7/18/10 Mickey's Baltic Ballyhoo Part 6

[MrsScooby]

My DH doesn't involved himself much in the planning either which is a shame as he is a very bright guy and often thinks of things that I overlook or forget about.

I think most people have the situation where one family member is the planner and the others weigh in from time to time.

I bought some packing cubes from Rick Steve's website and a travel umbrella (that hopefully won't break in the first stiff wind).

Anyone have a packing list started?

 

[Caropooh]

More than likely US cards do not!

It would have a symbol like a WIFI.

I think this was in reference to the use of credit cards in the ticket machines in London

Never heard of anyone having a hard time using their cards in general
Probably check with my credit card company when I notify them of my trip.

OK, so now I'm all confused! Is it just ticket machines in London or what?

 

[Caropooh]

So, who is getting rubles to use in St Petersburg? We're ordering our money tonight and just trying to figure out what currencies and amounts to get!

 

[MrsScooby]

So, who is getting rubles to use in St Petersburg? We're ordering our money tonight and just trying to figure out what currencies and amounts to get!

ordering them today too
I read somewhere that we are limited in how much we can bring in

so just bringing 1000 rubles (about $36)

 

[MrsScooby]

My Mom gave me this handbag that she received as a gift, but didn't want as it is not her style.

I thought it was kind of cute...but my DH and kids say Ugly!!!


Need some additional opinions.

http://www.shop.divabelladesigns.com/Big-Buddha-Rose-Bag-BB-223805.htm;jsessionid=62A223843C57D9071D109CB0C70272BB.qscstrfrnt04

 

[jilljill]

So, who is getting rubles to use in St Petersburg? We're ordering our money tonight and just trying to figure out what currencies and amounts to get!

No rubles here, our bank doesn't carry them. Last time Anastasia sent our guide with some rubles to cover incidentials and our lunch the first day and we just paid her back the following day. I would email her to see if she's still doing that with her tour groups.
The only place that we needed them the first day were for the bathroom at Peterhoff Palace and for lunch there.

I figure $50-$75 per port. I figure if there's any left over towards the end of the day we just get candy, sodas and beer to take back to the ship or pick up an extra little souvie such as a magnet or postcards.

 

[MrsScooby]

OK, so now I'm all confused! Is it just ticket machines in London or what?

I would just check with your credit card company

They want you to use their card so I'm sure they will make sure you have one that works in Europe.

 

[jilljill]

My Mom gave me this handbag that she received as a gift, but didn't want as it is not her style.

I thought it was kind of cute...but my DH and kids say Ugly!!!


Need some additional opinions.

http://www.shop.divabelladesigns.com/Big-Buddha-Rose-Bag-BB-223805.htm;jsessionid=62A223843C57D9071D109CB0C70272BB.qscstrfrnt04

I think it's cute, although it a much bigger bag than I would use. It's very Valentino, his bags are all about the big rose or big bow. Just check the major high end department store websites and you will see many in this similiar style.

 

[jilljill]

T.G.I.F.

One more full day at home then we go to FL.

 

[Celestine]

OK, so now I'm all confused! Is it just ticket machines in London or what?

To use an automated type machine you will need a chip & pin card, i.e. you do not sign but input a 4 digit code to verify the transaction. In all major stores you should be fine to sign

Celestine

 

[Celestine]

No rubles here, our bank doesn't carry them. Last time Anastasia sent our guide with some rubles to cover incidentials and our lunch the first day and we just paid her back the following day. I would email her to see if she's still doing that with her tour groups.
The only place that we needed them the first day were for the bathroom at Peterhoff Palace and for lunch there.

I figure $50-$75 per port. I figure if there's any left over towards the end of the day we just get candy, sodas and beer to take back to the ship or pick up an extra little souvie such as a magnet or postcards.

For those of you in the Victoria area there is a really good foreign exchange place at 141 Victoria Street & they hold rubles on site (bought ours there earlier this week)

Celestine

 

[MrsScooby]

I think it's cute, although it a much bigger bag than I would use. It's very Valentino, his bags are all about the big rose or big bow. Just check the major high end department store websites and you will see many in this similiar style.

