Tagged With "Mobile Passport"
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Re: Surprising Speke Hall, Liverpool
Great piece! I can't say enough good things about John Lennon Airport that's next door. Not only is does it have a wide array of budget flights for Europe, the passport control is actually friendly there.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
It's a nightmare! A fair chunk of my packing now includes various chargers, connection cables and mains power adaptors for phones, iPads, Kindles. cameras.... Oh, plus a universal backup power supply battery (RAVPOWER - good value) in case I cannot get to a mains socket - just to keep in touch! I have to say that the Euro proposal to have ONE single charger for all devices has some merit!! PS - watch out that chargers that are sold as suitable for iPhones are often not powerful enough to...
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 2
This is a great report PHeymont!Exactly the step by step instructions we all need.Can't wait for parts 3 and 4.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
The RAVPOWER unit that I went for is shown on the following link (a real mouthful): http://www.ravpower.com/ravpow...hite-us-version.html This model has enough power to fully recharge an iPad! Currently available from Amazon for USD 36.00 They also do more powerful packs. (Hope this doesn't cut across any "No Advertising" policies
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 2
There is a lot to know on this topic. Thank you so much for the education.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
No, Mac, that doesn't cross any sort of policy. We want to help travelers get good honest feedback about products that might be helpful to them on the road (or conversely that aren't worth the money). What's not tolerated is people paid to promote products on our website and providing dishonest information. Ravpower is exactly the kind of unit I'm looking for. Need to go order it soon.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
In the Duel of the Devices, I'm going to declare the RAVPower unit the winner. Both of these devices are essentially external batteries, something that's becoming more popular as more phones come with non-removable batteries. There are two critical differences, however: capacity and output. The PowerStick has a capacity of 750mAh (about half the power held by an average cellphone battery) and a maximum output current of 700mA (phone chargers usually supply 1000mA). The RAVpower device has a...
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
By the way...here's my solution to the other charger issue (plugging in at home). It's a 5-port USB host that has a short cord to plug in (no brick to get in the way at the outlet) and takes 5 standard USB cords for your devices...the kind that come with your device, although more are available cheaply. The five outputs include 2 2100mA for iPad, 2 1000mA for most phones, and 1 1300mA for Samsung. All can be used for any device up to the designated output (that is, you can plug your phone...
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
PowerStick only charges from a USB port. The PowerStick has a capacity of 750mAh Perfect ! That is all that I need for my modest travel needs - just a little juice for a camera or my old flip (!) phone, if needed during a day of sightseeing. The PowerStick is only about the size of a pen, takes no thought to use and does not involve batteries. My kind of tool. Travelers who carry a lot more toys have greater needs than little me.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
Well, I understand the urge for simplicity and not getting tied down...but both the PowerStick and the RAVPower ar e batteries. The RAVPower isn't big; about the size of a cellphone. But it costs 30% less, and will actually put a full charge on a phone, which the other won't. In fact, it will put a full charge on about 6 phones.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 4
Great Info! Skype is great but I found Magic Jack versatile when the other person is not sitting on a computer. I am also a fan of Google Voice ,but I don't think I'm using all their features.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
Ran across this device for charging smartphones http://www.jackeryusa.com/
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Re: Hotels.com: Most mobile bookings are last-minute
That actually makes a lot of sense. The beauty of smartphones and the like is their ability to let you get things done at the last minute -- complete with price comparisons, etc. I know that a lot of hotels offer deep discounts the last day if they have a lot of spare inventory, but you're taking a risk at a busy time in a busy place. I tend to be more of a planner and to save my travel time for traveling and not looking for hotels. But to each his own.
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Re: Charging your mobile devices on the go
That article has good advice...but should have noted one thing more: Not all USB ports on planes and trains carry power for devices (including chargers). Some are data links only; if you don't know about a particular plane or airline, check or don't count on it!
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Re: Airbus opens new Factory in the USA
On my frequent visits to Philadelphia from England I always fly with US Airways. Not an exciting experience - just a reliable journey with convenient times. But my last round trip was an amazing transformation. AMERICAN AIRLINES and US Airways have merged and the staff were amazing. The plane was a new Airbus 330 both times. The legroom was more than enough. I usually purchase extra legroom and this time I'm glad I didn't. The food was good and served hot. Free cans of Cola and orange etc.
