Uniform Rules for Collections No. 522 1995 Revision in force as of January 1, 1996
Leaflet Version, ICC No.522.
The ICC Uniform rules for collections were first published by the ICC in 1956. Revised versions were issued in 1967 and 1978. This present revision was adopted by the Council of the ICC in June 1995. It is issued with the title “ICC Uniform Rules for Collections” as ICC Publication No 522. This English language gives the official text of the 1995 Revision.
A GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 1
Application of URC 522
a.The Uniform Rules for Collections, 1995 Revision, ICC Publication No 522, shall apply to all collections as defined in ARTICLE 2 where such rules are incorporated into the text of the ‘collection instruction' referred to in ARTICLE 4 and are binding on all parties thereto unless otherwise expressly agreed or contrary to the provisions of a national, state or local law and/or regulation which cannot be departed from.
b.Banks shall have no obligation to handle either a collection or any collection instruction or subsequent related instructions.
c.If a bank elects, for any reason, not to handle a collection or any related instructions received by it, it must advise the party from whom it received the collection or the instructions by telecommunication or, if that is not possible, by other expeditious means, without delay.
ARTICLE 2
Definition of Collection
For the purposes of these ARTICLEs :
a.‘Collection' means the handling by banks of documents as defined in Sub-ARTICLE 2 b.in accordance with instructions received , in order to :
1. obtain payment and/or acceptance or
2. deliver documents against payment and/or against acceptance. or
3. deliver documents on other terms and conditions.
b.‘Documents' means financial documents and/or commercial documents:
1. ‘Financial documents‘ means bills of exchange, promissory notes, cheques, or other similar instruments used for obtaining the payment of money.
2. ‘Commercial documents’ means invoices, transport documents, documents of title or other similar documents, or any other documents whatsoever, not being financial documents.
c.'Clean Collection‘ means collection of financial documents not accompanied by commercial documents
d.'Documentary collection‘ means collection of :
1. Financial documents accompanied by commercial documents.
2. Commercial documents not accompanied by financial documents.
ARTICLE 3
Parties to a Collection
a For the purposes of these ARTICLEs the ‘parties thereto‘ are :
1.the ‘principal’ who is the party entrusting the handling of a collection to a bank;
2.the ‘remitting bank’ which is the bank to which the principal has entrusted the handling of a collection;
3.the ‘collecting bank’ which is any bank, other than the remitting bank, involved in processing the collection;
4.the ‘presenting bank’ which is the collecting bank making presentation to the drawee.
b The ‘drawee’ is the one to whom presentation is to be made in accordance with the collection instruction.
B FORM AND STRUCTURE OF COLLECTIONS
ARTICLE 4
Collection Instruction
a 1. All documents sent for collection must be accompanied by a collection instruction indicating that the collection is subject to URC 522 and giving complete and precise instructions. Banks are only permitted to act upon the instructions given in such collection instruction, and in accordance with these Rules.
2. Banks will not examine documents in order to obtain instructions.
3. Unless otherwise authorised in the collection instruction, banks will disregard any instructions from any party/bank other than the party/bank from whom they received the collection.
b A collection instruction should contain the following items of information as appropriate.
1. Details of the bank from which the collection was received including full name, postal and SWIFT addresses, telex, facsimile numbers and reference.
2. Details of the principal including full name, postal address, and if applicable telex, telephone and facsimile numbers.
3. Details of the drawee including full name, postal address, or the domicile at which presentation is to be made and if applicable telex, telephone and facsimile numbers.
4. Details of the presenting bank, if any, including full name, postal address, and if applicable telex, telephone and facsimile numbers.
5. Amount(s) and currency(ies) to be collected
6. List of documents enclosed and the numerical count of each document.
7. a Terms and conditions upon which payment and or acceptance is to be obtained.
b Terms of delivery of documents against :
1) payment and/or acceptance
2) others terms and conditions
It is the responsibility of the party preparing the collection instruction to ensure that the terms for the delivery of documents are clearly and unambiguously stated, otherwise banks will not be responsible for any consequences arising there from.
8. Charges to be collected, indicating whether they may be waived or not.
9. Interest to be collected, if applicable, indicating whether it may be waived or not, including:
a. rate of interest
b. interest period
c. basis of calculation (for example 360 or 365 days in a year) as applicable
10. Method of payment and form of payment advice.
11. Instructions in case of non-payment, non-acceptance and/or non-compliance with other instructions.
c 1. Collection instructions should bear the complete address of the drawee or of the domicile at which the presentation is to be made. If the address is incomplete or incorrect, the collecting bank may, without any liability and responsibility on its part, endeavour to as certain the proper address.