Thanks
It is a bit bigger than I would want for a bag that ornate, but still it was free. Just wasn't expecting the strong response from my DH -normally he could care less what I wear or carry.

One more full day at home then we go to FL.

Lucky you
Hope you have a great time.

To use an automated type machine you will need a chip & pin card, i.e. you do not sign but input a 4 digit code to verify the transaction. In all major stores you should be fine to sign

Celestine

Thanks

For those of you in the Victoria area there is a really good foreign exchange place at 141 Victoria Street & they hold rubles on site (bought ours there earlier this week)

Celestine

Did they say what the limit was that you could bring into Russia?
That's great that they hold them on site.

What was their fee and exchange rate?

I'm in the Marble Arch area, but if we have time I might check it out

 

[Celestine]

Thanks

Did they say what the limit was that you could bring into Russia?

The limit is far greater than what you would need I believe.

That's great that they hold them on site?

Yes we always get our currency from there and they have never let us down. It is literally 3mins walk from Victoria Park Plaza hotel & 5mins from Rubens Hotel.

What was their fee and exchange rate?

No fees/commission free & check out exchange rates on their website (link Below)

I'm in the Marble Arch area, but if we have time I might check it out

Hours below also a branch in the Strand.

Our Strand office hours are Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 6.45 pm. We are open on Saturday between 9.00 am and 5.45 PM and Sunday between 10.00 am and 3.45 PM

Our Victoria office hours are Monday to Friday, from 8.00 am to 6.45 pm. We are open on Saturday between 9.00 am and 5.45 PM and Sunday between 10.00 am and 3.45 PM

http://www.thomasexchangeglobal.co.uk/exchange1.php

I don't do much of the planning either just photos, coaches, fetch the currency, water, sweets, pastries & nearly forgot the Scrumpy.

Paul

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Dover.
Saturday and sunny!!!

 

[Celestine]

Thanks




Did they say what the limit was that you could bring into Russia?
That's great that they hold them on site.

What was their fee and exchange rate?

You can carry up to 50,000 russian rubles in apparently. At this place you do not pay a separate fee, it is incorporated into the rate, but is still the best going. We got 43.92 rubles for £1

Celestine

 

[Caropooh]

I would just check with your credit card company

They want you to use their card so I'm sure they will make sure you have one that works in Europe.

Good point! I'll have to check!

To use an automated type machine you will need a chip & pin card, i.e. you do not sign but input a 4 digit code to verify the transaction. In all major stores you should be fine to sign

Celestine

Thanks for the info! All of a sudden I was in a panic!

For those of you in the Victoria area there is a really good foreign exchange place at 141 Victoria Street & they hold rubles on site (bought ours there earlier this week)

Celestine

That's great! we are in the Victoria area!

 

[Caropooh]

One more full day at home then we go to FL.

Will you be internet less then while you are down there?

My Mom gave me this handbag that she received as a gift, but didn't want as it is not her style.

I thought it was kind of cute...but my DH and kids say Ugly!!!


Need some additional opinions.

http://www.shop.divabelladesigns.com/Big-Buddha-Rose-Bag-BB-223805.htm;jsessionid=62A223843C57D9071D109CB0C70272BB.qscstrfrnt04

Sorry, I'm agreeing with your family.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Magic location near Brighton well on its way.

 

[MrsG]

Thanks for the update Andrew! Can't wait for info from the 1st Baltic.

Have a great trip, Barb.

We got a mix of currency from all the ports. Rubles were the hardest to get but I think we got enough for little purchases.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for the update Andrew! Can't wait for info from the 1st Baltic.

Have a great trip, Barb.

We got a mix of currency from all the ports. Rubles were the hardest to get but I think we got enough for little purchases.

Her ETA IS 03:45am Saturday!!!!!!

Yes TR from the first and second one for Tallinn are very important.