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Re: Airbus opens new Factory in the USA
There's a lot of competition on the TransAtlantic routes, so airlines need to put their best effort into drawing in customers. Just so you know, that's not usually what American is like when you fly it domestically. But I'm glad you had a great experience with them.
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Re: Airbus opens new Factory in the USA
Really happy that Mobile, Alabama got that as it's bringing in a lot of jobs to the area.
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Re: Passport Woes
Almost disaster. We once purchased a new Volvo back in 1991 and a trip to the factory in Goteborg Sweden to pick up the car was included. We picked up our new car and crossed via ferry into Denmark without a hitch. But at the German customs and passport control station, I was denied entry including our vehicle. I had shaved off my beard a few months prior, but my passport photo still showed the beard. The German officials kept saying that it wasn't my passport and to produce my real...
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Re: Passport Woes
My son was denied entry to the US shortly after 9-11. "Because the US isn't accepting men traveling alone" He replied "That's not a valid reason" So they stamped "Deported" on his passport. "Is that good enough for you ? "
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee 2) The King's chariots
Thanks, Garry. Yes, there is definitely an interest in Elvis from the younger generation. I'd say that today most of those visiting Graceland were not alive when Elvis died. And what's most amazing to me is how they come from all over the planet. Some of his greatest supporters, as you know, are from the UK (and also Japan for that matter). Elvis always regretted not performing in England, but his manager (he of the 50% cut fame) was an illegal alien without a passport, so he only kept Elvis...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
I did some initial research today on cell phone rentals also, and have come down to 2 options basically, any experience notes with either of these companies would also be appreciated: www.mobal.com ($29 to buy a phone, and then pre-paid card loading) www.cellularabroad.com (straight rental, but calling rates may make it a cheaper option in the end than mobal). thanks!
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
While I haven't been to Morocco for over 2 years, phone service for locals in non-industrialized nations all over the world tends to be cheap phone, available locally, with prepaid sim cards that you reload. It depends a great deal on what services your friend wants and can they, for instance, do without data and use the wifi in their accommodations or will they go to pieces without having it all, all the time. If that's the case, I can't help and will be expensive, all things relative, I...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
One more thought. Think long term. If you're likely to travel again and might need a phone again, buying one will be even more cost effective. And buying one after you arrive will be least expensive. Phone service in the US is notoriously expensive. People in developing countries all have mobile phones because of the lack of infrastructure for land lines. So low-income working people all over the world rely on cell service and it must be cheap. So doing as the locals do when you travel...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
If you take a look at http://prepaidgsm.net, you’ll see the reason for PortMoresby’s recommendation. It’s not the cost of the phone, it’s the cost of every minute, often many times that of a local SIM. For example, the Mobal SIM comes with a rate for Morocco of $1.50 a minute outgoing and $1.50 a minute incoming. Meditel, one of the Moroccan carriers, charges (depending on plan) about 10c a minute up to 40c a minute, and no charge for incoming. Mobal will sell you data at $28.99 for ONE...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
I have a Mobell (same company as Mobal) UK sim that I got years ago, very convenient, phone bills charged to my credit card, rather than having to keep track of the balance and "top up". However, calls are relatively expensive although I don't mind for the convenience and limited use when I'm in the UK. Knowing full well it would cost me, about a £ a minute because I was in Italy, I allowed a British friend who was meeting me in Italy to call me when she arrived using her UK phone and my UK...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
Mobell and Mobal are one and the same, divided only by a trademark issue. Mobell is a British-owned company, and had to use an alternate name for the U.S. to avoid confusion with the then-unified Bell System, aka AT&T.
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Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)
Fascinating look at some American history Rob. I enjoy seeing the similarities in architecture. Many European and American buildings share a common design. It's always interesting to see where the style came from. Each building has a story to tell. Interesting subject Rob.
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Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)
Are the homes all private, or are some of the open for tours? It sure seems a pretty city, and I'd never even heard of Government street before. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
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Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)
Thanks for the nice comments. Wait until you see the public buildings on Government St in Part 2 ,equally as impressive! The houses above are mainly private homes. A few homes on the street have offices in them. Some of the homes might make it on the historical homes tour once a year, but you'd have to check in advance . http://www.historicmobiletour.com/#!homes/c1hpk The Mobile area does have open to the public the Bellingraph Gardens and Home which is highly regarded and another place on...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
New question - the person I'm helping to plan this for is a fairly nervous sort and wants to have as much nailed down in advance as possible. Is there any reason not to grab one of these cheap unlocked phones now and then do the sim card there? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DZS2E76 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009IRGQPO Thanks for the help!