2. The collecting bank will not be liable or responsible for any ensuing delay as a result of an incomplete/incorrect address being provided.
C FORM OF PRESENTATION
ARTICLE 5
Presentation
a For the purposes of these Articles, presentation is the procedure whereby the presenting bank makes the documents available to the drawee as instructed.
b The collection instruction should state the exact period of time within which any action is to be taken by the drawee.
Expressions such as ‘first’, ‘prompt’, ‘immediate’, and the like should not be used in connection with presentation or with reference to any period of time within which documents have to be taken up or for any other action that is to be taken by the drawee. If such terms are used banks will disregard them.
c Documents are to be presented to the drawee in the form in which they are received, except that banks are authorized to affix any necessary stamps, at the expense of the party from whom they received the collection unless otherwise instructed, and to make any necessary endorsements or place any rubber stamps or other identifying marks or symbols customary to or required for the collection operation.
d For the purpose of giving effect to the instructions of the principal, the remitting bank will utilise the bank nominated by the principal as the collecting bank. In the absence of such nomination, the remitting bank will utilize any bank of its own, or another bank’s choice in the country of payment or acceptance or in the country where other terms and conditions have to be complied with.
e The documents and collection instruction may be sent directly by the remitting bank to the collecting bank or through another bank as intermediary.
f If the remitting bank does not nominate a specific presenting bank, the collecting bank may utilise a presenting of its choice.
ARTICLE 6
Sight/Acceptance
In the case of documents payable at sight the presenting bank must make presentation for payment without delay. In the case of documents payable at a tenor other than sight the presenting bank must, where acceptance is called for, make presentation for acceptance without delay, and where payment is called for, make presentation for payment not later than the appropriate maturity date.
ARTICLE 7
Release of Commercial Documents
Documents Against Acceptance (D/A) vs. Documents Against Payment (D/P)
a Collections should not contain bills of exchange payable at a future date with instructions that commercial documents are to be delivered against payment.
b If a collection contains a bill of exchange payable at a future date, the collection instruction should state whether the commercial documents are to be released to the drawee against acceptance (D/A) or against payment (D/P)
In the absence of such statement commercial documents will be released only against payment and the collecting bank will not be responsible for any consequences arising out of any delay in the delivery of documents.
c If a collection contains a bill of exchange payable at a future date and the collection instruction indicates that commercial documents are to be released against payment, documents will be released only against such payment and the collecting bank will not be responsible for any consequences arising out of any delay in the delivery of documents.
ARTICLE 8
Creation of Documents
Where the remitting bank instructs either the collecting bank or the drawee is to create documents (bills of exchange, promissory notes, trust receipts, letters of undertaking or other documents) that were not included in the collection, the form and wording of such documents shall be provided by the remitting bank, otherwise the collecting bank shall be not be liable or responsible for the form and wording of any such documents provided by the collecting bank and/or the drawee.
D LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ARTICLE 9
Good faith and Reasonable care
Banks will act in good faith and exercise reasonable care
ARTICLE 10
Documents vs. Goods/Services/Performances
a Goods should be despatched directly to the address of a bank or consigned to or to the order of a bank without prior agreement on the part of that bank.
Nevertheless, in the event that goods are despatched directly to the address of a bank or consigned to or to the order of a bank for release to a drawee against payment or acceptance or upon other terms and conditions without prior agreement on the part of that bank, such bank shall have no obligation to take delivery of the goods, which remain at the risk and responsibility of the party despatching the goods.
b Banks have no obligation to take any action in respect of the goods to which a documentary collection relates, including storage and insurance of the goods even when specific instructions are given to do so. Banks will only take such action if, when, and to the extent that they agree to do so in each case. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sub-ARTICLE 1 c this rule applies even in the absence of any specific advice to this effect by the collecting bank.
c Nevertheless, in the case that banks take action for the protection of the goods, whether instructed or not, they assume no liability or responsibility with regard to the fate and/or conditions of the goods and/or for any acts and/or omissions on the part of any third parties entrusted with the custody and/or protection of the goods. However, the collecting bank must advise without delay the bank from which the collection instruction was received of any such action taken.
d Any charges and/or expenses incurred by banks in connection with any action taken to protect the goods will be for the account of the party from whom they received the collection.
e 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sub-ARTICLE 10 a. where the goods are consigned to or to the order of the collecting bank and the drawee has honoured the collection by payment, acceptance or other terms and conditions and the collecting bank arranges for the release of the goods, remitting bank shall be deemed to have authorised the collecting bank to do so.
