Visas and foreign currency

Posted on by Lea Ann Reynolds
By the time we reach the middle Eastern countries, maybe the fighting will have calmed down.

As we close in on our date to leave, next on our list was to obtain some foreign currency and apply for visas. The currency we decided on encompasses 23 different countries. To get an approximate amount, with some help of friends, we first listed the countries we would be visiting, 60 or more, included most of Europe as one since most of them take euros. Then we researched online what countries would accept US Dollars and credit cards. The majority accept credit cards in restaurants and in main tourist shopping areas. But, if you wanted to tip or purchase from a local vendor that doesn’t accept US Dollars, then you might need their local currency.

Bulgarian Lev , Brazilian Reals, Australian Dollars

Under the photos, I’ve listed the countries for the currency listed.

Canadian Dollars, Chile Peso, European Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, Iceland Kroner
Indonesia Rupees, Japanese Yen, Jordan Dinars, Morocco Dirham, New Zealand Dollar

Visas are a different story. We have all we can get before the cruise. The two remaining are Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Those will not allow us until 30 days before arrival so we will work on them on the ship. All but China allowed us to apply and receive online Evisas. Some received immediately while a couple took 2-3 days.

Norway Kroner, Philippine Peso, Romania Leu, Singapore Dollar , South Korean Won

China was the most difficult and tedious from filling out the application with our school and work history in the past 20 years to having to drive from Florida to Washington DC. We had to make an appointment and appear in person. In Appt day we had a relatively easy wait. The embassy personnel looked at our applications and had to make two changes and come back. We were hoping same day! We had to have the itinerary changed from Taipai Taiwan to Taipei China. And Chucks work history had to go as far back as his education. Went to a Fedex store and opened the itinerary and made some changes while Chuck updated his work history. Went back to the embassy and they put us at the front of the line. He approved it all, took our passports and then we left. Spent a couple of nights with a friend in Virginia, drove back to DC, picked up our passports with visas now added for 10 years paid our $400 and we were in our way back home. These were the most expensive and most time consuming. Below is our list of visas in hand.

Great Britain Pounds, Turkey Lira, Taiwan Dollar, Sweden Kroner, Sri Lanka Rupee
  • Australia
  • China
  • New Zealand
  • India
  • Vietnam
  • South Korea

So more items knocked off the list. I need to get back to my other list to see what’s next

May God bless you always!

Chuck and Lea Ann

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