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Farhat International Tours & Travels 

11 Bahrain Tower,

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Tel : +973 17 00 82 89

Email : [email protected]

GSA - AeroWing Aviation Limited Baliaaree (2nd Floor), Plot # 30, Road #130, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan1 Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh

Phone: +880 2 58811683 Phone: +880 9617889988 Email: [email protected]

76/77 KM Tower (Ground Floor) Agrabad Commercial Area, Agrabad Chattogram.

Phone: +88 023333 10 618 Email: [email protected]  Email: [email protected] 

GSA Email: [email protected]

Address: 6 Elbustan St, Eltahrir Sq, Qasr el Nile, Opposite Commercial International Bank

Phone: 01070733282

Email: [email protected]

Address: Smouha, Green Plaza, 1st Floor

Phone: 01019806444 - 01019759333

Email: [email protected]

Lucknow Office

G-2-(B) Shalimar Square, 126/31, B.N. Road Lalbagh, Lucknow - 226001

Phone: +91-522-4327938

Reservation: [email protected]

Sales:  [email protected]

Jaipur Office

112 1st Floor - Jaipur Tower, MI Road - Jaipur - 302001

Phone: +91-141-4821525

Reservation: [email protected]

Sales:  [email protected]

Delhi Office

406 Ansal Bhawan, 16 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Delhi 110001, India

Phone: +91-11-43232210 Reservation: [email protected] Sales:  [email protected]

GSA- Wings and Wheels

Alhind Tower-Jaffer Khan Colony Road

Opp.Planetarium, Calicut

Phone: +91 495 2772725

Email:  [email protected]

3rd Floor Summit Apartment,

Hill Fort Road, Hyderabad

Telangana- 500004 

Phone: +91 40 48450115

Email:  [email protected]

No.143, Diplomat Bldg, Marzdaran Blvd

Phone: 0098 21 91320707

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Pardisan Hotel

Email:  [email protected], [email protected]

Zandiyeh Hotel

Email:  [email protected], [email protected]

Al Asal Building,

14th Ramadan St. Al Mansour district, Baghdad - Iraq

Phone: +964 786 219 8501

Email: [email protected]

GSA - APG Central Asia LLC Address - 69, Tole bi street, office 29 

Phone: +7 727 272 33 10  Email: [email protected]

Al Kazemi Travel Agencies Co. W.L.L Ali Yousuf Al Matrouk Building – Floor 2 Khalid Bin Walid Street. Sharq Area 2. Kuwait City P O BOX 23959 Safat 13100 Kuwait

Phone: 00965 22435268 Email: [email protected]

GSA - Global Holidays S.A.R.L Dedeyan Center, Dora District Beirut.

Phone: 00 9611242785 00 96181313954

Kuala Lumpur

Suite 12.02, Wisma Goldhill

No 67, Jalan Raja Chulan

50200 Bukit Ceylon

Phone:+603 64148915 Email: [email protected]

GSA - IME International Travels Pvt Ltd Trisara Building, Lazimpat Road Kathmandu – Nepal

Phone: +977-1-4429467 Email: [email protected]

Panorama Mall Al Khuwair, Muscat

Phone: 00968-24272222

Opposite Dhofar Municipality New Building Salalah 

18-19-Hajvari Arcade Kutchery Road Multan, Pakistan

Phone: 061-4573224 or 061-4575224 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Suit # G-06/A, Ground Floor, Kashif Centre, Main Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi, Pakistan

Phone: 021-35634447 or 021-35634448 Email: [email protected]   Email: [email protected]

Office: B1-165-41, Ground Floor, Paris Road, Opposite Bank Al Falah, Sialkot - Pakistan

Phone: 0092 (52) 4581046 Phone: 0092 (52) 4581047 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Office: UG-48 Deans Trade Centre, Cantt Peshawar- Pakistan

Phone: +92 91 5276206/5250212/3 Phone: +92 300 8407061/8407425/8407625

Building No. 79, 920 Hiteen Street, Al Muntazah, Zone 24. Doha – Qatar

Phone: 44344888 Email: [email protected]

Al Dawasir, King Saud street Sekio Area, opposite Dana Mall

Phone: +966 13 830 0845 Email: [email protected]

City Center Madinah Road Jeddah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Phone: +966 12 2722243 Email: [email protected]

Jarir Street Al Malaz District Riyadh, KSA

Phone: +966 11 4477880 Email: [email protected]

GSA - MAC Aviation Services Pvt Ltd “The Wavertree” 141/9 Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 - 11 - 2309282 Phone: 94 - 11 - 2309259 Email: [email protected]

GSA - Nasport Travel & Tourism Agency City Bank Building Baladia Road, Across Maknimir Road, Khartoum - Sudan

Phone: 00249912178735 Email: [email protected]

Sky Pacific Air Services Co., Ltd.

19 Srinakarin Road, North Bangna, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 Thailand

Phone: (+66) 023387488 ext. 8159, 8166 Email: [email protected]

Phone: +908502556699 Email: [email protected]

Senan Khadim Rashed Ahmheiri Bldg, Hamdan Street,   Behind Mark & Spencer,  Abu Dhabi,  United Arab Emirates. 

Phone: +971 2 6222633  Email:  [email protected]

Musafir Travel and Tourism (GSA) Ground Floor, Al Najoum Bldg Al Khabaisi, Deira, Dubai United Arab Emirates.

Phone: +971 4 8877111 Email:[email protected]

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How likely is it to snag a last minute train ticket? - Bangladesh Forum

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How likely is it to snag a last minute train ticket?

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I'm wondering how flexible I can be in trip planning:

- Should buy train tickets well in advance? Days? Weeks? The moment they go on sale?

- Or can I walk into a station and snag a ticket for later that same day?

There's of course a separate aspect of whether or not well-made plans work out in BD, but I'm ignoring that for now :)

As Eid is on 17 June, one week before will be impossible to get. Then there is normally a few days gap before another wave starts again.

I would say buy it a few weeks in advance.

However if you dont get tickets, the AC buses to Chittagong/Coxs bazzar cane be booked a few days before or even on the day of travel (Eid comments apply). I normally took the late night ones as the traffic reduces and there is almost not too much traffic jams.

• Visa 11 June 2024
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• Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium Accomodation nearby 10 June 2024
• Is there a place to wait at the Dhaka Airport after arriving 10 June 2024
• How likely is it to snag a last minute train ticket? 10 June 2024
• Dhaka Airport to Srimangal or Shylet 10 June 2024
• Raas festival Launch to khulna 06 June 2024
• family tour of bangladesh 12days 06 June 2024
• Rental car, Tuktuk or Driver 04 June 2024
• Best Agencies with which to book Bangladesh Tour 03 June 2024
• using bangladesh passport to enter and leave bangladesh. 01 June 2024
• Which area to stay in Dhaka and how to get to coxs bazar 25 May 2024
• Booking transport 24 May 2024
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Bangladesh Hotels and Places to Stay

Thursday June 13, 2024

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Bankers can now go abroad for important official purposes

The central bank issued a circular today, slightly relaxing the policy for bank officials travelling abroad.

From now on, bank officials can travel abroad to participate in business meetings with foreign banks and attend meetings crucial for official work.

The central bank issued a circular today (11 June), slightly relaxing the policy for bank officials travelling abroad. However, officials must obtain permission from the appropriate authorities at their banks for such travel.