2. Where a collecting bank on the instructions of the remitting bank or in terms of Sub-ARTICLE 10 e (1.) above arranges for the release of the goods, the remitting bank shall indemnify such collecting bank for all damages and expenses incurred.
ARTICLE 11
Disclaimer For Acts of an Instructed Party
a Banks utilising the services of another bank or other banks for the purpose of giving effect to the instructions of the principal, do so for the account and at the risk of such principal.
b Banks assume no liability or responsibility should the instructions they transmit not be carried out, even if they have themselves taken the initiative in the choice of such other bank(s).
c A party instructing another party to perform services shall be bound by and liable to indemnify the instructed party against all obligations and responsibilities imposed by foreign laws and usages.
ARTICLE 12
Disclaimer on Documents Received
a Banks must determine that the documents received appear to be as listed in the collection instruction and must advise by telecommunication or, if that is not possible, by other expeditious means, without delay, the party from whom the collection instruction was received of any documents missing, or found to be other than listed.
Banks have no further obligation in this respect.
b If the documents do not appear to be listed, the remitting bank shall be precluded from disputing the type and number of documents received by the collecting bank.
c Subject to Sub-ARTICLE 5 c and Sub-ARTICLEs 12 a and 12 b above, banks will present documents as received without further examination.
ARTICLE 13
Disclaimer on Effectiveness of Documents
Banks assume no liability or responsibility for the form, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness, falsification or legal effect of any documents(s), or for the general and/or particular conditions stipulated in the document(s) or superimposed thereon; nor do they assume any liability or responsibility for the description quantity; weight , quality, conditions, packing, delivery, value or existence of the goods represented by any document(s), or for the good faith or acts and/or omissions, solvency, performance or standing of the consignors, the carriers, the forwarders, the consignees or the insurers of the goods, or any other person whomsoever.
ARTICLE 14
Disclaimer on Delays, Loss in Transit and Translation
a Banks assume no liability or responsibility for the consequences arising out of delay and/or loss in transit of any message(s), letter(s) or document(s), or for delay, mutilation or other error(s) arising in transmission of any telecommunication or for error(s) in translation and or interpretation of technical terms.
b Banks will not be aliable or responsible for any delays resulting from the need to obtain clarification of any instructions received.
ARTICLE 15
Force Majeure
Banks assume no liability or responsibility for consequences arising out of the interruption of their business by Acts of God, riots, civil commotions, insurrections, wars, or any other causes beyond their control or by strikes or lockouts.
E PAYMENT
ARTICLE 16
Payment Without Delay
a Amounts collected (less charges and/or disbursements and/or expenses where applicable) must be made available without delay to the party from whom the collection instruction was received in accordance with the terms and conditions of the collection instruction.
b Notwithstanding the provisions of Sub-ARTICLEs 1 c and unless otherwise agreed, the collecting bank will effect payment of the amount collected in favour of the remitting bank only.
ARTICLE 17
Payment in Local Currency
In the case of documents payable in the currency of the country of payment (local currency), the presenting bank must, unless otherwise instructed in the collection instruction release the documents to the drawee against payment in local currency only if such currency is immediately available for disposal in the manner specified in the collection instruction.
ARTICLE 18
Payment in Foreign Currency
In the case of documents payable in the currency other than that of the country of payment (foreign currency), the presenting bank must, unless otherwise instructed in the collection instruction, release the documents to the drawee against payment in the designated foreign currency only if such foreign currency can immediately be remitted in accordance with the instructions given in the collection instruction.
ARTICLE 19
Partial Payments
a In respect of clear collections, partial payments may be accepted if and to the extent to which and on the conditions on which partial payments are authorized by the law in force in the place of payment. The financial document(s) will be released to the drawee only when full payment thereof has been received.
b In respect of documentary collections, partial payments will only be accepted if specifically authorised in the collection instruction. However, unless otherwise instructed, the presenting bank will not be responsible for any consequences arising out of any delay in the delivery of the documents.
c In all cases partial payments will be accepted only subject to compliance with the provisions of either ARTICLE 17 or ARTICLE 18 as appropriate.
