Plans for Spring 2008
Okay, so I am looking at the general information for my semester in the Netherlands and everything seems so complicated. The trip may be eight months away, but I need to start figuring things out now so I'm not confused too late. While I am very excited to go, I'm also rather nervous. Other than Canada, I've never lived in a foreign country, and
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May I suggest you get the latest edition of "Lets Go" Europe. I was introduced to these splendid guides by an american friend when we were both studying in France and over the past 15 years they have taken me safely as a female lone traveller around Europe, the US, Australia and Mew Zealand. They don't have pretty pictures but they are updated yearly by people on a budget and they have never failed me. They will answer a lot of practical questions.
Apart from a daytrip to France when my bank's computer crashed I have never had a problem drawing money on my bank card - anywhere in the developed world. It is usually the cheapest way but you will need to check with your own bank. If your card has the cirrus/ maestro logo you shoulod be able to use it. As for credit cards - Visa used to be more widely accepted in France than Mastercard but I don't know about Holland. But that was a while ago.
Nevertheless it is wise to have more than one option and always good to have some cash. Post Offices here usually do quite a good deal for small amounts. Again you need to do your sums since sometimes it is better to pay commission. Avoid having to change money at the airport. Better to find an ATM at the other end. Make sure you get some small denomination notes. Coins can be useful so mug anyone who has been on a trip!
As for phone calls .. the cyber cafe I am in flogs all sorts off calling cards for different palces that you can use for international cheap rate calls. If you get a triband phone you should be able to use it in Europe. You then just need to buy a local simcard. (in Europe they are about £10 if you get a pay as you go phone). Mobile phones are quite cheap here so you may want to wait til you get to London and pick up something you don't have to be too careful of ..
You can do lots of planning before October ...let me know if I can be of more help. I used to work in Tourist Information and haven't quite kicked the habit.
Easter Day - Everything in London will be more or less as usual - I doubt much closes certainly nothing Touristy. Even out in the sticks we are more or less opem all hours.
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