I have an ancient (in mobile phone years) Pixel 3a. It does have eSim, but some 'carriers' will not recognize it for eSim. The phone currently has no service. I tested two international eSim providers. I am in the US and purchased 1GB eSims for US service as a test. Airalo and Saily. Both worked great when activated with the cell services. I did find Saily easier to set up - no scanning of QR code and the APN was set automatically.
How about also recommending a regular sim cards for the poorer travelers who may not have the latest smartphone... and suggest a VPN when using WiFi outside your home. I find the Proton free VPN version works well and NordVPN is quiet affordable for more options.
Add this taxi scam on the list. On arrival, you make the mistake by getting out of the Taxi before the driver does. And ones you are out. The Taxi takes off with your suitcase still in the trunk. Leaving you behind. Experienced in Mexico City.
Try home at Toronto’s Union Station with 2 parents and 2 kids aged under 2. We were distracted by securing both kids in their collapsible twin stroller (under 5 seconds), so the cab thief drove off with the red shoulder duffle with the kids’ clothes. Now 40 years later, two Uber drivers have returned my phone to my home, but I outran a scammer at the next corner downtown at Women’s College Hospital. He protested that he was returning it for me, but the tip after his new fare might been much more substantial! Unfortunately, I have been distance-slammed by both Taxis and Rides shared with other passengers on Uber: hospitals seem to have the same percentage of scammers as do airports. THANKS!🌹
Be ready to take a quick photo of the taxi licence plate on its arrival or on stepping out at destination. Or insist on placing your luggage on the back seat with you if there's room.
Years ago a friend landed at JFK coming into the US from Japan. His first time to America and he got hit with the taxi fare scam. Over 400 USD to get a cab from JFK to midtown Manhattan! He paid the driver 200 (still well above the real 50-60 dollar fare) and after an argument my friend just said “karma” to the driver and as soon as the driver pulled the cab from the curb, the taxi was rear ended.
Leaving the airport in Mexico City, and not knowing that one should arrange for a taxi while IN the airport, our bags were taken and put in the trunk before we realized that it was “pirate” cab. Make a long story short, we were driven through a very seedy neighborhood and asked for a US$50 tip, and I want it right now! We obviously gave it to the driver and then he took us to our hotel. We were very lucky. Scary experience.
The advice is good, but it's just bad design, not a scam. No matter how you log in, NEVER walk away from any ATM without verifying that you are signed out.
eSIMs are a game changer for me. Used my first one this summer for two weeks in Spain. $17 CAD for 5gb /30 days and it was more than enough, I even came back with 1gb leftover. My home carrier would have charged me $17 per day 😅😂. Will never go back to “roam free “ data again.
Yes. My wife and I used eSims on our trip to Greece and Italy last year and it was awesome. Quite inexpensive and very easy to set up. The only issue was that I had no idea how much data we might use and I ordered a package that gave us way more gigs than we used. It was still quite cheap though.
You are so great with the tips you provide to travelers and the things we should be aware of and watch out for. Thank you so much for all you do to help others. We sincerely appreciate it. Thank you !
Tip for some traveling to Mexico: book through Apple Vacations (no relation to the tech company). Their representatives all wear the same uniform, so you can spot them at your home airport. They are easily found at the shuttle bay in Cancun, so you make a beeline through the airport to there past all the potential scams in the airport. The representative will assist you to getting on the correct shuttle to your resort. Then there will be another representative at the resort.
Umm, question- how can these scammers exist at the airport and no one from the airport does anything about it? Don't they know about these scams and if so what are they doing about it? Why does it seem like these people are allowed to operate despite open knowledge?
Depending upon the country in which this is happening... sometimes the airport "taxi" person could be involved in the taxi scams, also. Thanks so much Megan for sharing this. I would not have dreamt that this could happen! I'll be aware now.
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport I take the RoissyBus. Multiple and well marked pickup spots at the airport, drops you off around the corner from Opera Garnier and costs @16€. And you have a better view as you move thru the Paris traffic which is the same if you’re in a taxi or bus! I then walk to where I’m staying (the Right Bank) which is great after an overnight flight. Same deal going back to CDG. You carry your luggage on board so it’s right there in sight. Of course it helps that I travel light. On the rare occasion that I need a taxi, the G7 service is the way to go: safe, secure, no muss, no fuss. Always look forward to your vids on Sunday. 🙏🏽👏🏼🙏🏽👏🏼
In Paris, there will be scammers standing beneath the "Taxi" banner in arrivals. They are NOT official drivers. Ignore them, and go outside to the official taxi queue. Also, in Paris, Uber cannot use the bus lanes, but official taxis can. So, it may actually take longer to reach your destination in a Uber, and increase the cost of the ride. I use a G7 app in Paris, but I don't store my credit card in their app. They have my name and phone number, so it always works, and I pay the driver when I reach the address. Yes, pay inside the cab before getting out.
Smarter to take your luggage out of the back BEFORE you pay the driver. This way you keep all your luggage on the road, then pay him with the correct change or with G-pay etc.
Agree about staying in the taxi until your driver gets out, and make sure he / she get your luggage out too. I had a taxi driver in Poland deny I had any luggage in his trunk. It became obvious to him I wasn’t getting out of the taxi until he checked his trunk. I also had my credit card stolen on Warsaw. I was exhausted, the guy said he spoke no English and his machine for charging was having problems. It went on and on. Then I was charged but he couldn’t provide a receipt. What he was doing was distracting me from the fact that he did not give me my credit card back. You might say it was an oversight, but he never brought the card back and he knew where I was staying. I realized immediately when I went to check into my hotel and got it cancelled. I luckily had another card for the rest of my trip. Now I take a photo of the license plate and the driver info. I’m vigilant about getting my card back. Where I could. I use Uber or Lyft, etc., rather than a credit card.
Scam popular in Venice: "friendly" people want to show you to the parking lot outside of Venice or to boats. But they are not the normal parking lots or boats. They are more expensive. Be careful when someone offers to guide you somewhere.
If going to Japan either use rail service into the city or a limo bus(both safe and secure) For money exchange, going to the many 7-11 stores is very easy and safe.
I just use public transportation. I buy my sim before I leave (my phone is not compatible with esims). I've been using orange zen with no problem. I get my foreign currency from my bank before I go. I keep an eye on the exchange rates and buy when they dip. I'm a solo older female budget traveler who still stays in hostels 😊
It took us a few times but we found a reliable transportation company at the Bucharest airport (OTP) in Romania. We tipped them very well so now every time we go, their drivers fight over who gets to take us to Brasov. Before we leave Romania, we always exchange a little bit of money so we have it at the ready when we come back. If you travel to a certain country a lot, I highly recommend doing this. It will save you a lot in fees.
If you use ride share or a shuttle service ... make sure your luggage doesn't get removed at the first stop. Get out and WATCH them remove the luggage for the first stop. At times the first stop is a sham just for the purpose of taking your luggage out.