In 2022, the Bangladesh Bank restricted bank officials from going abroad to reduce dollar spending.

Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

During that time, it was stated that bank officials and employees would not travel abroad for training, seminars, workshops, or study tours funded by banks. However, individuals could travel abroad for medical treatment or to perform hajj at their own expense. Additionally, emergency medical treatment abroad, recommended by a specialist doctor, was allowed.

Bank officials were also permitted to participate in training, seminars, workshops, and study tours fully sponsored by foreign organising agencies.

The previous obligations for bank officials regarding foreign travel have been maintained, and there have been no changes in the directives from banks' managing directors and chief executive officers to obtain approval from the Bangladesh Bank for travel abroad and provide necessary information.

In May 2022, the central bank issued a circular banning "personal" foreign travel for bankers, prohibiting all types of foreign travel for officers and employees of commercial banks.

The Bangladesh Bank stated in the circular that they could not travel abroad, even for "personal" expenses, without prior permission from the bank.

However, the ban on foreign travel was slightly relaxed the following day. During that time, bank officials were permitted to travel abroad at their own expense for special needs.

To reduce pressure on reserves and address the dollar crisis, the Bangladesh Bank is discouraging the import of luxury goods. As part of this effort, a ban has been imposed on public and private officials and employees from travelling abroad, according to a senior official of the central bank.

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While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

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Akea Trade International Ltd Dhaka

Find complete details of Akea Trade International Ltd Dhaka Dhaka with bangladeshbranches.com – bangladesh’s Largest Branches directory. Akea Trade International Ltd Dhaka is a Dhaka based company offering services / Products in Dhaka as well as in other major cities of bangladesh. You can contact the company directly at 8824570,01716441748, 01937898720.

Akea Trade International Ltd Dhaka Contact Details

More branches of international recruitment agencies in bangladesh, acura trade international ltd dhaka.

Address: 56, Shantinagar Monihar Classic 7th Floor Naya Paltan Dhaka

Contact Number: 01982666777

Al-Noor International Dhaka

Address: SR Garden, 52, Rajuk Road Naya Paltan Paltan Dhaka

Contact Number: 01711549700, 01324713960

Al-Maher International Ltd Dhaka

Address: 54/B, Inner Circular Road, VIP Road, Shantinagar, 4th Floor Dhaka

Contact Number: 48320631, 8332129 (Off.), 8081071-2, 01711527557, 01971527557

Al-Faroque International Dhaka

Address: Naya Paltan, 2nd Floor, V.I.P. Road, Dhaka

Contact Number: 9334366, 9353676, 8315489,01711536884, 01819487094

4A International Dhaka

Address: Holding No.-1204, Hazi Mansion (4th Floor) 4/A, Madani Avenue Nurerchala, Vatara Dhaka

Contact Number: 01709198069

Al-Sarwar Overseas Dhaka

Address: 53, Purana Paltan 1st Floor Dhaka

Contact Number: 02-223381743, 223351777, 02-48318283, 01754940066, 01768661199, 01715592939

Al-Amanat International Dhaka

Address: 40/1, Naya Paltan V.I.P. Road Dhaka

Contact Number: 58313824, 9334376, 01911486219, 01611486219

Al Fattah Overseas Ltd Dhaka

Address: Tower Naya Paltan Dhaka

Contact Number: 9335770, 01716420597, 01841266144

Al-Abbas International Dhaka

Address: Jomidar Palace, Level-4/B, Inner Circular Road, 291 Fakirapool Dhaka

Contact Number: 7193098 ,9331017 ,01711561320, 01971561320

A-Plus International Dhaka

Address: H-79, Block-M/1 Sikder Plaza, 3rd Floor, Bir Uttam Ziaur Rahman Road Banani Dhaka

Contact Number: 9859278, 01713067459, 01705500006, 9859279

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Ultimate ASIA Travel Guide

Asia  holds some of the most beautiful, diverse and fascinating landscapes and cultures on the planet. It spans an enormous surface of the earth and is a part of the world that we’ve been to several times. This Asia travel guide is designed to help you navigate the different areas and plan an amazing trip.

Located to the west of  Oceania  and to the east of  Europe ,  Africa , and the  Middle East , the Asian continent is divided into five distinct regions, each one offering a completely different flare to the others.

North Asia  pretty much holds only the massive country of Russia and features the great wilds of Siberia.

Central Asia  is one of our favorite places to travel in Asia. It features 5 countries, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, that make up the epicenter of the historical Silk Road route. The rich trade history blends with the intriguing Nomadic cultures of the steppe to offer a travel experience that’s hard to find in other places.

East Asia  showcases the traditional Asian culture that most people think of with 7 countries including Mongolia, Tibet, China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan.

South Asia , also known as the India Sub-Continent, is a place where seasoned travelers go for some culture shock. This region is made up of 6 countries including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan.

Southeast Asia  is so different from the rest of Asia that we’ve broken it off in an  entirely separate   Southeast Asia travel guide . This region is made up of x countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia , Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines.

Collectively, we’ve spent nearly a full year of time traveling the vast expanses of this region. That’s a lot of time with boots on the ground. We haven’t been to every country on this continent, yet, but we hope to provide you with some insight to help plan your own trip to this fascinating part of the world.

Destinations

Asia travel: quick tips, don’t visit asia without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

ASIA BUCKET LIST

See the great wall of china.

Hands down the most iconic attraction in Asia, the Great Wall of China stretches 13,171 miles, with all of its branches. Consider  walking the Great Wall of China  to see multiple sections over several days.

STAND AT THE DOOR TO HELL

The Darvaza Gas Crater is affectionately named the Door to Hell by locals and is far off the beaten path within the borders of  Turkmenistan . It was lit more than 30 years ago and still burns today. 

ESCAPE TO THE MALDIVES

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a nation of 1,192 islands and is an absolute paradise. You’ll find  world-class scuba diving  and idyllic beaches to set the stage for the many  things to do in the Maldives  on your visit.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN ASIA

There is no shortage of great things to do in Asia during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our country guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

SEE THE TAJ MAHAL: (India)  The  Taj Mahal  is the main icon of India due to its sheer size and beauty. It’s located just outside of  Agra  and is literally part of every India tour that includes  Rajasthan  in its itinerary. Hot tip, go early to avoid huge crowds.

TOUR THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE: (India)  If you’re visiting India for the first time, chances are high that your tour will focus on exploring the sites around the  Golden Triangle of India . Aptly named because a high number of iconic sites fall within relatively close distance. You’ll start in  Delhi  and visit  Jaipur  and Agra. There are often deviations to other places such as  Udaipur ,  Jodhpur  and  Pushkar , to name a few.

EXPERIENCE VARANASI: (India)  If you seek a direct immersion into the strong religious culture of India, then you should head directly to  Varanasi . It is here, on the banks of the might Ganges River, that people are transitioned to the afterlife. Rituals are performed daily and it is also possible to take boat trips along the river. We also recommend that you wander the narrow and winding streets of the city too.

SPOT LEOPARDS IN YALA NATIONAL PARK: (Sri Lanka)  One of the best places in the world to view Leopards in the wild is Sri Lanka. I know that comes as a surprise, many people think it’s only possible in Africa,  but the viewing here is actually really good in the right seasons.  Yala National Park  likes on the southeast corner of the country and connects to several other parks and preserves so you’ll have fun spotting a multitude of other wildlife while on safari here.

