Many countries refund sales tax, Goods and Services Tax(GST), or Value Added Tax(VAT) to tourists for any of the goods they purchase in the visiting country. For instance, Singapore refunds GST on purchases done by tourists, and UAE offers VAT refunds for tourists. These refunds are aimed at boosting tourist spending in the country. Also, …
Every country in the world, including India, are trying to adjust their policies to live in the new norm COVID era with vaccination. To spur economic activity and ease travel restrictions, the Indian Government announced yesterday, Feb 10th, 2022 that they are changing the policies for RT-PCR tests for anyone entering the country from Feb …
Since the US has banned travelers from India due to the presidential proclamation in place, you need to get National Interest Exception(NIE) and travel within 12 months. Some of you may apply for US Visa at a Consulate based on NIE, some of you may already have visa and just apply for NIE to travel. …
Carrying over-the-counter medicines in our carry-on bags in flight is pretty common. Most of us may carry common medicines for fever, cold, etc. Sometimes, we may also carry some medication that were prescribed by a doctor for emergency. What some of us may not realize is that there are strict rules for importing medications into …
America is one of the best places to buy clothes, electronics, etc. You get the best value for your money. If you are a tourist from Asia or Europe, you will find the prices much cheaper when you buy things in the US at outlet malls. Many are not aware that you may be able …
Every time you are at port of entry in US, it is a very long wait for the immigration process and takes forever for the CBP officer to speak to you and let you go. Recently, my experience entering US on B1/B2 visa at San Francisco Airport was very seamless with the Automated Passport Control …
I am frequent traveler and travel a lot for work and vacation as well. Recently, at the airline check-in counter, when I was flying to US from Singapore, the printed boarding pass had some additional big capital letters saying “SSSS”. I was like…what is this ? The staff told that I need additional screening as …
After my first trip to Austria and paragliding experience on Alps, I decided to take my family on Europe vacation. The biggest challenge always to do Europe trip is COST…It can be super expensive to travel in Europe. I had to find ways to save money, so that we can cover best of Europe. We …
I recently visited Melbourne for work and I can tell you the immigration process for foreigners to enter Australia at airports is amazing. In fact, there is nothing that is stamped in your passport and everything is electronic. I love the process as it helps business travellers a lot by saving space on their passport …
Recently I had the opportunity to take Air India’s (AI) non-stop San Francisco to New Delhi flight (AI-173, AI-174). I was little prejudiced against AI and it wasn’t my first choice. Still I took it, as it was a last minute trip and I didn’t have many options left. Here is my unprejudiced review for …