Almost fell for this in JFK last year (first time to travel to the US). This guy led me from the airport exit to a the pick-up area but when I saw him pointing to a private car instead of a taxi-which I specifically said I wanted-I said no thanks and promptly walked away. I went to find the taxi queue instead.
Even train stations can be a problem .......... Visiting New York with our "American "daughter when we were surrounded by guys shouting "TAXI" and trying to take our cases so turned to tell her they were here. She just chased them and waited for an Uber!
This last time in Paris, I got totally scammed by a fake cab. I was so mad at myself. I mean I know better and the swine still got me. He wanted to charge me 150 Euro to go maybe 4 miles. I didn't have it so he accepted 100 plus 20 us dollars. I swear, never again. The was out side of Gare du Nord
Gare du Nord is notorious. Uber works fine in Paris. There are also two cheaper companies, Uber is the most expensive as it is only used by tourists. But I choose Uber nonetheless because I know how it functions.
Absolutely........ We're British with broken French but were being encouraged to use this private car "taxi." Driver kept trying to take our cases to load up and getting quite angry as we struggled to explain about our booking with Uber. Then my French dad appeared and gave him a few short sharp words in local Parisien dialect.
Foreign currency-- Before travelling, usually 2-3 weeks in advance, I go to my bank and order foreign currency for my trip. They have it shipped into that branch. I pick it up 2-3 business days after my initial visit. And you can negotiate a buy back at the same exchange rate for when you return home.
We just returned from Cancun. This was our fourth trip to Playa Del Carmen. We chose to use the ADO bus system to, and from the one hour to our destination. It was great! A third of the price for a shuttle or a taxi.
Excellent points! It seems villains are everywhere when traveling and waiting for opportunities to strike. Some of these topics can be addressed before arriving. Currency exchange is one, as well as ride share. Spend time before hand to discover and utilize. I have used eSim since 2016, and is a wonderful tool. Marvelous tips you have given. Ollie looks like he had a good time helping with this post.
I'm a solo cruiser and always learning about WIFI and Internet while traveling. Going to check out your recommended eSim for an upcoming trip to Australia. I hadn't thought about the time between landing and boarding the ship. Wish there was a cheaper way to have WIFI while cruising. $500 dollars extra on this trip! Thanks for your advice, very much appreciated!
Regarding cash, for travel to the USA, Europe, or other popular destinations, it is easy to get cash from a bank beforehand and usually at fair exchange rates. The currency can be ordered from the bank's website and picked up; it can take a few days. I have dropped in to my bank's main branch and requested foreign currency directly either no issues or delay.
Try Revolut Bank. You have to go through the 3rd degree before full access but it is absolutely worth it. I am a stupidly frequent flyer and this app and its associated debit cards are absolutely the best ..... Great channel btw!
Husband got Euros at a Royal Bank with no ordering ahead in the summer. Went yesterday and couldn't get any. Don't have 3 full business days to order. I was able to get some from my Scotiabank without ordering.
I travel relatively frequently between West Coast of U.S. and S.E. Asia. Taxi and ride share scams are ubiquitous, so I'm now pre-booking airport transportation on Klook. I have an upcoming journey from SGN airport in Hi Chi Minh City to a hotel in District 3. R/T transportation came to $18.60 USD - and I get to dodge the army of taxi scammers outside SGN's exit doors! Priceless!
A couple of ideas to reduce the odds of scammers approaching you: - Wear a high-visibility jacket. I do this anyway, and I found that people automatically assume that I have some sort of official position. Of course, this would depend on other factors in the context. If I look like an obvious foreigner in a particular airport, it might not work. - Wear a genuine badge from home. I know someone who flies a small charter plane out of a Caribbean country. He wears his official badge from his home airport even when he's in an airport in Florida. It works surprising well. People just automatically step out of his way. I don't believe it's illegal unless you try to do something that the ordinary user is not permitted to do.
At Gard De Nord train station in Paris, even the official taxis at the official rank will try to rip you off. Broken Meters, cash only, trying to quote a fare upfront. We got quoted 90 Euros for about a 5km ride. "Oh the traffic my friend, the traffic"
On a recent trip to Italy, I was warned not to get into a random taxi at the airport because many of the illegal immigrants are posing as legitimate taxi drivers, but they have no official credentials. Wisely, I arranged for my airport transportation through my hotel prior to my arrival. The hotel works with legitimate taxi drivers and companies who will communicate with you prior to your arrival.
I will check out the esim site. I've always been leary of free wifi sites in airports and trains. Ollie is absolutely precious, even if a troublemaker. 🐾😂❤️
Not the best action in a foreign country. It’s best not to have too much luggage, so you can firmly hold on to it, and loudly say “NO!” I’ve had to do it at Charles De Gaulle, years ago go, and it worked.
@@bigguy1403 most “newer” people are very literal. Some of the people on this platform may be new at traveling. Can’t be too careful of what we type on the interwebs. 😉
@Nubianette I been flying for decades. If someone grabs my bags without me giving them to them it's not going to be...Excuse me kind sir. I believe you've grabbed the wrong grip. Can you kindly release your hand from my bag.
@@bigguy1403 in these situations, they swarm you, and they count on you being too tired and confused to put up a “fight”, especially if you’re a woman. I don’t naturally have a loud voice, but I had a heads up, so I used my loud American voice. I’m not a short girl, so it worked. 💪🏾
Cancun is a viper pit and brand-name rental car companies, like Hertz, are right in the middle of it. The main way they try to get you is via exorbitant insurance. We are talking hundreds of dollars per day in addition to the rental fee. I thought I was safe booking Hertz and using points to do it. Once there, they first try to isolate you from your family so they can gang up on you. I speak Spanish, so it didn't work. I just left, grabbed my family and we ended up renting from a mom-and-pop rental car company, which was initially concerning but ended up great. Cancun is definitely a place where you want to go with an unknown name. The big names have licensed themselves out and the US offices will hang up on you when you call to complain, disavowing any responsibility. Anyway, don't take my word for it. Read the Google reviews, check out Reddit, and you'll see the biggest mistake you can make is choosing a big name rental car company at the airport.
Just one important note about rental car insurance. In the 1980's we young people were told "it's a rip off. Your main car insurance company covers rental cars. IT DOES. BUT,by the 2000's we had heard thousands of stories of how their main car insurance co. covered the rental car accident and then charged them $100 more each month for their main car insurance. Moral of the story; we ALL bought the Rental Car insurance ($20/day, even for two weeks) and saved THOUSANDS in higher policy yearly premiums.
@@esciteach7997 Again. It wasn't $20 per day at Hertz. It was literally over $200 per day. At the mom-and-pop rental agency, the insurance was included in the cost of the rental and the total price was reasonable. Go to Google Maps and search Cancun Airport Hertz and read the comments. It's not just a tourist trap, it's highway robbery.