TAKE AN ELEPHANT SAFARI: (Sri Lanka)  There are plenty of great  safaris in Sri Lanka , and aside from leopards, elephants are the main draw for them. While you can see them literally all over the country, the best places to view them are in the north-central province at either  Kaudulla National Park  or Minneriya National Park. The two border each other and the animals migrate between them depending on the season.

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN ARAGUM BAY: (Sri Lanka)  If you like off the beaten path beach towns, then you’ll want to put  Arugam Bay  on your  Sri Lanka itinerary . Not only does it tout one of the  best beaches in Sri Lanka , but it is also laid back and quiet making for a relaxed experience when compared to the more popular  Mirissa  area beaches.

DISCOVER TIBET: (China)   It won’t be easy and it won’t be cheap, but it  will  be worth it. While the  Tibet Autonomous Region  has been occupied by China since 1951 it is a place that exists uniquely separate from China in everything but political control. Traveling overland is the best way to experience this region, especially if you make the trip from Lhasa to  Mount Everest .

SEE GIANT PANDAS: (China)  One of the most unique things you can do in China is to see the Giant Pandas. They rarely exist in the wild, however, a series of wildlife sanctuaries have been set up in the Sichuan province near Chengdu. It is here that you can learn more about them and even  volunteer to help care for Pandas .

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND BEIJING: (China)  Beijing  has one of the most diverse and lively street food scenes in the world. Navigating your way through the  Beijing street food  will leave you both surprised and satisfied.

VISIT THE DMZ & NORTH KOREA BORDER: (South Korea)  There are few places in the world as tense as the demarcation line between North and  South Korea . If you find yourself in Seoul, we’d recommend that you book a  DMZ tour  to learn more about the conflict between the two countries and what it’s like to share a peninsula. For the more adventurous, you can also book a  tour to Panmunjeom  to visit the demarcation line and see North Korean soldiers.

SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SEOUL: (South Korea)  Seoul was a city that completely surprised us when we visited. If there was ever a perfect blend between Western and Asian cultures, it happens in this city. From the  food scene  to the  temples  and the craziness of the Gangnam district, Seoul is worth at least a week of your time.

WITNESS KOK BORU: (Kyrgyzstan)  The first time we saw a game of  Kok Boru  we were speechless. Chances are you will be too. This national game of Kyrgyzstan is played on horseback with a dead goat acting as the ball. It’s a proud game of the Central Asian nomads and a must-see when traveling the region, especially in Kyrgyzstan.

HIKE IN THE TIAN SHAN MOUNTAINS: (Kyrgyzstan)  As the Himilayas work their way to the north and into Central Asia, they become the Tian Shan Mountains. This transition loses none of the spectacular beauty and is one of the best places to hike in Asia. Head to  Kyrgyzstan for trekking  in the spectacular Jeti Oguz Valley and the surrounding mountain routes.

SEE REGISTAN SQUARE: (Uzbekistan)  This is the most spectacular singular architecture we have seen during our Asia travels. Yes, even when compared to the Taj Mahal. Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan is a towering sight to behold. It features classic onion domes and huge archways that are decorated with bright blue tiles. It’s also a spectacular place to mingle with the locals, as the interior of the square is set up daily as a local wares market too.

WANDER THE ANCIENT STREETS OF KHIVA: (Uzbekistan)  If you like old world, then you should head straight for Khiva, Uzbekistan. This walled city was once a destination in itself along the silk road and the same mud walls that traders passed through in ancient times still stand today. The interior features some of the most beautiful architecture in the country, behind Registan, and was our favorite city in Uzbekistan.

TOUR THE WHITE MARBLE CITY OF ASHGABAT: (Turkmenistan)  Awe, strange and bizarre, the  capital of Turkmenistan , Ashgabat is constructed almost exclusively with white marble. When we asked our guide about why this was done, he simply said to us  ‘because someday, after humanity has failed and cities have fallen, someone will discover the ruins of this city and know that the city of Ashgabat was a grand city of white marble.’ 

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

The food is one of the most exciting things to enjoy when you travel to Asia. This is one of the best and  most diverse foodie regions in the world . The one constant throughout Asia is  street food , so don’t be afraid to dig in with the locals!

In South Asia, you’ll be treated to  hot curries , naan bread, and Biryanis. In Southeast Asia, you’ve Thai food, Vietnamese food, Malaysian food, and so much more to enjoy.

Chinese food is incredibly diverse, while Japanese delicacies such as  Ramen  and  Sushi  are a must-eat.

Central Asia is a built around hearty staples like potatoes and are always meat-centric. You can’t visit the region without tucking into a bowl of  Lagman , while North Asia is heavily influenced by Russian cuisine. In short, you’re never going to go hungry when you travel to Asia.

ASIA FESTIVALS

If you’re visiting Asia, you’re going to run into an event or festival at any time of year. In East Asia and Southeast Asia,  New Year  celebrations are the biggest events. In Vietnam, it’s  Tet ; in Thailand,  Songkran , and, of course, there’s  Chinese New Year .

In South Asia, there are famed events such as  Holi , and there are countless more religious and cultural celebrations.

In Central Asia, the summer months bring nomad games. This includes the  Nadaam Festival  in Mongolia,  Salburuun Fesitval  in Kyrgyzstan and every 2 year on the even years, the  World Nomad Games , to name a few.

In Muslim majority countries, you have  Eid , the end of  Ramadan . Plus, every nation has its own national or  independence day  to celebrate.

LOOKING FOR SOME TRIP INSPIRATION?

Popular regions in asia, central asia.

Central Asia includes Kazakhstan,  Kyrgyzstan ,  Uzbekistan , Tajikistan, and  Turkmenistan . It encompasses the unique and emerging travel destinations of the former Soviet Union. This is where you’ll find the Stans, but they aren’t quite as similar as you might think. Travel across Kazakhstan by train and visit the modern cities of Astana and Almaty before heading to Kyrgyzstan, where you can live and trek like a nomad in the mountains. Tajikistan is where you’ll find the Pamir Highway, one of the highest altitude  road trips  in the world. Uzbekistan is the land of ancient Silk Road cities, marvelous architecture, and tasty food. Turkmenistan is bizarre: you’ll find marble cities and the endless fires of the Gates of Hell here.

North Asia is the most under-visited part of the vast continent, but it’s perfect for adventurous travelers looking to get off the beaten path. North Asia is essentially  Russia , a vast and empty part of the world that can be difficult to travel around. You’ll need visas, patience, and some language skills. Ride the Trans-Siberian, visit the endless steppes of eastern Russia, and end up in the remote city of Vladivostok or the untouched Kamchatka Peninsula.

East Asia is a diverse and vast region consisting of Mongolia,  Tibet ,  China , Japan, North Korea,  South Korea , and Taiwan. You can spend endless weeks traveling through China, exploring vast megacities, ancient archeological sites, and incredible nature. In Tibet, see the roof of the world as you admire the Himalayan mountains and unique culture. In Korea, enjoy the modern sights of Seoul before you stare over the DMZ at the north –  you could even take a trip from China to North Korea if you dare. Japan is the land of high-speed trains, Onsen baths, and incredible food, while Taiwan is the island nation where you’ll find more traditional Chinese culture than you ever could on the mainland.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

In  Southeast Asia , you can backpack or enjoy luxury; eat cheap street food, or dine at fancy restaurants. There’s so much to see and to do in this part of Asia. Enjoy the islands of  Thailand  or  the Philippines , the food of  Malaysia  and  Singapore , the culture and history of  Myanmar  or  Vietnam , or the untouched jungles of  Borneo  or  Indonesia . Or, of course, you could eat, pray, and love in  Bali .

