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Money, plastic bags, link to adapter/converter
Hello- my name is Jeanne Fleck and my husband and I are doing K/T on Sept 7/8. Just received the spiral bound Tauck travel book and a couple of questions came up.( actuallyy that’s a lie- a lot of questions came up!) I read that crisp, newer bills are necessary. Do they have to be new? I realize the amount of cash one brings is individual however can someone give me a general amount. If we buy anything substantial it would be credit but I am just asking about cash. Also, is the tour director the same person throughout so that he/she could be given a tip at the end? I’ve read and read about converters/adapters but is someone willing to send a link to exactly what is needed? When I look on Amazon the choices are overwhelming! Also it was mentioned in the book about the plastic bags- I believe it is referring to the grocery type plastic bags but later it mentions zip loc as ok- is this true?( Not interested in the 38,000 fine or nights in jail!). I’ll probably have more questions, now it’s getting REAL, and many details....I appreciate any feedback anyone can give me. And if anyone else is out there on this same trip, please introduce yourself! Thanks Jeanne
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On the converter, Tauck told me to go to Voltage Valet, which I did. Still confused I called them and they were very helpful. I'd suggest that.
Plastic for paying—— if you want to buy at the Masai villages you will need dollars in cash, small denominations and as crisp and new as possible.
As I understand it, ziplocks are Ok.
Adapter- Google it again, this time for websites that tell which adapter to use in each country (link)- then go to Amazon, etc. and buy it, buy a multi-adapter kit, or buy a universal adapter- most of the universals are truly universal, with the possible exception of South Africa. You shouldn't need to spend more than $10 unless you get a multi-outlet strip too- recommended if you've got multiple devices- one adapter and an outlet strip. It took me less time to Google what you need (Type G adapter for Kenya and Tanzania though some places in TZ may also need a Type D adapter) than it did to type this sentence. Also, ensure your devices will operate on 220volts (explained with pictures at the link above.)
Currency (bills)- you only need new or crisp bills to pay roadside or Maasai Village vendors, everyone else will take plastic (major- VISA or Mastercard, sometimes not AMEX and not off-brand cards.) Frankly, I would not worry too much about flat, crisp, new bills unless you plan on spending a considerable amount of money with small vendors. If they don't like your bills, tell them "No sale" and walk away- unless you have really ratty or torn bills they will quickly reconsider, or they don't get my business. You also need cash for the cost of a pre-tour Arusha National park excursion (for the driver/guide and vehicle) which is paid to the hotel. The hotel distributes and possible takes a cut(?). You'll also need a bit more cash for a tip for the driver/guide. I'm sure they will be more than happy to iron the bills they get from you.
??? British, we tipped our driver/guide directly in cash for the private tour of Arusha National Park. As it turned out he was also the best driver/guide during the Tanzania portion of the Tauck tour so we tipped him a small amount, again directly, before moving on to Kenya.
The only cash given to the hotel was for the pre-tour Arusha Park booking. it was not a tip. I assume the hotel takes a small % for their booking services then gives the remainder to Asilia, the safari outfitter who provided vehicles and drivers to the hotel and Tauck in 2015.
I'll correct my previous post to make this more clear.
As to the plastic bag warning in the "green book", ignore it. My traveling companion and I got quite creative packing for two weeks after assuming the warning included ziplock bags. Ziplock bags are fine, dry cleaning bags are fine. No one checks your luggage. But who travels with grocery store bags?
I find the tours tiring but I miss the lack of exercise on them especially since we eat and drink so much more than at home.
If people can catch the TV show Safari Live the Gauntlet showing on Nat Geo 11pm Friday nights at the moment, you can see the East Africa landscape and some safari vehicles in the background and the roads or lack of them. Then contrast the South Africa portion of the show and how the bush is very thick, making it much harder to spot animals both day and night. I believe this is also in Sabi Sands where Tauck goes, it certainly reminds me of our visit to that area. I think is the second season of the show, we watched last year and they have improved it quite a bit presentation wise.some wonderful but gruesome ‘Kill’ footage.
Shopping, we visited the Cultural center on our K and T tour years ago, at that time the tour had lunch there, I bought stuff. On our most recent trip to Tanzania, the hotels and lodges had very slim pickings but the visits to the Masai had the usual stuff, I always like the Masai collars and talking sticks. We did not stay at the Four Seasons and Mount Kenya hotels back then, I think that is why the Tour costs so much more money and is a day shorter than when we took it.
This is not a once in a lifetime experience for us, as soon as we get back we want to go again!
As Peggy said they did not check our bags at all going into Kenya. As a group we walked into customs, they checked our papers and we walked out. Our bags stayed in the Tauck vehicles which drove through customs. We got back in the vehicles and drove on into Kenya. The ban as I understand it is only on plastic shopping bags just like many parts of the world including the USA are beginning to do.
https://www.tvinsider.com/702305/natgeo-wild-safari-live-the-gauntlet-preview/
This is what we have been watching this past month, its been wonderful. Can’t wait to go back
Tonight we’ve been watching the new Mission Galapagos from BBC America. The adventure vacations are so much more fun and no need to worry about dressing for dinner!