Hi Megan. Keep up the great videos. They are very accurate and helpful. I travel internationally regularly and your advice has taught me extra things. So thank you 🙏🏻 No so much a scam but an airport numbers game is the "Check In" is now on line to "Beat the queues" however on arriving at airport and after printing luggage labels at the queueless kiosks, the "Baggage Drop " line is long. Also they will insist check-ins are queue free. Annoying. Many thanks again Anton Romirer... New Zealand
Singapore was a bit like this where the taxi driver or others will pickup your luggage and try to put it in their vehicle. I followed and immediately pulled it out and chose another, chewing the driver's ass in the process. Got the ride to the airport for a third of what he had quoted.
_In Orlando I was looking for a $1 shuttle that was supposed to take me to my bus station. Asked a guy who happened to be working for a taxi stand. He told me I needed a taxi because that shuttle didn't exist and quickly ushered me onto the taxi line. I didn't believe him because I had just researched it a few days before so I took one more walk along the pickup dragging 100lbs of luggage and just a few feet from the taxi was the shuttle. Somehow I missed it when I walked out the doors because there was a crush of people. Here in my country people usually give you valid information if you are lost but I learned never to trust asking people ever again unless they are a company worker._
😮 The shock I had when discovering that, the bag claim area at Indianapolis International Airport was outside for anyone to grab, can not be put into words. Even in Norway where there is little theft, unless we are talking about bikes, the bag carousel is only accessible by the travlers.
Uber is often cheaper than a taxi for short journeys and during off peak hours. Taxis are sometimes cheaper for longer rides, and rides taken during peak hours.
People imagine that SE Asia or India are scam central, but the USA is right up there. Based in Australia, we have been to Asia many times, and not once have things like transfer or travel vouchers not been honored. The USA? Not so much. We had trouble in both San Francisco and Hawaii, using the same travel agents as we had when traveling to Asia or Europe. So the problem was not with the travel agents, but the local service providers. It is always dangerous to point with a wide brush, but we have found that nations that rely on tourists a lot for national income tend to police airports well, because they want tourists to come back. Outside the airport might be a very different story.
While on a trip to Guatemala, I used WiFi only since I didn’t have an international AT&T plan. I planned on using an eSIM at the time, but didn’t realize that my phone was locked to AT&T…so no eSIM. I had a great time, but I would have loved to use the internet to research some of the new sights. Needless to say, when it was time for a phone upgrade, I got it directly from Apple to keep it unlocked. I am excited to try out an eSIM on my next trip.
If you travel with a high end suitcase you’re a target for theft. My bags went missing in Toronto and I suspected it was tag switching and then there was a ring that got busted a year or so later.
Another tip is don't leave the airport terminal until you have a secure ride. Use your phone in the terminal where they have security. Once you go outside, many guys start grabbing your luggage, and insist you go in their taxis or their unlicensed taxi. You are very vernerable once you walk outside. If you travel to Ecuador, they have a legitimate taxi office inside the airport, with licensed taxi drivers You can book your taxi ride with them and they will help you put your luggage in the taxi trunk and chase away, the other guys trying to grab your bags. We have used them, and never had a problem.
I have three sims in my pocket: a Canadian sim, an American sim and a German sim. I use hotel shuttles or public transit when I arrive at the airport and stick to the official rider apps when in need. Check back the license plate number when the driver arrives. When in need, I hit a manned bank, like a CIBC branch to get fresh cash. I do not travel with a travel router anymore. My checked bag is a rimowa made of alumium. It is regularily checked by a Rimowa branch.
I use Regional eSIMs from Airalo. I have a trip to S.E. Asia coming up and I'll be in South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. My "AsiaLink" data eSIM covers these countries and 15 others at less than $5 per GB.
We added an international calling plan to our phones, unlimited data and worked anywhere we went in Europe. no need to connect to wifi anywhere and way less worry about possible scams
I would add that you should always have a VPN on your phone, laptop, tablet and use it. Even if it's a legit free airport wifi, it is unsecured and unsafe - anyone can access it, so you're leaving yourself wide open to trouble. Most antivirus plans have a VPN upgrade, so just see which one works for you. You can usually get something that covers several devices.
Got 100 GBP and 80 Euro at Toronto Airport for a 3 week trip to UK and Ireland and brought most of it back as contactless is available everywhere for everything. Even contactless for 60p to use a public washroom in the UK!
My Fav Travel Guide on Sunday Mornings! Thank you for teaching more things and arming me with wisdom before I travel! I Love You Megan!!! Ps. Ollie is Soo Such a TOOT BABA! 😍 💖💖💖🙌🗝🪽💖💖💖
I was in Hanoi and I was trying to get a Grab. I was standing outside the airport looking at my phone and a taxi guy came up and was just hovering way too close. I couldn't get my phone to work and he knew it. He tried to grab my suitcase and suggested I take his taxi. I clamped down hard on my suitcase and just gave him a look. I don't like overly agressive taxi drivers or those fake taxis. I got scammed by a taxi in China once. I was so busy getting my stuff organized in the taxi that I didn't notice that he didn't start the meter. Once I noticed, the driver just told me a ridiculous price he was gonna charge me. I told him no, but he basically threatened to leave me on the interstate if i didn't agree. I reluctantly paid. This was before ride share apps were a thing.
Thanks Megan. I guess since you didn’t specifically mention Bangkok’s airport, there are no scammers there. I’ll be there next week and plan on exchanging a couple of hundred dollars at the exchange booths in the basement near the airport rail to the city. Then, carrying 2 checked bags and a carryon, I’ll take the train and transfer to the MRT line to get to the station that is one past the Bang Sue station, from where I’ll be leaving for Chiangmai after a day and a half in Bangkok. I haven’t spent any time in Bangkok for the last 15 years, so this trip allows me to meet up with old friends. Then, on to my favorite city on earth.
My older phone is not compatible with E-sims. Previously, we're relied on the international access of our normal carrier (which for a month vacation turned out to be very expensive). So to be sure I knew how to set up a sim I purchased one for the U.S. It turned out to be critical as there were some obscure settings on the phone to get it to work. I spent 45 min with the sim provider trying to get it to work and they couldn't figure it out. Eventually, I called the phone's manufacturer's support and after about 30 min they did figure it out. I'm glad I did this in the comfort of my home and not while traveling. Note: While in Asia we stuck with Uber and Grab and had no problems. It avoids most all scams and communication problems.
Many, many cities - London for example - are cash free. Make sure all your cash free payment options are updated before traveling. And check where you can use cash and can't.
I got hit by the SIM card scam at Heathrow airport a while back. I purchased a SIM card from a vending machine and when it disposed it I noticed the packet it came in was open which I thought was quite odd. Eventually I realized that while the SIM itself worked, the machine owner had depleted the preloaded amount the was supposed to come with SIM. Anyway, this was not a fun way to start my trip to the UK.
