Blog - foXnoMad

How To Use A European Plug In India

by Anil Polat | Mar 13, 2008 | Travel | 7

The electric outlets in India can look baffling but are rather simple once you know which hole is what. You can even take along a simple European adapter (this trick works for Americans as well) and save the expense and space of a European/US to Indian outlet adapter.

The three things you’ll need are a plastic pen, plug adapter, and a voltage converter (for Americans).

One of the first things you’ll notice is the two vertical holes (locks) on top and the 4 horizontal buttons (electric outlets) just below. The switch to the left is a safety and serves to cut the power on and off to the outlet.

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Off To India, Suggestions Welcome

by Anil Polat | Mar 11, 2008 | Travel Journal | 1

I’m going to be traveling around southern India for the next two weeks and writing about my travels along the way. Currently I’m in the process of packing using the 10 of Essentials rule. I’ve purposely limited myself to a small check-in piece of luggage in order to avoid weight fees.

Despite my Google hacking preparation, does anyone have any suggestions for travel to this part of the world? Leave me some tips in the comments, and I’ll keep you updated with posts and pictures along the way.

Find Contact Information For Every Embassy In The World: Embassy World

by Anil Polat | Mar 10, 2008 | Advice | 14

Get the contact information and find the websites for all of the embassies around the globe at Embassy World. The site has listings of all of the embassies resources available by nation and a separate listing for all of the foreign embassies located within the United States.

Embassy World also has detailed information about UN missions and other international organizations. The site also features other good general information including voltage requirements by country and an international telephone directory. Before traveling to any country, check the appropriate embassy for visa requirements, safety information, and if you’re traveling to one of the less friendly nations, register with your embassy.

Instead of wasting time with Google searches bookmark Embassy World.

Post Highlights: [3/8]

by Anil Polat | Mar 8, 2008 | Discussion | 0

International Tipping Etiquette

? The BBC has a good rundown of how much you are expected to tip for various services across the world.

Save Salt, Pepper, and Ketchup Packets To Spice Up Airplane Food

Spice up your next bland airplane meal by saving little condiment packets and adding spices from airport restaurants.

The Top 12 Applications That Fit On A USB Drive For Travelers

Virtual Hosting has a good list of 50 applications that can be run with only a USB drive and an Internet cafe, here are 12 (free) ones that apply to travelers.

Send Free Global Text Messages: Gizmo SMS

by Anil Polat | Mar 7, 2008 | Tech | 0

Stay in touch with your friends and family with the free Gizmo SMS service. Select the country and enter in the phone number along with your message (maximum 80 characters). Gizmo SMS doesn’t require that you specify the cell phone carrier associated with the phone number you provide. Country codes are automatically added after you select the recipient’s country.

Gizmo SMS delivers messages promptly, unlike so of the other services I tested – although the message contains some Gizmo-advertising, the message isn’t too cluttered (if you send more than a word or two). Gizmo SMS can be useful in online cafes, where you want to keep your Skype and other online accounts safe.

Gizmo SMS is free to use but may not be free for the person who gets the message; depending on their calling plan.

How To Reclaim Taxes Paid Abroad

by Anil Polat | Mar 6, 2008 | Money | 2

Travelers can get reimbursed for many of the taxes they pay while abroad by filling out the necessary paperwork and showing it at customs on the way out. Depending on where you’re visiting, even nonbusiness persons can reclaim most if not all taxes on goods purchased.

Most countries charge taxes on the various stages of production of a product, known as Value Added Tax (VAT). Similar to sales tax in the US, VAT generally increases the prices of goods by 15-25%. (In Canada, it’s known as the Goods and Service Tax, GST; roughly 7%.)

Travel Tax has detailed information on VAT refunds and I’ve summed up the basics for your next trip.