South Asia is a huge region and one that can often be a huge culture shock to first-time travelers. This region includes  India , Nepal, Bangladesh,  Sri Lanka , Bhutan, and the  Maldives . In Nepal, you can trek in the Himalayas, while in Bhutan, you can be immersed in a sheltered nation hidden away from the world. India needs little introduction is probably the most visited country in this region, next to Nepal, and will delight with its color and food. Sri Lanka offers beautiful beaches and highland scenery. To be honest, this is one of our favorite countries in the world. It offers beaches, culture, food, and safaris. Head to Bangladesh to get off the beaten track or the Maldives for a tropical island escape.

ASIA TRAVEL BUDGET

Travel costs vary from one region to the next. In general, for Asia travel itineraries focused in the east, you’ll need more spending money than other destinations.

Setting a budget for travel to Asia is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in Asia on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Asia. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Accommodation can be found for as little as a few USD per night, averaging USD 10 for  dorm rooms or budget hotels . A midrange Asia travel itinerary will need at least USD 50 per night for  private accommodation  (double this for Japan or Korea).  Luxury accommodation  can be as low as USD 100 per night in Southeast Asia or South Asia, but much more in East Asia.

FOOD:  Food is inexpensive across the entire continent. If you eat in  local restaurants  and at  street food stalls , you’ll pay between 1 USD and 5 USD per meal (even in places like Singapore!).  Restaurant meals  will be between USD 10 and USD 20 per person.

TRANSPORT: Local buses  and  trains  can cost just a few USD per ride, and  flights  from one country to the next are good value with budget airlines. Costs vary between countries, but in general, transport won’t break the bank. In Japan, save money with a rail pass.

ACTIVITIES:  Activity costs are inexpensive in South, Southeast, and Central Asia.  Diving  can be as little as USD 30 per tank, while  multi-day hiking treks  in the Himalayas will cost just USD 50 per day. In East Asia and North Asia, factor in more for your Asia travel activities.

20-100 USD PER DAY

Budget travel will vary from as low as USD 20 per day in South Asia and Southeast Asia, up to USD 100 per day in East Asia (particularly Japan). This budget will allow you to stay in dorms or basic guesthouses, eat local street food and travel via local transport with only a few paid activities and tours.

50-250 USD PER DAY

Midrange travelers will need a budget of USD 50 up to USD 250, depending on the region. This is for private rooms, a mix of restaurants and street food, and plenty of activities. Generally, the further south you head in Asia, the further your dollar will stretch and the more you can do.

100 USD + PER DAY

Luxury travelers will need upwards of USD 100 per day in South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia for a luxury Asia travel itinerary. Your money goes much further in these destinations than in East Asia, where you’ll need a budget upwards of USD 250 per day for luxury hotels and experiences.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN ASIA

Asia travel itineraries will need to factor in a range of buses, trains, boats, flights, shared taxis, tuk-tuks, and many more modes of transport.

Buses are the most common mode of transport, but trains are incredibly popular in mainland Asia. The quickest way to get around is by flying, particularly if you are including multiple countries on your bucket list when you travel to Asia.

In Japan, the Japan Rail pass will save you lots of money on transport. Depending on the region you plan to visit, your options will vary. Plan ahead and be flexible.

TOURS:  Don’t discount this style of travel for exploring some of the more difficult regions in Asia. Some of the countries, such as Turkmenistan, North Korea and Tibet, are not possible to visit unless you are being guided. Tours are a great way to travel through Central Asia, for example, because there is a lack of transportation between cities.

CRUISES:  Asia cruises are very popular and ply the waters along the entire eastern coast of China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, India and Sri Lanka. You can see A LOT of ports if you book an Asia cruise.

CAR RENTAL:  On the islands themselves, you might want to consider renting a car to get around. Most islands – aside from the larger islands in the north, such as Cuba – can be driven around in a day, and you’ll be able to stop off and explore as and when you like. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

FLIGHTS:  If you’re short on time and visiting places that are not easily reached by bus, flying is your best option. There are a number of regional carries throughout Asia that will serve the major cities, and popular regions, just about anywhere you go. They range from extremely cheap budget airlines in Southeast Asia to more well-known carriers like Air India.

BUS:  Bus travel is possible all across Asia, of course, dependent again on the destination, and is an affordable yet slow option for moving around. It is important to check bus schedules though and have a backup plan in case they aren’t running.

TRAINS:  If you love train travel, so some of the iconic and adventurous train trips in the world can be experienced in Asia. This includes the Trans-Siberian train route that stretches from Moscow to the far east across Siberia in Russia. India and Bangladesh both have extensive train systems to support both local and luxury train options. In China, trains will get you into the deep corners of a fascinating country.

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WHEN TO VISIT ASIA

Asia is an enormous part of the world, and the climate and weather vary dramatically from one country to the next.

Northern Asia  is characterized by severe winters: places like Siberia are some of the coldest places in the world. In summer, though, the temperatures can be roasting hot. Either time of year, however, there are few tourists in this part of Asia!

Central Asia  also experiences extremes of weather, with hot summers and cold winters. The height of summer is best avoided unless you stick to the higher altitude mountains. This is a place best visited in spring or fall.

East Asia  is a much more temperate Asia travel destination, with the traditional four seasons in Korea, Japan, and much of China. You can visit all through the year, but remember that summer is generally the peak season to travel to Asia!

South Asia  is where things begin to get more tropical, but the climate varies spectacularly. There are distinct wet and dry seasons. You should aim to travel during a region’s dry season for the best South Asia travel experience. The northern Himalayas are cold in winter, the deserts of Rajasthan are hot and dry for most of the year, and the coast of Sri Lanka sees multiple monsoons!

Southeast Asia  is tropical, too, with wet and dry seasons. Again, head here in the dry season for the best travel experience.

For more specific information, check out:

• Best Time to Visit the Maldives
• Best Time to Visit Bali
• Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

PLAN A TRIP TO SOUTHEAST ASIA!

Safety in asia.

When you travel to Asia, you’re very likely to have a safe travel experience. The region is large and diverse, but also welcoming and hospitable. As with anywhere in the world, travelers need to be aware of their belongings, as petty theft can occur anywhere.

Scams can be common in major tourist destinations, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. While they are annoying, they are mostly harmless.

Importantly, travelers should be aware of the customs and culture of each country they visit. What is accepted in one region will be different in another. Try to research a region’s laws and religions before you arrive, so you don’t cause offense.

Solo female travelers may experience harassment in some parts of the region if they travel to Asia, particularly South Asia.

We’ve traveled all over Asia and had mostly positive experiences but stuff does happen, even to experienced travelers. The best advice we can give is to be educated and prepared. Have a look at our  25 Essential Safety Tips for Travel  to make sure you’re on the ball for your next trip.

ASIA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Asia travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Asia and start planning your dream trip.