It really depends on the country. But when I go to Portugal, I use the taxis. They are all recognizable and very reasonably priced. When I went to Spain in January, I somehow got hooked up with a service called "Welcome Wagon"(?) or something like that. The drivers all spoke English and the prices were OK, they were prompt, etc. As for SIM cards, don't ever buy from a vending machine. The instructions were not clear and you couldn't use your data for several hours after setting it up. Bloody horrible.
Megan, I was in Israel in 2022. The day before I left Israel for Jordan I saw your Holafly sponsored video which was the first time I had ever heard of an eSIM. I swiftly purchased a Jordanian Holafly plan and was very satisfied in the end. I used Airalo last summer whist travelling through the Balkans but found it very difficult to activate. I’m open to using an alternative to Airalo such as Saily next time I’m outside the EU. Which of the three would you recommend?
Hi Megan; I tend to go to my bank to exchange money so I don't use the ATMs in country. Makes for a better exchange rate then those Currency Exchanges or Credit Card fees at the airport.
If you land at Manila, walk (be careful) across the street and your cab is 60% cheaper. I got fooled once and the meter was going nuts and asked to get dropped off next to another cab. Make sure your bag is outta the trunk before you get out or any $ appears. I read this morning that baby dogs live 3yrs longer when they sleep with their humans. The look on Ollie's face at the beginning looked like dread that it was vid time.
I use Mozio in the Philippines and I always use the same driver whenever possible. . If I can't get my regular driver I get nervous even with Mozio but it's not their fault. I bought my sim card close to my condotel where I stay every time in Manila. One of the lessons learned in Manila is use what you have before. I've used the meet and greet services in Doha, Qatar and recommend that highly.
1. Book transport with your hotel or take express train service to the city 2. Change currency in your country in advance. Never withdraw from a foreign ATM unless you desperate 3. Pre-Install data e sim in your phone and activate it when you touch down 4. Never put very expensive items in your check in luggage… the most expensive item inside is my Dyson Hairdryer. I bring my Leica & Moncler winter jacket with me on board
I disagree with #2. Withdrawing at the ATM is typically the most cost-effective and convenient option. I would advise to use a bank ATM and *always* decline any dynamic currency conversion offers. Your best ATM card for this is with Charles Schwab as they refund 100% of any fees.
Depends which country you coming from..some countries have limited money changers so the rates are pretty bad especially if you are trying to change an undesirable/ weak currency ...actually many small shops/businesses are going cashless in major cities...last year in London I had a lot of unused pounds which I had to eventually use up to pay for dinners at bigger restaurants instead of Visa
Seeing as you travel a lot and you have a super cute dog, can you dr sn episode explaining options for what you do with Ollie when you travel? What should I look gor in a doggie hotel?
I always have transit dealt with before arriving. I prefer hotel shuttles. Never hit the ATM at the airport. Get local cash beforehand. I also manually log out of any atm transaction no matter where it is.
We had something kind of similar on our last international trip. We had pre-arranged for a ride, so we got to the spot and were looking for our driver when someone said something that sounded like my name. So I looked up and over. He made eye contact and came over and said something like "Hey, my car is this way." He was with all the other drivers and had a logo on his shirt, but it didn't look familiar and I was tired and having trouble remembering the exact name of the ride company. It was similar, but... I asked if he was our scheduled driver, and he said yes.... So I asked again for my name... And he didn't know it. And after a bit of back and forth, I verified that he wasn't my driver, but just a regular taxi driver offering to give me a ride. Eventually I got a text from my pre-arranged driver, who was a few minutes behind schedule. As tired as I was, I could see someone having gotten into that vehicle and having to pay him after having prepaid for the other one already.
I use public transportation or public airport buses if I arrive during daylight. Otherwise, I check ahead of time to see what legitimate rides are available and pre-arrange.
On a recent flight into and out of Laguardia I was approached by men wanting to get me an Uber. I said no and found the legit taxi queue with licensed taxis.
Research 1st, public transport may be available and can be as fast and much cheaper. That why traveling light can save you money and less “scam stress”. Ride share booked using wifi inside airport 2nd best option. Ensure picture of hotel name /address in local name just in case. Having esim or local sim you can follow ride share/bus/train/shuttle route.
We recently learned the importance of putting on the seatbelt when in an Uber On the way from our Berlin hotel via Uber the car was rear ended by a motorcyclist The impact was pretty forceful and I think had we not been wearing the seatbelt we would have suffered injury Law or no law about passengers wearing seatbelts wear your seatbelt when in a vehicle for hire
I have a question regarding using eSim. I have an iPhone that uses an eSim and I don't have a physical eSim card tray. Will those eSim apps mess up my phone settings ?
I always travel to places where I can take some form of public transportation from the airport. I go to my bank to get whatever local currency I'll need before I leave. Some currency is harder to get than others and can take a week or 2 to get
*Get an exclusive 15% off your first eSim purchase:* saily.com/megan
I have an ancient (in mobile phone years) Pixel 3a. It does have eSim, but some 'carriers' will not recognize it for eSim. The phone currently has no service. I tested two international eSim providers. I am in the US and purchased 1GB eSims for US service as a test. Airalo and Saily. Both worked great when activated with the cell services. I did find Saily easier to set up - no scanning of QR code and the APN was set automatically.
How about also recommending a regular sim cards for the poorer travelers who may not have the latest smartphone... and suggest a VPN when using WiFi outside your home. I find the Proton free VPN version works well and NordVPN is quiet affordable for more options.
Add this taxi scam on the list. On arrival, you make the mistake by getting out of the Taxi before the driver does. And ones you are out. The Taxi takes off with your suitcase still in the trunk. Leaving you behind. Experienced in Mexico City.
Thanks for sharing that! What a terrible experience for you! Did you get your luggage back?
Try home at Toronto’s Union Station with 2 parents and 2 kids aged under 2. We were distracted by securing both kids in their collapsible twin stroller (under 5 seconds), so the cab thief drove off with the red shoulder duffle with the kids’ clothes. Now 40 years later, two Uber drivers have returned my phone to my home, but I outran a scammer at the next corner downtown at Women’s College Hospital. He protested that he was returning it for me, but the tip after his new fare might been much more substantial! Unfortunately, I have been distance-slammed by both Taxis and Rides shared with other passengers on Uber: hospitals seem to have the same percentage of scammers as do airports. THANKS!🌹
Be ready to take a quick photo of the taxi licence plate on its arrival or on stepping out at destination. Or insist on placing your luggage on the back seat with you if there's room.
Oh crap!
That stinks!@@gaynorjones787
Years ago a friend landed at JFK coming into the US from Japan. His first time to America and he got hit with the taxi fare scam. Over 400 USD to get a cab from JFK to midtown Manhattan! He paid the driver 200 (still well above the real 50-60 dollar fare) and after an argument my friend just said “karma” to the driver and as soon as the driver pulled the cab from the curb, the taxi was rear ended.
