slide film) don't leave it until you get to the airport. The general rule of thumb is to take twice as much film as you think you will need. If you do run out and have to purchase more locally, it is a good idea to check the expiry date, especially in remote villages.

Ultra-violet and skylight filters are useful to soften the intensely blue skies you find at high altitude. Zoom lenses are essential for capturing shy locals but please do try to ask permission.

Nowadays, most security scanners do not affect film.

If you are snorkelling you may wish to purchase a disposable underwater camera. These are not usually suitable for depths beyond a few metres. Specialist diving shops may offer photgraphic equipment for greater depths.

Staying in Touch

Most hotels of three stars and above have telephones in the room. These hotels usually have fax facilities available. The best hotels may also provide sockets for plugging in laptops and (increasingly) offer internet facilities for use by guests.
NB. You are advised the check the cost per minute (and the exchange rate that the hotel is using) before you dial. Charges for international can be very high.
Internet cafes have sprung up throughout Latin America so it is easy to check and send e-mails. Public telephone exchanges may also have cheap internet and fax services.

If you are sending items of any importance home from Latin America we recommend you use registered post or a courier company. Larger items may require airfreight.

Tipping

Restaurants:
Service is usually included in restaurants throughout Latin America so no tip is expected. You may wish to leave some small change ($1 bills are useful) in bars and cafes.

Porters:
We recommend that you keep some $1 notes handy for hotel/airport/railway porters who help with your luggage.

Guides/tours:
Whether you are booking private tours or if you are part of a group it would be kind to give a tip where the guide is good and informative. If you are on a group tour someone may take the initiative to start a collection. We think it is only fair not to forget the driver. We suggest $2-$5 for guides for a half day tour, $5-10 for a full day. The higher end of the scale for private guides. $1-$2 dollars per half day for drivers.

Cruises:
For cruises to the Galapagos and on journeys through the Chilean Fjords, for example, passengers should agree a rate amongst themselves. There are usually two collections, one for the guide, the other to be divided amongst the crew. We suggest $5-$10 per day for the guide, $8-$15 per day for the crew according to the standard of the boat and the quality of the services provided. For a 7 day cruise to the Galapagos islands we appreciate that the total tip is not an inconsiderable sum and needs to be budgetted for.

Jungle trips:
At jungle lodges there is usually a collection box for staff. If there isn’t we suggest that you agree a rate with other guests, according to the standard of accommodation and qualty of services. Guides should be tipped separately. We suggest $10 per day for guides, $5-$10 per day for staff.

Driving

Please ensure that you have a clean valid driving licence.
Certain countries require an International Driving Permit; these are valid for 1 year and can be purchased from your local AA shop. Tel: 08705 500 600. You can also check details on their website: www.theaa.com.

Age-limits may vary according to hire companies and countries. Please check.
Insurance and collision damage may be payable locally and you may have to indemnify against loss of vehicle. A credit card deposit may be required.

Please make sure that you check the vehicle thoroughly before accepting it. Make a note of any scratches, dents etc. and check the state of the tyres (including the spare). There are frequent petrol shortages in Cuba so make sure the tank is full when you collect the car and fill up whenever you can (although you will not get any credit for petrol left in the tank when you return the vehicle). Make sure you know what sort of petrol the vehicle needs. Please check up-to-date information with us.

We do not recommend driving at night.

In addition, check that you know how to use the jack and that you know where the jack-points are on the car. If the wheels have a security bolt, you should check that you have the neccessary a ttachment with the jack and/or toolkit. You are advised to ensure that the windscreen reservoir is topped up and that the wipers work properly. While you are about it, check the indicators and lights.

Knowing this information will give you confidence when driving, even if you do not have to use any of the features. The car company will be happy to show all this to you and we feel it is worth the extra 5 or 10 minutes it takes.

We are not in control of pool cars in Latin America. If you are not happy with the vehicle you MUST ask for another one. If another vehicle is not available you will have to decide whether to amend your itinerary or choose another form of transport rather than risking an unsafe car. We are not responsible for any additional costs of an amended itinerary.

Traffic signs are variable in Latin America (in Cuba they are practically non-existent). It is important that you learn the words and symbols for ‘SLEEPING POLICEMAN’ and ‘RAMP’ as these vary from country to country. Railway crossings may not have lights or barriers and in some countries it is compulsory to stop before proceding across.

You are reminded to clarify local parking restrictions to avoid fines, clamping or impounding of vehicles. Road tolls have to be paid locally. You should also check local speed limits.

We have been advised to alert our clients to the dangers of using a mobile telephone whilst driving. Passengers are reminded that alcohol limits may be lower and should be aware of the stupidity as well as the danger of driving under the influence of drugs or against medical advice. (Note also that your insurance would automatically become invalid).

Note that in Mexico City and Caracas traffic volume is controlled by excluding cars on certain days of the week. The last digit of the number plate determines which day you are excluded - hired cars and tourists are not exempt and fines are heavy. Santiago has a similar scheme in operation when pollution is particularly bad and we understand that Buenos Aires may follow suit. Many of the roads in Costa Rica are unsurfaced. A 4 x 4 with high clearance makes for much safer (and faster) driving. You must be careful when driving in Cuba (especially at night) as traffic awareness is extremely low.

Traffic hazards in Latin America include inter alia chickens, goats, pigs, cattle, oxcarts, horses, pedestrians, pot holes and bicycles carrying two or more people. Oh yes, and other drivers.



Whilst there is no doubt that hiring a car and self-drive does give you a lot of flexibility and freedom, we must alert our passengers to these potential disadvantages.

Emergencies

In each country in Latin America there is a company that represents South American Experience. If you are booking a tailor-made itinerary with us you will find their details on our vouchers and can contact them in case of any difficulty. Alternatively, we can be contacted by telephone, fax or e-mail during office hours.

It would be very useful to have the following details to hand so we can get back to you quickly:

Your Room No.
Hotel E-mail Address
Hotel Fax No.
Hotel Telephone No.
Your E-mail/Hotmail Address

Our ground agents have on record emergency telephone numbers for the Directors.
It must be stressed that they would only expect to be contacted in the event of a genuine emergency.

The Responsible Traveller

Please bear in mind that a lot of customs and traditions in Latin America are very different to our own.

If you do visit any environmentally fragile area please keep to paths, do not tread on or damage vegetation and try to keep your impact on the area as minimal as possible.

Soaps, detergents and shampoos have an immediate effect on water supplies. Please also remember that in remote places water can sometimes only be obtained by using pumps which have the effect of reducing the water table with potentially devastating results for fauna and flora alike. Use water sparingly.

Never buy products made from wild animals. Even though openly sold in many parts of Latin America such items may come from endangered species and you will be heavily fined upon your return to Britain.

Finally, please PASS THE MESSAGE ON!

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008