Page 39 - New Zealand: Natural Wonders North & South

card payments on supplementary charges (such as bar bills, room service, etc.). New Zealand
shops and banks use a PIN-based credit card systems. You may be able to authorize a payment
by signature if your card was issued by an overseas provider, but this is becoming rare. A PIN
is usually required so keeping varied payment options available makes sense.

Fiji: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Fiji. Some hotels may charge
additional fees for credit card payments on supplementary charges (such as bar bills, room
service, etc.). Shops and banks in Fiji are moving to PIN-based credit card systems. You
should still be able to authorize a payment by signature if your card was issued by an overseas
provider. However, a PIN may be required in some instances, depending on the payment
terminal and bank. Keeping varied payment options available makes sense.

Australia: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Australia. Some hotels may
charge additional fees for credit card payments on supplementary charges (such as bar bills,
room service, etc.). Australian shops and banks use a PIN-based credit card systems. You may
be able to authorize a payment by signature if your card was issued by an overseas provider,
but this is becoming rare. A PIN is usually required so keeping varied payment options
available makes sense.

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.

Waiters: Restaurants do not generally add a service charge. In New Zealand, it is not
customary to tip but you may choose to leave a 10% tip if you have outstanding service. In
Australia, it is common practice to tip approximately 10% of the bill for good service. However,
_ST^ T^ L_ dZ`] OT^N]P_TZY LYO YZ_ Pc[PN_PO Md _SP ^_Lʬ

39