Leaving the airport in Mexico City, and not knowing that one should arrange for a taxi while IN the airport, our bags were taken and put in the trunk before we realized that it was “pirate” cab. Make a long story short, we were driven through a very seedy neighborhood and asked for a US$50 tip, and I want it right now! We obviously gave it to the driver and then he took us to our hotel. We were very lucky. Scary experience.
Great advice regarding manually logging out of contactless card ATMs--that's a scam I hadn't heard of.
The advice is good, but it's just bad design, not a scam. No matter how you log in, NEVER walk away from any ATM without verifying that you are signed out.
eSIMs are a game changer for me. Used my first one this summer for two weeks in Spain. $17 CAD for 5gb /30 days and it was more than enough, I even came back with 1gb leftover. My home carrier would have charged me $17 per day 😅😂. Will never go back to “roam free “ data again.
Yes. My wife and I used eSims on our trip to Greece and Italy last year and it was awesome. Quite inexpensive and very easy to set up. The only issue was that I had no idea how much data we might use and I ordered a package that gave us way more gigs than we used. It was still quite cheap though.
@@hoozat007 If you’re only using it mostly for Google Maps, 5 gbs is more than enough for two weeks.
You are so great with the tips you provide to travelers and the things we should be aware of and watch out for. Thank you so much for all you do to help others. We sincerely appreciate it. Thank you !
Tip for some traveling to Mexico: book through Apple Vacations (no relation to the tech company). Their representatives all wear the same uniform, so you can spot them at your home airport. They are easily found at the shuttle bay in Cancun, so you make a beeline through the airport to there past all the potential scams in the airport. The representative will assist you to getting on the correct shuttle to your resort. Then there will be another representative at the resort.
Apple has been a great vacation for us at least 10 times.
Umm, question- how can these scammers exist at the airport and no one from the airport does anything about it? Don't they know about these scams and if so what are they doing about it? Why does it seem like these people are allowed to operate despite open knowledge?
Makes you think, doesn't it...
Depending upon the country in which this is happening... sometimes the airport "taxi" person could be involved in the taxi scams, also.
Thanks so much Megan for sharing this. I would not have dreamt that this could happen! I'll be aware now.
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport I take the RoissyBus. Multiple and well marked pickup spots at the airport, drops you off around the corner from Opera Garnier and costs @16€. And you have a better view as you move thru the Paris traffic which is the same if you’re in a taxi or bus! I then walk to where I’m staying (the Right Bank) which is great after an overnight flight. Same deal going back to CDG. You carry your luggage on board so it’s right there in sight. Of course it helps that I travel light. On the rare occasion that I need a taxi, the G7 service is the way to go: safe, secure, no muss, no fuss. Always look forward to your vids on Sunday. 🙏🏽👏🏼🙏🏽👏🏼
We love flying into Charles de Gaulle and always book our wheelchair accessible transportation thru the hotel.
In Paris, there will be scammers standing beneath the "Taxi" banner in arrivals. They are NOT official drivers. Ignore them, and go outside to the official taxi queue. Also, in Paris, Uber cannot use the bus lanes, but official taxis can. So, it may actually take longer to reach your destination in a Uber, and increase the cost of the ride. I use a G7 app in Paris, but I don't store my credit card in their app. They have my name and phone number, so it always works, and I pay the driver when I reach the address. Yes, pay inside the cab before getting out.
Smarter to take your luggage out of the back BEFORE you pay the driver. This way you keep all your luggage on the road, then pay him with the correct change or with G-pay etc.
Agree about staying in the taxi until your driver gets out, and make sure he / she get your luggage out too. I had a taxi driver in Poland deny I had any luggage in his trunk. It became obvious to him I wasn’t getting out of the taxi until he checked his trunk. I also had my credit card stolen on Warsaw. I was exhausted, the guy said he spoke no English and his machine for charging was having problems. It went on and on. Then I was charged but he couldn’t provide a receipt. What he was doing was distracting me from the fact that he did not give me my credit card back. You might say it was an oversight, but he never brought the card back and he knew where I was staying. I realized immediately when I went to check into my hotel and got it cancelled. I luckily had another card for the rest of my trip. Now I take a photo of the license plate and the driver info. I’m vigilant about getting my card back. Where I could. I use Uber or Lyft, etc., rather than a credit card.
Scam popular in Venice: "friendly" people want to show you to the parking lot outside of Venice or to boats. But they are not the normal parking lots or boats. They are more expensive. Be careful when someone offers to guide you somewhere.
Your little "trouble maker" is too cute.
If going to Japan either use rail service into the city or a limo bus(both safe and secure) For money exchange, going to the many 7-11 stores is very easy and safe.
I just use public transportation. I buy my sim before I leave (my phone is not compatible with esims). I've been using orange zen with no problem. I get my foreign currency from my bank before I go. I keep an eye on the exchange rates and buy when they dip. I'm a solo older female budget traveler who still stays in hostels 😊
It took us a few times but we found a reliable transportation company at the Bucharest airport (OTP) in Romania. We tipped them very well so now every time we go, their drivers fight over who gets to take us to Brasov.
Before we leave Romania, we always exchange a little bit of money so we have it at the ready when we come back. If you travel to a certain country a lot, I highly recommend doing this. It will save you a lot in fees.
Good advice! Thanks for watching!
I'm ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED that I'm going to have a very enjoyable "first" international trip next week now that i have found this channel 😁
If you use ride share or a shuttle service ... make sure your luggage doesn't get removed at the first stop. Get out and WATCH them remove the luggage for the first stop. At times the first stop is a sham just for the purpose of taking your luggage out.
Always use taxis from the airport taxi stand. Never from a person trying to “help” either in the US or abroad.
Almost fell for this in JFK last year (first time to travel to the US). This guy led me from the airport exit to a the pick-up area but when I saw him pointing to a private car instead of a taxi-which I specifically said I wanted-I said no thanks and promptly walked away. I went to find the taxi queue instead.
Even train stations can be a problem ..........
Visiting New York with our "American "daughter when we were surrounded by guys shouting "TAXI" and trying to take our cases so turned to tell her they were here.
She just chased them and waited for an Uber!
This last time in Paris, I got totally scammed by a fake cab. I was so mad at myself. I mean I know better and the swine still got me. He wanted to charge me 150 Euro to go maybe 4 miles. I didn't have it so he accepted 100 plus 20 us dollars. I swear, never again. The was out side of Gare du Nord
Gare du Nord is notorious. Uber works fine in Paris. There are also two cheaper companies, Uber is the most expensive as it is only used by tourists. But I choose Uber nonetheless because I know how it functions.
Absolutely........
We're British with broken French but were being encouraged to use this private car "taxi."
Driver kept trying to take our cases to load up and getting quite angry as we struggled to explain about our booking with Uber.
Then my French dad appeared and gave him a few short sharp words in local Parisien dialect.
Foreign currency-- Before travelling, usually 2-3 weeks in advance, I go to my bank and order foreign currency for my trip. They have it shipped into that branch. I pick it up 2-3 business days after my initial visit. And you can negotiate a buy back at the same exchange rate for when you return home.