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15 unreal maldives beaches you cannot miss, best time to visit the maldives: month by month breakdown, 16 unforgettable things to do in tibet, 21 incredible things to do in delhi, india (for first time visitors), best time to visit sri lanka: month by month breakdown, 10 best places to visit in rajasthan (for a perfect itinerary), 16 unmissable things to do in beijing, golden triangle of india: ultimate itinerary & planning tips, ultimate guide to the sigiriya lion rock in sri lanka, polonnaruwa in sri lanka: best sights & travel tips, 6 best places to visit in north india (do not skip these), inside the capital of turkmenistan: ashgabat is a strange place, best sri lanka safari: 8 park comparison guide, ultimate trip to maldives planning guide, 20 unmissable things to do in south korea, 9 best things to do in amritsar, india (plus travel tips), turkmenistan travel guide: an inside look at a bizarre nation, essential uzbekistan travel guide: everything we wish we’d known, ultimate sri lanka itinerary: 2 weeks to 4 weeks, 10 epic things to do in ella, sri lanka.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup West Indies and USA 2024 taking place?

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be played in the West Indies and USA from 1-29 June 2024.

Below outlines when matches will be played from the group stage through to the Final.

• Group Matches: Sunday 1 June – Monday 17 June 2024
• Super 8 Stage: Wednesday 19 June – Monday 24 June 2024
• Semi-Finals: Wednesday 26 June and Thursday 27 June 2024
• Final: Saturday 29 June 2024 | Reserve Day: Sunday 30 June 2024

There are reserve days for the Semi-Finals and the Final. The full match schedule can be found here .

What teams have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024?

The 20 teams listed below have qualified for the World Cup and will be divided into four groups as follows:

Group A: India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, USA

Group B: England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman

Group C: New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea

Group D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal

What is the format of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024?

The tournament will feature 55 matches in total:

• 40 x Group Stage matches
• 12 x Super 8 matches
• 2 x Semi-Finals

Following the group stage, the top two teams in each group will progress to the Super 8 stage. The top two teams in each Super 8 group will contest the Semi-Finals.

Where will the matches be played?

The matches will be played in nine iconic host venues, six in the West Indies and three in the USA:

Matches in the West Indies will be played at the following stadiums:

Antigua and Barbuda: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound

Barbados: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Guyana: Guyana National Stadium, Georgetown

Saint Lucia: Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown

Trinidad and Tobago: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba

Matches in the USA will be played at the following stadiums:

Florida: Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill

New York: Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Nassau County

Texas: Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas

Following the Group stage, how will I know which teams will advance to the Super 8 stage?

Upon completion of the Group stage, the top two teams from each of the four groups will move into the Super 8 stage of the tournament, where they will be placed into two groups of four teams.

Teams seeded first and second in their first round groups at the start of the event will retain that seeding in the Super 8 stage, provided they qualify.

If the first and second seeds do not progress, the team that does will take their place. For example, if Netherlands were to come top of group D and South Africa came second, South Africa would remain as D1 in the Super 8s and Netherlands would follow the schedule for D2 in the Super 8 stage.

How will I know which teams will advance to the Semi-Finals and Final?

Upon completion of the Super 8 stage, the top two teams from each of the two groups will progress to the Semi-Finals. We encourage fans to refer to the points table at t20worldcup.com for updates after each match has been concluded. The winner of each Semi-Final will play in the Final.

Where are the Semi-Finals and Final being played?

• Semi-Final 1 will be played in Trinidad and Tobago at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, on Wednesday 26 June 2024
• Semi-Final 2 will be played in Guyana at the Guyana National Stadium, Georgetown, on Thursday 27 June 2024.
• The Final will be played in Barbados at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, on Saturday 29 June 2024

Semi-Final matches and the Final will have a Reserve Day.

What is a reserve day?

This is the additional day set aside for the Semi-Finals and Final, where a match can be continued in case weather has prevented the minimum number of overs from being completed on the scheduled day. If a match goes to a reserve day, tickets for the originally scheduled day will be valid.

What are the start times for each match?

Start times for matches will vary from venue to venue. For a full list of start times, click here .

How long is an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match in duration?

On average, an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes in duration. This includes both innings and the innings break.

Ticketing Information

What are the ticket categories and prices?

Ticket categories and prices can be found at tickets.t20worldcup.com .

Are there any service, processing and/or delivery fees added onto the advertised price?

Taxes will be applied to the ticket price where applicable and it will be added during the checkout process. Print at home will be applicable fees will be imposed beyond the specified taxes.

Are ticket prices the same, regardless of which country I live in?

Yes, the published prices are the same for everyone.

What does a ticket category mean?

All ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 stadiums are divided into different enclosures which have different views of the field of play and may have differing degrees of shade. For general ticket sales, these have been divided into four categories, although not all categories of ticket are available at each venue.

• Standard Plus
• Grounds and Mounds/Standing Room Only (SRO)

Will there be party stands at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024?

Yes, there will be party stands for selected matches. Details about party stands and ticket sales for party stands will be announced in March 2024.

How many tickets will be available to the public

A small allocation of tickets is reserved for event partners and sponsors. All remaining tickets will be available to the public via the official ticketing website: tickets.t20worldcup.com .

Will tickets be sold on a first come, first served basis, or will I have to apply through a ticket ballot?

There was a public ticket ballot window which will allowed fans to apply for tickets at tickets.t20worldcup.com . This ran from 1 to 7 February 2024.

Phase 1 of ticket sales will start on 22 February 2024 following the ballot where tickets for limited matches (depending on the availability), will be made available for sale on a first come, first served basis.

If I have forgotten my password, how can I log back into my account?

It’s easy to access your account if this happens. Select the ‘forgot my password’ function to generate an automatic email with steps to select a new password. This will then enable you to access your account.

Can I purchase tickets to multiple matches?

Yes, you can purchase tickets for any match you would like to attend. You can purchase a maximum of six (6) tickets per game.

Why is there a limit on the number of tickets I can apply for/purchase?

This is to provide everyone with a fair chance to purchase tickets.

Where will my seats be in the stadium?

Tickets will be allocated via an automated system. Ticket holders will be assigned to the respective ticket/seat number and categories corresponding to their original purchases. Ticket maps will be displayed while applying which will indicate where each category is located within each venue.

If my friend and I both buy tickets, can we request our tickets are together?

Allocation of seats is automated therefore there is no guarantee that tickets purchased via separate transactions will be located together.

When will I find out if I have been successful with my ballot application?

Fans who were successful with their ballot application were notified and the sale of ballot tickets is now closed.

What if I am not successful with the tickets I applied for?

Don’t worry, there are other opportunities. If you were not successful with all the tickets you wished to purchase during the public ticket ballot window, the general sale is now your opportunity to secure your tickets.

Is the website tickets.t20worldcup.com the only website where I can purchase tickets from?

Yes. Tickets will only be available at the authorised ticket sales website: tickets.t20worldcup.com .

Can I purchase tickets using my mobile phone?

Yes you can, the ticket portal, tickets.t20worldcup.com is mobile friendly.

Can I purchase tickets from outside the Caribbean and USA?

You certainly can. Tickets can be purchased from anywhere via the official ticket sales website: tickets.t20worldcup.com using debit and credit cards.

What debit or credit cards can I use to make my online ticket purchases?

You can use MasterCard or Visa debit or credit cards for ticket purchases. However, American Express cards will not be accepted.

Will my credit card information be safe and secure when paying online?