Partial payment, if accepted, will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of ARTICLE 16.
F INTEREST CHARGES AND EXPENSES
ARTICLE 20
Interest
a If the collection instruction specifies that interest is to be collected and the drawee refuses to pay such interest, the presenting bank may deliver the document(s) against payment or acceptance or on other terms and conditions as the case may be, without collecting such interest, unless Sub-ARTICLE 20 c applies.
b Where such interest is to be collected, the collection instruction must specify the rate of interest, interest period and basis of calculation.
c Where the collection instruction expressly states that interest may not be waived and the drawee refuses to pay such interest the presenting bank will not deliver documents and will not be responsible for any consequences arising out of any delay in the delivery of document(s). When payment of interest has been refused, the presenting bank must inform by telecommunication or, if that is not possible, by other expeditious means without delay the bank from which the collection instruction was received.
ARTICLE 21
Charges and Expenses
a If the collection instruction specifies that collection charges and/or expenses are to be for account of the drawee and the drawee refuses to pay them, the presenting bank may deliver the document(s) against payment or acceptance or on other terms and conditions as the case may be, without collecting charges and/or expenses, unless Sub-ARTICLE 21 b applies.
Whenever collection charges and/or expense are so waived they will be for the account of the party from whom the collection was received and may be deducted from the proceeds.
b Where the collection instruction expressly states that charges and/or expenses may not be waived and the drawee refuses to pay such charges and/or expenses, the presenting bank will not deliver documents and will not be responsible for any consequences arising out of any delay in the delivery of the document(s). When payment of collection charges and/or expenses has been refused the presenting bank must inform by telecommunication or, if that is not possible, by other expeditious means without delay the bank from whom the collection instruction was received.
c In all cases where in the express terms of a collection instruction or under these Rules, disbursement and/or expenses and/or collection charges are to be borne by the principal, the collecting bank(s) shall be entitled to recover promptly outlays in respect of disbursements, expenses and charges from the bank from which the collection instruction was received, and the remitting bank shall be entitled to recover promptly from the principal any amount so paid out by it, together with its own disbursements, expenses and charges, regardless of the fate of the collection.
d Banks reserve the right to demand payment of charges and/or expenses in advance from the party from whom the collection instruction was received, to cover costs in attempting to carry out any instructions, and pending receipt of such payment, also reserve the right not to carry out such instructions.
G OTHER PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 22
Acceptance
The presenting bank is responsible for seeing that the form of the acceptance of a bill of exchange appears to be complete and correct, but is not responsible for the genuineness of any signature or for the authority of any signatory to sign the acceptance.
ARTICLE 23
Promissory Notes and Other Instruments
The presenting bank is not responsible for the genuineness of any signature or for the authority of any signatory to sign a promissory notes, receipt, or other instruments.
ARTICLE 24
Protest
The collection instruction should give specific instructions regarding protest (or other legal process in lieu thereof), in the event of non-payment or non- acceptance.
In the absence of such specific instructions, the banks concerned with the collection have no obligation to have the document(s) protested (or subject to other legal process in lieu thereof) for non-payment or non- acceptance.
Any charges and/or expenses incurred by banks in connection with such protest, or other legal process, will be for the account of the party from whom the collection instruction was received.
ARTICLE 25
Case-of-Need
If the principal nominates a representative to act as case-of-need in the event of non-payment and/or non-acceptance the collection instruction should clearly and fully indicate the powers of such case-of-need. In the absence of such indication banks will not accept any instructions from the case-of-need.
ARTICLE 26
Advises
Collecting banks are to advise fate in accordance with the following rules:
a Form of Advice
All advises or information from the collecting bank to the bank from which the collection instruction was received, must bear appropriate details including, in all cases, the latter bank’s reference as stated in the collection instruction.
b Method of Advice
It shall be the responsibility of the remitting bank to instruct the collecting bank regarding the method by which the advises detailed in c (1.), c (2.) and c (3.) are to be given. In the absence of such instructions, the collecting bank will send the relative advises by the method of its choice at the expense of the bank from which the collection instruction was received.
c 1. Advice of Payment
The collecting bank must send without delay advice of payment to the bank from which the collection instruction was received, detailing the amount or amounts collected, charges and/or disbursements and/or expenses deducted, where appropriate, and method of disposal of the funds.
