Page 37 - The Baltic Capitals & St. Petersburg

The Baltics: Credit cards are widely accepted in this region, especially Visa and MasterCard.
American Express is not widely accepted in the Baltics.

Russia: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Russia, though some smaller
establishments may require cash.

Poland: Credit and debit card use is common in Poland.

Chip Cards
Many countries have adopted a new type of credit card that has an embedded computer chip.
These cards are inserted into the reader instead of swiped. The card owner then authorizes the
purchase using a PIN instead of signing.

This new technology is only now gaining traction in the U.S., so occasionally there are
machines in other countries that can’t read U.S. cards. Or the machine can read the card, but
asks for a PIN. This doesn’t happen often, and is nothing to worry about. You can usually
resolve the situation by asking the cashier to let you sign. (If you don’t speak the language,
just mime signing on your hand.) If you are not able to sign for a purchase, such as at an
automated ticket booth, you can use another form of payment, such as a debit card that
has a PIN.

Notify Card Providers

Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card
if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid
an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank
you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number
a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do
this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a
card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of
your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Tipping Guidelines

Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. Listed below are
our recommendations for the tips that are not included in your tour price:

O.A.T. Trip Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your O.A.T. Trip
Leader at the end of your trip, especially if he or she has provided you with individual
service. As a guideline, many travelers give $8-$12 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per
person per day.

Housekeeping staff at hotels: $1-$2 per room, per night

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