Yes it will. The ticketing platform uses sophisticated security technology to ensure your credit card details remain safe. The transaction is done directly through your bank and once the transaction is complete the ticket sales staff cannot view or access your credit card details.

What happens after my ticket transaction is completed?

Fans will receive a purchase confirmation via email. This is a guaranteed assurance of the tickets you have paid for. However, the specific seat numbers and ticket barcodes will be communicated via email, closer to the start of the tournament.

How will I receive my e-tickets or m-tickets?

Tickets for the event will be available through tickets.t20worldcup.com. You'll need to log in to retrieve your ticket details. Additionally, m-tickets will be accessible through the ICC mobile app.

Why can’t I have my tickets sent to me in the post?

For this event, we are using electronic tickets. This helps to prevent potential fraudulent transactions and the sale of tickets on unauthorized websites.

When will I receive my tickets?

You will receive your e-tickets at least two weeks before the date of the match you are scheduled to attend. Seat numbers and barcoded tickets will be assigned to all ticket holders. If you do not receive your e-tickets two weeks before the match you are scheduled to attend, please contact us at [email protected] .

Will I have to print my ticket to gain access to the match venue?

You can print your ticket/s, or you can show the ticket on your phone or mobile device.

If I missed the public ticket ballot window, will I still be able to purchase tickets?

Yes, you will be able to. Now the ballot window is closed, all unsold tickets will go on Phase 1 from Thursday 22 February 2024 and can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at tickets.t20worldcup.com .

What time will the gates open on match days?

Gates will open 2 to 2 ½ hours before the scheduled start time of the match.

Do children require tickets?

Yes. Anyone three (3) years or older will require a ticket.

If my child is under two (2) years of age, will they require a ticket?

Children two (2) years of age and under will be allowed free of charge. That child will have to sit on the lap of the adult accompanying them.

Is there a discount for Senior Citizens on tickets?

No discount will be applicable for senior citizens.

If I buy tickets but am unable to use them, can I request a refund?

Please refer to the Ticket Refund Policy, available at Refund Policy for full details on when a refund would be provided.

Can I sit with family and friends if I have a wheelchair?

Each venue will make all reasonable efforts to provide access and spaces for wheelchair users next to regular seats, however, there may be instances when this may not be possible.

Will there be price concessions for people with accessible needs?

All tickets are priced based on the venue area where the seat is located.

Will there be a box office at each match venue where I can purchase tickets?

At this point in time, tickets will only be available online at tickets.t20worldcup.com .

Will I be able to leave the venue and return?

There is no re-entry policy at any venue.

Can I use the tickets I purchased as part of a business promotion or as a prize in a competition?

Only official event partners may utilize tickets in business promotions, incentive schemes, competitions, or marketing campaigns, and only with the specific approval of ICC.

I want to purchase tickets for a group larger than six (6). Can I do this?

Yes, you can. There is a Community Group Ticket Sales Process which provides ticket sales options for groups of 6 or more to attend matches together. For more details about this option email us at [email protected] .

Who are the official travel agents for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024?

For a list of authorized travel agents visit here to learn more.

Is a visa required for entry into the Caribbean and USA?

Fans may need to apply for a visa for the country they wish to visit, including any international transit visas that may be applicable. Fans are encouraged to complete their visa applications as early as possible to ensure they are processed before their intended travel dates.

Please note that the process of applying for, approving, and issuing entry visas is managed by the respective governments of each host country and their authorized agencies.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), Cricket West Indies (CWI) and T20 USA Inc. are not responsible for this process or the approval of visas. Tickets are not refundable if the correct visa is not obtained or if entry into a host country is denied for any reason.

What will happen to my tickets if the match is moved?

If the match is relocated, any fan with a confirmed match ticket will be able to attend the match in the relocated venue or, for fans who do not wish to attend the match, they can request a refund via email at tickets.t20worldcup.com . In case of a match relocation, fans will be notified via email, outlining the procedure for obtaining new tickets for the relocated venue or to request a refund.

Are there restricted items that will not be allowed inside the stadium?

For the safety and wellbeing of all fans, certain items will not be allowed in the stadium. A list of prohibited and restricted items will be available on the event website and will be posted on signage at all points of entry to stadia.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the ticketing process?

If the ticketing FAQs here does not have an answer for any ticketing question(s) you have, email us at [email protected] .

Where can I find a copy of the ticket terms and conditions?

You will need to read and accept the ticket terms and conditions in order to purchase tickets. The terms and conditions are available on the official sales website here for the USA and West Indies. The terms and conditions will also be emailed to you with the confirmation of tickets.

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Bangkok to Beijing by train: Thailand expands rail network for epic train trip

Train travel between bangkok and beijing is inching closer as thailand prepares to expand its rail network..

Train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is inching closer as Thailand prepares to expand its rail network .

The Southeast Asian nation will run a trial service between Bangkok and Laos’ capital of Vientiane between July 13 and 14, according to the State Railway of Thailand. When up and running, the new link will improve transport between the two countries and China, Ekarat Sriarayanphong, an official at the railway agency, said in a statement.

The launch of the Thailand-Laos connection will mean it’s possible to travel by train from Bangkok to China’s capital via stops in Vientiane and the southern Chinese city of Kunming, where there is a separate semi-high speed service to Beijing.

The roughly 2,000-mile journey, though the area’s mountainous terrain adds to the distance, will take almost a full day. That compares with just short of five hours for a non-stop flight.

There’s already a high-speed train operating between China and Laos that offers a route for Thai goods to be transported via rail to Kunming, according to a Nikkei report. That’s helped reduce delivery times to China to 15 hours from the two days it takes for trucks to carry freight along the mountainous route, it said.

Thailand is looking to improve its connectivity with China, its top trading partner, to help boost economic growth that’s lagging behind regional peers.

The Southeast Asian nation’s exports to China totaled almost $32 billion in the first 11 months of last year, with top products including fruit and rubber products, according to government data. Its imports from China were valued at $65.3 billion in the same period, led by sectors including electric equipment and machinery.

Beyond trade, the two nations are also forging closer tourism ties. Visitors from China can stay for up to 60 days in Thailand, while tourists from Thailand can stay in China for 30 days.

The tourism sector is set to get a further boost from a separate, albeit much-delayed, project that will see a high-speed rail system link Thailand to China through Laos by 2028.

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Greece - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Greece.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Greece.

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Visit the Embassy of Greece website for the most current visa information.

Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement; therefore, U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet .

• For entry into Greece, your passport should have at least six months of remaining validity . While Greek law requires three months of passport validity beyond the intended date of your departure, if you are transiting a country that requires six months of validity, you may not be permitted to continue your trip. We recommend that you have at least six months of validity to avoid any travel disruptions.
• U.S. citizens traveling on a passport reported lost or stolen will not be permitted entry into Greece and may be returned to their original departure point. This decision is the purview of the Greek immigration authorities; the U.S. Embassy cannot intervene. Emergency passports are issued only at the Embassy in Athens. Staff members do not travel to the air, land, or sea ports of entry.
• You must arrive in country with proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or other evidence that you will depart Greece if asked. The sufficient funds requirement is often met with credit cards.
• U.S. official and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa prior to arrival. If you are traveling on a U.S. official or diplomatic passport, you will not be allowed to enter Greece without a visa.
• If traveling on official military orders , review the guidance in the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide .

