Page 36 - Northern Spain & Portugal: Pilgrimage into the Past

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

Waiters: When dining as a group, your tip is included—there is no need for you to leave an
additional tip. When dining on your own, check your bill for a service charge. If a service
charge is not included in your bill, we suggest you leave about 10% of the check.

Taxi drivers: The practice of tipping taxi drivers in Portugal and Spain varies from city to city.
In some cities it is expected and in others it is discretionary. Your program director can advise
you what the practice is in each area that you visit.

Please Note: Your tour price includes gratuities on the main trip and optional extensions for
local guides, drivers, and luggage porters that may assist you during 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.

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