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
I see no reason why not. I don't think you'll find anything for less after arrival and it's always nice to have 1 less thing to do, especially in a new destination.
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Re: Iran: Friendliness, Culture, Modernity - So Far Away From The Clichés!
Hello Dr. Fumblefinger, Thank you for your Feedback! To answer your questions: 1) The infrastructure is good to very good, and it is extremely easy to travel within Iran: there are lots of buses and excellent trains, there is a wide range of hotels, from simple guesthouses to world-class 5 stars hotels, restaurants going from street food stalls to fine dining, ... I have read that with the very fast development of tourism, the high-end category of hotels is the one that might get overbooked...
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Re: Spain, Portugal gain tourists in Greek crisis
I think people are exchanging visiting GREECE now for a lot of other European countries too besides Spain and Portugal. Avoiding uncertainty in travel is very hard to do though when you travel no matter where you go as i've found out with a lost passport and ferry strikes
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Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
I'm glad to hear the process worked so well. But I am surprised, for some reason, that they charged you for it. I wish you'd reported that it was as straightforward as you said and also that it's a service that comes with having paid for your passport already. Oh, well.
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Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
I also wish they didn't charge extra for it since I already paid for a Passport. I expected that part though. I was just glad to get my Passport the first business day.
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Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
I appreciate reading this because I have always wanted to know what to do if I lose my passport. I always carry with me extra passport photos and a photocopies of my passport. Glad to know they could come in handy.
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Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
I like HistoryDigger's idea of carrying extra passport-sized photos...even if you don't lose your passport, you may find them useful if you need them for a transit pass (as in Paris, for the Navigo). We also carry color copies of the ID page of our passports; in case of loss or theft it may help identify you at the consulate.
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Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
i believe that we should make a copy of our passport and bring some photos (passport size) before departure. It will be really useful in the case we lost our passport. This is my travel experience whilst working as travel consultant in Vietnam.
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Re: 4 fairly new travel apps that really work
What a great blog. I will certainly be trying out CityMapper and FLIO on our next trip to Paris in the fall. Thanks for the useful tips.
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Re: Has anyone used their Enhanced Drivers License to travel to Canada or Mexico?
Most of the people I know who have this license are those who don't want to travel internationally and who live near the Canada-US border. There are a number of town literally split by the border and people migrate across daily to visit friends or work. I think these licenses are intended for them. Same for the Mexico USA border. If you travel internationally and have a passport, no point paying extra for the license for most folks. Passports have become more sophisticated and if you read...
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Re: Has anyone used their Enhanced Drivers License to travel to Canada or Mexico?
Thanks Dr Fumblefinger. I have used passport covers before and that's a good reminder for me. Even with the passport covers though, my passports have looked pretty rough after several years. And now in the US, you can't add pages . I thought the EDL's were relatively cheap and if it saves me some wear and tear on the passport and passport pages, I'm willing get one.
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Re: IRS gains power to get passports cancelled
That is too much authority to give this agency, which already has fear-invoking rights of property seizure. I don't see what a revenue collection agency has to do with a citizen's right to have a passport. Maybe the person owing taxes needs to conduct business overseas to pay the Treasury what it says it is owed? How could they do this if they can't travel?
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 3
PH - You are explaining so much about mobile communications. Thank you for putting it in words non-geeks like me can understand. I am learning a lot by reading this series.
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Re: A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home
Thanks for a great nostalgic look at one of my baseball heroes: a great craftsman on the field, and a solid human with not a lot of "front" and a real commitment to team and to others. Some of today's players should visit!
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Re: A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home
I still have a Time magazine somewhere from the week that Hank broke Babe Ruth's record. I collected things this and recall what a big deal it was at the time (justifiably so). A nice look at a piece of classic America. I've never been to Mobile, but I'm intrigued now.
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Re: A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home
DrFumblefinger- Mobile is really worth a visit and I'm sure you'd enjoy it! I'm putting together a few pieces on Government St. in Mobile . I am so impressed by that street alone .Really one of my favorite historic streets anywhere.
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Re: A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home
Very interesting...Next best thing to being there! Merci Rob.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark
The hold up in NY is that passengers - mostly just changing flights - have to enter the US. Then leave the US before getting an onward flight to other parts of the world. In non-US countries you can enter the International Lounge to wait for your next flight with no customs or visas. Just onward boarding card and passport. Quick and easy.