If you are a U.S. citizen with a passport listing your place of birth as the Northern Republic of Macedonia, the Greek authorities will stamp your passport.

If you are a U.S. citizen with a passport listing your place of birth as Skopje or the Republic of Macedonia, your U.S. passport should be recognized as a valid travel document. However, be aware:

• Greek Immigration officers at ports of entry (land, air, and sea) will not place entry stamps in a passport listing the traveler’s place of birth as Macedonia or the Republic of Macedonia.
• You will be asked to complete a short form on which the entry stamp will be placed.
• Keep the form with your passport while you are in Greece and present it upon departure. If you lose the form, you must visit a police station and file a report before the Greek authorities will permit you to depart the country.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Greece.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs information on our website .

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. In the past year, there have been multiple terrorist attacks in Europe. Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets. In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. U.S. citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Strikes and Demonstrations:

• Domestic strikes, demonstrations, and work stoppages are common throughout Greece and can become violent. Stay informed through local news, hotel security, the U.S. Embassy website , and the Consular Section’s Facebook page . Enroll in STEP to receive alerts sent by the Embassy.
• Transportation sector strikes interrupt traffic, public transportation, taxis, seaports, and airports. Confirm domestic and international flights before heading to the airport.
• Avoid all areas affected by the annual November 17 demonstrations, including the U.S. Embassy.
• Anarchists and criminals have used university campuses as refuges. Demonstrators frequently congregate in the Polytechnic University area, Exarchia, Omonia, and Syntagma Squares in Athens; and at Aristotle Square, Aristotle University, and the Kamara area in Thessaloniki.
• Violent anarchist groups have joined public demonstrations to clash with police and vandalize public and private property.

Crime: Crimes against tourists, such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching , occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation, especially the metro. A common tactic is one person causes a commotion on the metro or pushes travelers to distract them while another person snatches the belongings. Thieves also seek out and break into rental cars to steal passports, valuables, and luggage. The Embassy has received reports of alcohol-induced attacks targeting individual tourists at some holiday resorts and bars.

Take the following precautions:

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave bags unattended, especially on the metro and the Athens Airport train or in your vehicle.
• Avoid standing near bus or train doors. Thieves often strike as the doors open then disappear into the crowd.
• Use alcohol in moderation and remain in control.
• Never leave drinks unattended in bars or clubs.
• Be discreet when discussing plans and organizing belongings upon arrival.
• Protect yourself and your money by using well-lit, public ATMs.
• Be aware of internet scams with online thieves posing as loved ones or romantic interests.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report crime to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+30) 210-720-2414 or the Emergency after-hours telephone (+30) 210-729-4444 if you require assistance. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends, with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in certain cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home in certain cases of destitution
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tremors and earthquakes occur regularly.  Forest fires are common, especially during the dry summer months, and occasionally cause road closures. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the instructions of local authorities. Contact the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, which responds to emergencies, at 210-335-9900 for more information. Operators speak English. Monitor the U.S. Embassy Athens’ website and Consular Facebook page .

Tourism : The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities, such as Athens or Thessaloniki. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Possession of a U.S. passport will not prevent you from being arrested, prosecuted, or jailed.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Marijuana is illegal in Greece.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail.
• Photographing military installations is prohibited and may lead to arrest.
• Mace or pepper-spray canisters are illegal in Greece. Such items will be confiscated, and police may arrest or detain you.
• Carry your passport or some form of photo identification at all times. Police may detain you for questioning if you do not have proper identification with you.

Some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Greek Antiquities: Customs authorities strictly regulate the export of Greek antiquities, including rocks from archaeology sites. Do not remove anything, no matter how small, from archaeological or historical sites. Do not purchase protected antiquities and carry receipts for any purchases that may appear to be antiquities.

Military Service for Dual Nationals:

• Greek males between 19 and 45 are required to perform military service.
• If the Greek government considers you to be a Greek citizen, you may be required to fulfill this obligation whether or not you consider yourself Greek or possess a U.S. or third country’s passport.
• Authorities can prevent you from leaving Greece until you complete your military obligations . Contact the Greek embassy or nearest Greek consulate with questions.
• Generally, required military service will not affect your U.S. citizenship, but contact U.S. Embassy Athens if you have questions.

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Greece. LGBTI individuals in Greece are protected by anti-discrimination laws, and gender identity is among the grounds covered by laws against hate speech; however, non-governmental organizations report that social discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is widespread in Greece and violence against LGBTI individuals remains a problem.

See our LGBTI travel information page and section six of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While Greek law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or intellectual disabilities and local law requires access to buildings, sidewalks, and public transportation, application and enforcement of these laws is lacking.

• Handicapped parking spaces and sidewalk ramps are often occupied or blocked by parked vehicles.
• Sidewalks often are narrow with broken paving stones and large holes and obstructed by trees and street signs.
• Buildings with ramps might lack accessible elevators or bathrooms.
• A small percentage of public buildings (primarily in Athens) have full accessibility. Some buildings and intersections include accommodations for visually-impaired travelers.
• The Athens metro and Athens International Airport are fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
• Ask your hotel about accessibility before booking.

The Deputy Ombudsman for Social Welfare handles complaints related to persons with disabilities, especially those related to employment, social security, and transportation.

Students: See our students abroad page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

Most public medical facilities in Greece offer adequate care, although service quality and hospital appearance may differ from the United States. Some private hospitals have affiliations with U.S. facilities and provide high-quality care. Many doctors trained in the United States or elsewhere in Europe.

• Private hospitals usually require proof of adequate insurance or cash before admitting a patient. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Public hospitals often employ minimal nursing staff overnight and on weekends in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare is not accepted overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You may be required to pay upfront and seek reimbursement from your insurance company. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance before their trips to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Greek Embassy or consulate in the United States , the Customs office at Athens International Airport (+30 210-3542126) or the National Organization of Medicines ( [email protected] , www.eof.gr , +30 213-204-0000) to ensure the medication is legal in Greece. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Short-term Car Rentals: Greek law requires that visitors carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and an international driver’s permit (IDP), even if the rental company does not request to see your IDP. The Embassy does not issue IDPs. You must obtain your IDP in the United States from the American Automobile Association ( AAA ) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance ( AATA ). Contact AAA directly to inquire about their mail in option that will allow you to apply from overseas, but note that it will likely take days or weeks. If you drive without these documents, you may face high fines (1,000 Euros or more) or be responsible for all expenses in the event of an accident.

Road Conditions and Safety: Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the European Union. Exercise extreme caution as both a driver and a pedestrian, and follow these tips:

• Drive defensively.
• Expect heavy traffic, obscured traffic signs, and vehicles traveling at high speeds.
• Driving at night in inclement weather and on mountain roads can be hazardous.
• Local law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet.
• Check for motorbikes between lanes and on either side of you.
• Do not rely on lane markings. On many two-lane highways, slower traffic will drive on the shoulder, and cars will pass straddling the center double-yellow line.
• Review your insurance coverage before renting. Most insurance companies require that you have both your valid U.S. license and an international driver’s permit (IDP) for coverage in Greece. Small motorbike and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rental firms frequently carry no insurance and require customers to cover the cost of all damages to their vehicles. Your insurance company may not cover two-wheel or ATV rentals.

