Page 42 - Nepal & the Mystical Himalayas

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 $7-$10 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per
person per day.

Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan hotel staff: $1-2 per room, per night
Waiters: Your Trip Leader will tip waiters for included meals. If you are dining on your own, a
10% service charge will be included as part of your bill.

Taxi drivers: If you are taking a taxi by yourself, keep in mind that tipping is not common
practice, but many people simply let the driver keep the change by rounding up the fare to the
next whole number. It is better to negotiate the price with a taxi driver before you get in. You
can discuss approximate fares with your Trip Leader.

Please Note: Your tour price includes gratuities on the main trip and optional extensions for
WZNLW R`TOP^ O]TaP]^ WZORP LYO NLX[ ^_Lʬ LYO W`RRLRP [Z]_P]^ _SL_ XLd L^^T^_ dZ` O`]TYR
the scheduled activities on your adventure. All tips are quoted in U.S. dollars; tips can be
converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. Please do not use personal or traveler’s
checks for tips.

42