Travel Tips: Currency

Travel Tips:

Currency:

As we are travelling to 3 different European cities, not all currencies are the same. Berlin and Vienna use the Euro and Prague uses the Koruna. One Australian dollar is approximately equivalent to 17.5 Czech Korunas (Crown) and 0.66 Euros. These rates change over time so keep checking the rate on the blog.

The Czech Koruna (Kc) or Crown is used in Prague and the Czech Republic

The Euro is used in Berlin and Vienna

• Travel cards are one of the best ways to carry cash and can be used in ATM's to retrieve money. Load your travel card with Euros. You could exchange Euros for Korunas in Prague or bring some Koruna in cash with you for the 4.5 days in the Czech Republic. Be aware that Europe uses the chip and pin payment system that utilises cards embedded with a chip and protected by a personal identification number rather than signature. Visa/Mastercard debit cards can also be used in international ATM's.
• While bringing large sums of money is convenient, it needs to be kept safe at all times and may cause more problems than needed. Only bring the amount of money you feel is necessary to cover food, possible entry fees not included in the art tour, some local transport and souvenirs. Excess cash and your passport should be kept in a safe in the hotel room but remember to retrieve them when you leave.
• Be aware that petty crime exists in Germany, The Czech Republic and Austria. This includes pickpockets, bag snatching, theft and ATM fraud. Thieves prey on tourists especially around major attractions, railway stations and on public transport. It is best to keep your wallets and important documents (passports) safe while travelling. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tourism has given advice regarding the plaza and shopping area surrounding St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna; the road leading up to Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, and criminals in Prague that impersonate police, demanding to check your foreign currency and passports. It is best to carry a photocopy of your Australian passport at all times and keep your actual passport in a safe or secure place in the hotel. Use bags that are closed by secure flaps, zippers and locks. Wear bags across your body rather than over your shoulder or clasped in your hand. Most pickpockets work in groups. While one distracts you, another grabs your bag and flees into a waiting car or motorbike. Avoid wearing 'bumbags' as they spell out 'tourist' and are a favourite of pickpockets. When withdrawing money from an ATM, make sure a teacher checks the machine first and always cover the pin pad with your hand when entering your PIN.
• The currency of QATAR is the Qatari Riyal. While our stopover is over 8 hours on the flight over, the airport does accept euros. We may have complimentary hotel accommodation and meals, so it is not necessary to bring extra currency.