Traffic Laws:

• Talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is illegal. The police check phone records when investigating accidents.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, and police conduct random alcohol testing.
• A Greek license is required if you stay more than 185 days in Greece. Contact the Regional Office of Transportation and Communications for more information.

See our road safety page for more information, including information on IDPs. Visit the Greek National Tourist Office website for more helpful tips.                                        

Public Transportation: Purchase and validate your ticket by touching it to the pad on the turnstile prior to boarding a bus or train. Inspectors randomly check for tickets. If you do not have a ticket, have the wrong ticket, or fail to validate your ticket, you could be fined up to 60 times the basic fare.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Greece’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Greece should monitor U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci , the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, https://homeport.uscg.mil , and the NGA broadcast warnings website https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal . Greece implemented a Recreational and Daily Tour Cruise Ships Fee on all private and professional leisure ships with a total length of over seven meters, regardless of flag, in Greek territorial waters. Mariners should consult https://www.aade.gr/polites/etepai for details.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Greece . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

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Sabre: Outbound travel from China surges by close to 400%

According to Sabre’s booking insights, Chinese tourists are back with a vengeance on the global tourism stage, with a 392% surge in outbound travel booked from mainland China for 2024, compared to the previous year.

When you consider that, pre-pandemic, travellers from China made 155 million international trips, collectively spending to the tune of $245 billion, it’s little wonder that the world has been waiting for China to re-enter the global tourism market in a significant way.

However, with China slower to ease travel restrictions in comparison to other countries, even after the re-opening of borders, it hasn’t been a quick comeback. The major rebound of outbound Chinese travel that some expected in 2023 didn’t occur. That picture is rapidly changing in 2024, and what is clear from Sabre’s analysis of industry data (which looks at travel booked from mainland China as of March 31, 2024) is there is a huge appetite among Chinese travelers for global travel.

While outbound travel hasn’t rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, bookings for travel to key parts of the world during typical peak travel dates are seeing particularly strong demand. Bookings made at the end of January before the 2024 Chinese New Year break for travel from mainland China to countries in the Asia Pacific region, for example, were at 106% of 2019 levels.

Key findings include:

• Travel originating from mainland China has increased by a whopping 392% overall globally for 2024, with some destinations seeing surges of more than 2,000%;
• Chinese travelers are taking advantage of reciprocal visa-free agreements with countries around the world, but they aren’t limiting where they travel;
• Airfare prices are down, making travel more affordable for Chinese travelers; Fastest growing routes globally for Chinese travelers in 2024 include Macao, Australia, Japan, Russia, and Bangladesh.
• Chinese travelers are once again embracing Business Class travel, and demand for Premium Economy travel is increasing;
• Outbound airline capacity is up by more than 3000% on some routes as airlines look to meet demand.

Outbound Travel is back with a vengeance

Sabre’s industry booking data analysis shows that the amount of travel originating in mainland China, either already travelled or booked to travel during 2024 (up to 31 March 2024) has increased significantly compared to travel booked at the same point by 2023, soaring by 392% overall.

Outbound travel to all global regions has markedly increased across the year, according to Sabre’s analysis, which looks at travel booked as of March 31 2024. Notably, Chinese travelers are booking in advance for the whole year, showing strong confidence in the travel landscape. Bookings for November and December are significantly up across regions, recording more than 1000% year-on-year for all regions, and notably, more than 2000% for those months for travel to Europe and the Middle East.

For travel to other countries in Asia Pacific (APAC) from China, travelers are planning their trips well in advance, with booking numbers showing large increases, when compared to 2023, for the whole year. October, when the Golden Week holiday period will fall, is recording the largest year-on-year increase in bookings at 1347%.

Outbound travel from China to the Europe and Middle East region (EMEA) peaked in the first quarter of the year, in January with a 676% increase. Again, there are increases throughout the whole year, with a significant year-on-year boost in December.

For the Americas, travel to North America in the first quarter recorded the second highest year-on-year growth, after APAC, at 336%, and travel to Latin America is also increasing throughout the year, with the most significant booking increases for the final quarter of 2024.

New favourites and old favourites Re-Visited 

Chinese travellers are renowned for being high spenders when they travel, spending an average of $1,000 a day during their trips. During the nine years up to 2023, disposable income per capita roughly doubled in China, potentially meaning more money to spend on travel. Considering Chinese travelers’ huge collective spending power, several countries around the world have launched initiatives in a bid to be their destination of choice.

Many countries globally have a strategy to attract these high-spending tourists. For example, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania have launched marketing strategies to attract more Chinese travellers, as have Thailand, Indonesia, France and Saudi Arabia.

So, who is winning Chinese travellers over?   

While Chinese outbound travel is significantly increasing overall, there have been destination changes in terms of the most popular routes, when comparing 2023 to 2024, and then looking at the percentage increase in travel booked to each destination.

The top 10 most popular destinations for outbound Chinese travelers are similar in 2024 compared to 2023. However, Australia and Malaysia have moved into the top 10, with Australia moving up seven places, and Malaysia moving from 18 th to ninth, while Canada and Spain dropped out. Korea and Japan rose in the rankings to take first and second place respectively, pushing down the US and Thailand.

In the top 30, there has been more movement when compared to 2023. Travel from mainland China to Macao, which is popular as a gambling hub, is also up significantly from 44 th place to 15 th . Meanwhile, Britain has moved from 22 nd to 16 th , and Kazakhstan is up from 40 th to 29 th , with many tourists drawn to its winter sports activities. Bangladesh is also seeing an increase to 30 th place from 46 th , which may be due to corporate and visiting family travel, and the launch of new routes.

In Asia Pacific, the countries with the biggest increase are Australia and Japan, with Australia moving from 8 th to 6 th place in the region, and Japan from 5 th to 2 nd . Australia is aiming to be top of mind for Chinese travelers. Japan has two cities in the top 10 when looking at a city perspective, while the cities seeing the biggest travel booking increases are Macao and Osaka.

Capacity is up…

Airlines are increasing capacity to meet demand. International capacity originating from China increased by 280% year over year in the first quarter of the year, with the largest increases coming from key hubs like Beijing, Shenzhen and Chengdu which saw capacity increase by 400%, 560% and 3200% respectively. These hubs also saw inbound capacity increase significantly by 400%, 560% and 3300%.

… and fares are down

As capacity is increasing and supply and demand are achieving greater equilibrium, fares for routes from mainland China are priced lower across the board when compared to 2023, making travel more affordable for Chinese travellers. For quarter one 2024 travel, the difference was up to -73% and -71% on key routes, with the most significant decreases in fare cost being from Shanghai to Seoul, and Shanghai to Tokyo.

Lower fare prices are seen across most of 2024 and, as bookings are made for 2025, we’re also seeing the trend for lower fares continue into the New Year.

Embracing global travel again

While 2023 was the year of re-opening for China, Sabre’s research shows 2024 is the year Chinese travellers are really embracing global travel again in significant numbers. What is important now is that the travel industry ensures it can deeply understand what travellers from China want, where they want to go, how they want to get there, and the experiences they want to have when they reach their destination.

Those who really make the time and investment to understand and deliver these needs will be the ones who win the hearts, minds, and spending power of Chinese travellers in 2024, and into the future.

Ant Group, Mastercard, e-wallets launch International Consumer Friendly Zones program…

DidaTravel celebrates Disneyland Paris success at Shanghai event ahead of high-season

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