Is it me or do scammers seem to be getting harder to spot! Thanks for all the great info!
We just returned from Cancun. This was our fourth trip to Playa Del Carmen. We chose to use the ADO bus system to, and from the one hour to our destination. It was great! A third of the price for a shuttle or a taxi.
Using a bus or train system when available is a great option! Safe travels!
ADO bus system in the Cancun/Playa area is really good!
Excellent points! It seems villains are everywhere when traveling and waiting for opportunities to strike. Some of these topics can be addressed before arriving. Currency exchange is one, as well as ride share. Spend time before hand to discover and utilize. I have used eSim since 2016, and is a wonderful tool.
Marvelous tips you have given. Ollie looks like he had a good time helping with this post.
I'm a solo cruiser and always learning about WIFI and Internet while traveling. Going to check out your recommended eSim for an upcoming trip to Australia. I hadn't thought about the time between landing and boarding the ship. Wish there was a cheaper way to have WIFI while cruising. $500 dollars extra on this trip! Thanks for your advice, very much appreciated!
Regarding cash, for travel to the USA, Europe, or other popular destinations, it is easy to get cash from a bank beforehand and usually at fair exchange rates. The currency can be ordered from the bank's website and picked up; it can take a few days. I have dropped in to my bank's main branch and requested foreign currency directly either no issues or delay.
Try Revolut Bank. You have to go through the 3rd degree before full access but it is absolutely worth it. I am a stupidly frequent flyer and this app and its associated debit cards are absolutely the best ..... Great channel btw!
Get much better exchange rate using an atm card at the airport atm. Capital One 360 checking account charges no fees which is an added bonus.
Husband got Euros at a Royal Bank with no ordering ahead in the summer. Went yesterday and couldn't get any. Don't have 3 full business days to order. I was able to get some from my Scotiabank without ordering.
@@TracyKMainwaring Any Canadian bank can have euros etc, so if your bank runs out goto the next closest one.
Typically you will get a better rate from a bank ATM overseas.
I travel relatively frequently between West Coast of U.S. and S.E. Asia. Taxi and ride share scams are ubiquitous, so I'm now pre-booking airport transportation on Klook. I have an upcoming journey from SGN airport in Hi Chi Minh City to a hotel in District 3. R/T transportation came to $18.60 USD - and I get to dodge the army of taxi scammers outside SGN's exit doors! Priceless!
A couple of ideas to reduce the odds of scammers approaching you:
- Wear a high-visibility jacket. I do this anyway, and I found that people automatically assume that I have some sort of official position. Of course, this would depend on other factors in the context. If I look like an obvious foreigner in a particular airport, it might not work.
- Wear a genuine badge from home. I know someone who flies a small charter plane out of a Caribbean country. He wears his official badge from his home airport even when he's in an airport in Florida. It works surprising well. People just automatically step out of his way. I don't believe it's illegal unless you try to do something that the ordinary user is not permitted to do.
Thanks Megan, great information.
At Gard De Nord train station in Paris, even the official taxis at the official rank will try to rip you off. Broken Meters, cash only, trying to quote a fare upfront. We got quoted 90 Euros for about a 5km ride. "Oh the traffic my friend, the traffic"
Even the TSA fires some 500 baggage handlers every year for pilfering luggage.
Don't be fooled by the dog and pony show.
My favorite Sunday videos!! ❤😊❤😊
On a recent trip to Italy, I was warned not to get into a random taxi at the airport because many of the illegal immigrants are posing as legitimate taxi drivers, but they have no official credentials. Wisely, I arranged for my airport transportation through my hotel prior to my arrival. The hotel works with legitimate taxi drivers and companies who will communicate with you prior to your arrival.
I will check out the esim site. I've always been leary of free wifi sites in airports and trains. Ollie is absolutely precious, even if a troublemaker. 🐾😂❤️
Glad you enjoyed watching, Tammy! Hope the eSIM works out for you!
Be on the safe side, Tammy, and make sure your phone is dual-SIM and "eSIM- ready!" Many, in U.S. market anyway, aren't!
@@mrc6182 Thank you so much for the information!
@@mrc6182 Thank you very much!
Great tips as always, Megan. And your dog is adorable.
Thank you so much!
Thanks Megan, great info. It’d be nice to know more about the clothing optional vacation venues.
If anyone ever grabbed my luggage out of my hands and put it in his car without my permission, they wouldn't be able to drive for the next 6 weeks.
Not the best action in a foreign country. It’s best not to have too much luggage, so you can firmly hold on to it, and loudly say “NO!” I’ve had to do it at Charles De Gaulle, years ago go, and it worked.
@@Nubianette i was being facetious 😀
@@bigguy1403 most “newer” people are very literal. Some of the people on this platform may be new at traveling. Can’t be too careful of what we type on the interwebs. 😉
@Nubianette I been flying for decades. If someone grabs my bags without me giving them to them it's not going to be...Excuse me kind sir. I believe you've grabbed the wrong grip. Can you kindly release your hand from my bag.
@@bigguy1403 in these situations, they swarm you, and they count on you being too tired and confused to put up a “fight”, especially if you’re a woman. I don’t naturally have a loud voice, but I had a heads up, so I used my loud American voice. I’m not a short girl, so it worked. 💪🏾
Cancun is a viper pit and brand-name rental car companies, like Hertz, are right in the middle of it. The main way they try to get you is via exorbitant insurance. We are talking hundreds of dollars per day in addition to the rental fee. I thought I was safe booking Hertz and using points to do it. Once there, they first try to isolate you from your family so they can gang up on you. I speak Spanish, so it didn't work. I just left, grabbed my family and we ended up renting from a mom-and-pop rental car company, which was initially concerning but ended up great. Cancun is definitely a place where you want to go with an unknown name. The big names have licensed themselves out and the US offices will hang up on you when you call to complain, disavowing any responsibility. Anyway, don't take my word for it. Read the Google reviews, check out Reddit, and you'll see the biggest mistake you can make is choosing a big name rental car company at the airport.
Just one important note about rental car insurance. In the 1980's we young people were told "it's a rip off. Your main car insurance company covers rental cars. IT DOES. BUT,by the 2000's we had heard thousands of stories of how their main car insurance co. covered the rental car accident and then charged them $100 more each month for their main car insurance. Moral of the story; we ALL bought the Rental Car insurance ($20/day, even for two weeks) and saved THOUSANDS in higher policy yearly premiums.
@@esciteach7997 Again. It wasn't $20 per day at Hertz. It was literally over $200 per day. At the mom-and-pop rental agency, the insurance was included in the cost of the rental and the total price was reasonable. Go to Google Maps and search Cancun Airport Hertz and read the comments. It's not just a tourist trap, it's highway robbery.
Hi Megan. Keep up the great videos. They are very accurate and helpful.
I travel internationally regularly and your advice has taught me extra things. So thank you 🙏🏻
No so much a scam but an airport numbers game is the "Check In" is now on line to "Beat the queues" however on arriving at airport and after printing luggage labels at the queueless kiosks, the "Baggage Drop " line is long. Also they will insist check-ins are queue free. Annoying.
Many thanks again Anton Romirer... New Zealand
Another great video. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you Megan! Your puppy is cute! 😃👍
This was SOOOO helpful
Really nice to hear that!
I book a shuttle when I leave the terminal. So much cheaper and often a lot less stops
Singapore was a bit like this where the taxi driver or others will pickup your luggage and try to put it in their vehicle. I followed and immediately pulled it out and chose another, chewing the driver's ass in the process. Got the ride to the airport for a third of what he had quoted.
London Stansted have turned the pleasure of flying into a torture like awaiting a traffic fine to appear! Pointless, painful and expensive!
_In Orlando I was looking for a $1 shuttle that was supposed to take me to my bus station. Asked a guy who happened to be working for a taxi stand. He told me I needed a taxi because that shuttle didn't exist and quickly ushered me onto the taxi line. I didn't believe him because I had just researched it a few days before so I took one more walk along the pickup dragging 100lbs of luggage and just a few feet from the taxi was the shuttle. Somehow I missed it when I walked out the doors because there was a crush of people. Here in my country people usually give you valid information if you are lost but I learned never to trust asking people ever again unless they are a company worker._
😮 The shock I had when discovering that, the bag claim area at Indianapolis International Airport was outside for anyone to grab, can not be put into words.
Even in Norway where there is little theft, unless we are talking about bikes, the bag carousel is only accessible by the travlers.
Uber is often cheaper than a taxi for short journeys and during off peak hours. Taxis are sometimes cheaper for longer rides, and rides taken during peak hours.
Thanks for the tip! I have noticed the fare differences with Uber during peak hours!
I use Uber or Lyft. Don't like to use taxis because they always want to take the scenic route
Great! Safe travels!
People imagine that SE Asia or India are scam central, but the USA is right up there. Based in Australia, we have been to Asia many times, and not once have things like transfer or travel vouchers not been honored. The USA? Not so much. We had trouble in both San Francisco and Hawaii, using the same travel agents as we had when traveling to Asia or Europe. So the problem was not with the travel agents, but the local service providers.
It is always dangerous to point with a wide brush, but we have found that nations that rely on tourists a lot for national income tend to police airports well, because they want tourists to come back. Outside the airport might be a very different story.
Heading to China soon...giving eSim a try for the first time. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you. These are all great tips!
Glad you like them!
While on a trip to Guatemala, I used WiFi only since I didn’t have an international AT&T plan. I planned on using an eSIM at the time, but didn’t realize that my phone was locked to AT&T…so no eSIM. I had a great time, but I would have loved to use the internet to research some of the new sights. Needless to say, when it was time for a phone upgrade, I got it directly from Apple to keep it unlocked. I am excited to try out an eSIM on my next trip.
Even in the States, there are bad cab drivers. Be aware!
True! Safe travels!
If you travel with a high end suitcase you’re a target for theft. My bags went missing in Toronto and I suspected it was tag switching and then there was a ring that got busted a year or so later.
Thank you so much this is so informative and I feel always so prepared after watching ur videos your the best 😊❤😊😊
Another tip is don't leave the airport terminal until you have a secure ride. Use your phone in the terminal where they have security. Once you go outside, many guys start grabbing your luggage, and insist you go in their taxis or their unlicensed taxi. You are very vernerable once you walk outside. If you travel to Ecuador, they have a legitimate taxi office inside the airport, with licensed taxi drivers You can book your taxi ride with them and they will help you put your luggage in the taxi trunk and chase away, the other guys trying to grab your bags. We have used them, and never had a problem.
I have three sims in my pocket: a Canadian sim, an American sim and a German sim. I use hotel shuttles or public transit when I arrive at the airport and stick to the official rider apps when in need. Check back the license plate number when the driver arrives. When in need, I hit a manned bank, like a CIBC branch to get fresh cash. I do not travel with a travel router anymore. My checked bag is a rimowa made of alumium. It is regularily checked by a Rimowa branch.
Go digital eSIM 🤷🏿♀️🤣
I use Regional eSIMs from Airalo. I have a trip to S.E. Asia coming up and I'll be in South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. My "AsiaLink" data eSIM covers these countries and 15 others at less than $5 per GB.
and Airports no take responsibility..
The first words I learned for Korean were "shuttle bus" ... the airport taxi drivers are ferocious.
We added an international calling plan to our phones, unlimited data and worked anywhere we went in Europe. no need to connect to wifi anywhere and way less worry about possible scams
Love your dog!!
I would add that you should always have a VPN on your phone, laptop, tablet and use it. Even if it's a legit free airport wifi, it is unsecured and unsafe - anyone can access it, so you're leaving yourself wide open to trouble. Most antivirus plans have a VPN upgrade, so just see which one works for you. You can usually get something that covers several devices.
Another great video as always! Greetings from sunny Cape Breton!
Awesome, thank you!
Got 100 GBP and 80 Euro at Toronto Airport for a 3 week trip to UK and Ireland and brought most of it back as contactless is available everywhere for everything. Even contactless for 60p to use a public washroom in the UK!
My Fav Travel Guide on Sunday Mornings!
Thank you for teaching more things and arming me with wisdom before I travel!
I Love You Megan!!!
Ps. Ollie is Soo Such a TOOT BABA! 😍
💖💖💖🙌🗝🪽💖💖💖
I was in Hanoi and I was trying to get a Grab. I was standing outside the airport looking at my phone and a taxi guy came up and was just hovering way too close. I couldn't get my phone to work and he knew it. He tried to grab my suitcase and suggested I take his taxi. I clamped down hard on my suitcase and just gave him a look. I don't like overly agressive taxi drivers or those fake taxis.
I got scammed by a taxi in China once. I was so busy getting my stuff organized in the taxi that I didn't notice that he didn't start the meter. Once I noticed, the driver just told me a ridiculous price he was gonna charge me. I told him no, but he basically threatened to leave me on the interstate if i didn't agree. I reluctantly paid. This was before ride share apps were a thing.
Thanks Megan. I guess since you didn’t specifically mention Bangkok’s airport, there are no scammers there. I’ll be there next week and plan on exchanging a couple of hundred dollars at the exchange booths in the basement near the airport rail to the city. Then, carrying 2 checked bags and a carryon, I’ll take the train and transfer to the MRT line to get to the station that is one past the Bang Sue station, from where I’ll be leaving for Chiangmai after a day and a half in Bangkok. I haven’t spent any time in Bangkok for the last 15 years, so this trip allows me to meet up with old friends. Then, on to my favorite city on earth.
Have a wonderful trip! I absolutely love Chiangmai and hope to get back there soon!
My older phone is not compatible with E-sims. Previously, we're relied on the international access of our normal carrier (which for a month vacation turned out to be very expensive). So to be sure I knew how to set up a sim I purchased one for the U.S. It turned out to be critical as there were some obscure settings on the phone to get it to work. I spent 45 min with the sim provider trying to get it to work and they couldn't figure it out. Eventually, I called the phone's manufacturer's support and after about 30 min they did figure it out. I'm glad I did this in the comfort of my home and not while traveling.
Note: While in Asia we stuck with Uber and Grab and had no problems. It avoids most all scams and communication problems.
Great advice.
makes me to not want to travel. I like my Alberta. In a video, you told us about a one-piece dress/short set... where to find it?
Many, many cities - London for example - are cash free. Make sure all your cash free payment options are updated before traveling. And check where you can use cash and can't.
I got hit by the SIM card scam at Heathrow airport a while back. I purchased a SIM card from a vending machine and when it disposed it I noticed the packet it came in was open which I thought was quite odd. Eventually I realized that while the SIM itself worked, the machine owner had depleted the preloaded amount the was supposed to come with SIM. Anyway, this was not a fun way to start my trip to the UK.
I always use the ADO bus from Cancun airport. It's like $5 and runs every couple of minutes.
Great! Safe travels!
It really depends on the country. But when I go to Portugal, I use the taxis. They are all recognizable and very reasonably priced. When I went to Spain in January, I somehow got hooked up with a service called "Welcome Wagon"(?) or something like that. The drivers all spoke English and the prices were OK, they were prompt, etc.
As for SIM cards, don't ever buy from a vending machine. The instructions were not clear and you couldn't use your data for several hours after setting it up. Bloody horrible.
If anybody tries to physically stop me to pull up my phone or grabs my luggage without permission, they will profoundly regret it.
Megan, I was in Israel in 2022. The day before I left Israel for Jordan I saw your Holafly sponsored video which was the first time I had ever heard of an eSIM. I swiftly purchased a Jordanian Holafly plan and was very satisfied in the end. I used Airalo last summer whist travelling through the Balkans but found it very difficult to activate. I’m open to using an alternative to Airalo such as Saily next time I’m outside the EU. Which of the three would you recommend?
I like people who like dogs, you love so much your dog. Nice video.
Hi Megan; I tend to go to my bank to exchange money so I don't use the ATMs in country. Makes for a better exchange rate then those Currency Exchanges or Credit Card fees at the airport.
Schwab debit card.
If you land at Manila, walk (be careful) across the street and your cab is 60% cheaper. I got fooled once and the meter was going nuts and asked to get dropped off next to another cab. Make sure your bag is outta the trunk before you get out or any $ appears. I read this morning that baby dogs live 3yrs longer when they sleep with their humans. The look on Ollie's face at the beginning looked like dread that it was vid time.
I use Mozio in the Philippines and I always use the same driver whenever possible. . If I can't get my regular driver I get nervous even with Mozio but it's not their fault. I bought my sim card close to my condotel where I stay every time in Manila. One of the lessons learned in Manila is use what you have before. I've used the meet and greet services in Doha, Qatar and recommend that highly.
Ride share always, or hotel arranged pickup in not so friendly cities. Great video - as always
Thanks for watching!
Ollie is indeed too cute!
Great video as always. Regarding the esim Saily, I will be in the UK in late June on a bus tour, do I need to buy for each country I enter?
Ollie seems particularly lively today.
1. Book transport with your hotel or take express train service to the city
2. Change currency in your country in advance. Never withdraw from a foreign ATM unless you desperate
3. Pre-Install data e sim in your phone and activate it when you touch down
4. Never put very expensive items in your check in luggage… the most expensive item inside is my Dyson Hairdryer. I bring my Leica & Moncler winter jacket with me on board
I disagree with #2. Withdrawing at the ATM is typically the most cost-effective and convenient option. I would advise to use a bank ATM and *always* decline any dynamic currency conversion offers. Your best ATM card for this is with Charles Schwab as they refund 100% of any fees.
Depends which country you coming from..some countries have limited money changers so the rates are pretty bad especially if you are trying to change an undesirable/ weak currency ...actually many small shops/businesses are going cashless in major cities...last year in London I had a lot of unused pounds which I had to eventually use up to pay for dinners at bigger restaurants instead of Visa
I’m still old fashioned I pre-book a airport- hotel transfer and purchase the local currency before leaving. No scams or stuffing around!
Seeing as you travel a lot and you have a super cute dog, can you dr sn episode explaining options for what you do with Ollie when you travel? What should I look gor in a doggie hotel?
I always have transit dealt with before arriving. I prefer hotel shuttles. Never hit the ATM at the airport. Get local cash beforehand. I also manually log out of any atm transaction no matter where it is.
Gotta appreciate a good puppydog.
We had something kind of similar on our last international trip. We had pre-arranged for a ride, so we got to the spot and were looking for our driver when someone said something that sounded like my name. So I looked up and over. He made eye contact and came over and said something like "Hey, my car is this way." He was with all the other drivers and had a logo on his shirt, but it didn't look familiar and I was tired and having trouble remembering the exact name of the ride company. It was similar, but... I asked if he was our scheduled driver, and he said yes....
So I asked again for my name... And he didn't know it.
And after a bit of back and forth, I verified that he wasn't my driver, but just a regular taxi driver offering to give me a ride.
Eventually I got a text from my pre-arranged driver, who was a few minutes behind schedule.
As tired as I was, I could see someone having gotten into that vehicle and having to pay him after having prepaid for the other one already.
I use public transportation or public airport buses if I arrive during daylight. Otherwise, I check ahead of time to see what legitimate rides are available and pre-arrange.
How does Saily perform in Japan? I am looking for a reliable e-SIM for Japan.
On a recent flight into and out of Laguardia I was approached by men wanting to get me an Uber. I said no and found the legit taxi queue with licensed taxis.
Research 1st, public transport may be available and can be as fast and much cheaper. That why traveling light can save you money and less “scam stress”.
Ride share booked using wifi inside airport 2nd best option. Ensure picture of hotel name /address in local name just in case. Having esim or local sim you can follow ride share/bus/train/shuttle route.
We recently learned the importance of putting on the seatbelt when in an Uber On the way from our Berlin hotel via Uber the car was rear ended by a motorcyclist The impact was pretty forceful and I think had we not been wearing the seatbelt we would have suffered injury Law or no law about passengers wearing seatbelts wear your seatbelt when in a vehicle for hire
Love your videos and great advice, but way too much Saily ad time. Thanks!
Appreciate your comment!
concerning eSimm, do you turn off airplane mode when you land ? Also it was nice to see your dog awake...
I have a question regarding using eSim. I have an iPhone that uses an eSim and I don't have a physical eSim card tray. Will those eSim apps mess up my phone settings ?
I always travel to places where I can take some form of public transportation from the airport.
I go to my bank to get whatever local currency I'll need before I leave.
Some currency is harder to get than others and can take a week or 2 to get
Use atm at airport!