2. Advice of Acceptance
The collecting bank must send without delay advice of acceptance to the bank from which the collection instruction was received.
3. Advice of Non-payment and/or Non-Acceptance
The presenting bank should endeavour to ascertain the reasons for non-payment and/or non-acceptance and advise accordingly, without delay, the bank from which it received the collection instruction.
The presenting bank must send without delay advice of non-payment and/or advice of non- acceptance to the bank from which it received the collection instruction.
On receipt of such advice the remitting bank must give appropriate instruction as to the further handling of the documents. If such instructions are not received by the presenting bank within 60 days after its advice of non-payment and/or non-acceptance, the documents may be returned to the bank from which the collection instruction was received without any further responsibility on the part of the presenting bank.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Uniform Rules for Collections No. 522
URC 522
Uniform Rules for Collections No. 522
1995 Revision in force as of January 1, 1996
The ICC Uniform Rules for Collections are a practical set of Rules to aid bankers, buyers, and sellers in the collections process. The Rules have been prepared to resolve problems that practitioners have experienced in their everyday operations since 1979.
URC 522 underlines the need for the principal and/or the remitting bank to attach a separate document, the collection instruction, to every collection subject to the Rules - makes it very clear that banks will not examine documents, particularly not to look for instructions - addresses problems banks experience in respect of documents against acceptance (D/A) and documents against payment (D/P) - clearly indicates that banks have no obligation to store and insure goods when instructed.
Table of Contents
A. General Provisions and Definitions
B. Form and Structure of Collections
C. Form of Presentation
D. Liabilities and Responsibilties
E. Payment
F. Interest, Charges and Expenses
G. Other Provisions
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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Miss Universe Vietnam competitors at beach
VietNamNet Bridge – The twenty candidates entering the final round of Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 pageant show-off their bodies in the swimsuit competition at the beach at Vinpearl Land tourist site in Nha Trang city on May 25. VietNamNet captured the show.
Source: http://english.vietnamnet.vn
Source: http://english.vietnamnet.vn
Monday, May 26, 2008
Tips on Traveling to Developing Countries
First Time in Africa?
If your first trip to Africa is also your first time visiting a developing country, you may be in for a cultural shock. Give yourself time to get used to being in a different environment. Don't compare things with "home" and just keep an open mind. If you are afraid or suspicious of local people's motives, you can needlessly ruin your vacation. Read the tips below, file them away and enjoy your visit to Africa.
Begging
The poverty in much of Africa is usually what strikes first-time visitors the most. You will see beggars and you may not know how to respond. You will realize you can't give to every beggar, but giving to none will most likely make you feel guilty. It's a good idea to keep small change with you and give to those who you feel need it the most. If you don't have small change, a kind smile and a sorry are perfectly acceptable.
If you can't handle the guilt, make a donation at a hospital or to a development agency that will spend your money wisely.
Children begging on their own will often have to give up the money to a parent, guardian or gang leader. If you want to give something to begging children, give them food instead of money, that way they'll benefit directly.
Unwanted Attention
You'll have to get used to people staring at you when you visit many African countries, even in areas where there are lots of tourists. The stares are harmless and just curiosity for the most part. Given the lack of entertainment available, checking out a tourist is just fun. You'll get used to it after a while. Some people like to wear sunglasses and feel more comfortable that way. Some people enjoy this new rock star status and miss it when they're back home.
For women, being stared at by groups of men is naturally somewhat threatening. But this is what you can expect when you travel to some African countries, especially in Northern Africa (Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia). Try not to let it bother you. You have to just learn to ignore it and not get annoyed by it. Read my article about "Tips for Women Traveling in Africa" for more advice.
Scams and Conmen (Touts)
Being a visitor, and often much wealthier than most people you see around you, means you also naturally become the target of scams, and touts (people trying to sell you a good or service that you don't want, in a deceitful way). Remember that "touts" are poor people trying to earn their living, they would much rather be official guides but often aren't in a position to pay for that kind of education. A firm "no thanks" is the best way to deal with persistent touts.
Common Scams and how to deal with them:
Assume nothing is Free
While hospitable and friendly folk are everywhere in Africa, be careful when you're in a touristy area and you're offered something for "free". It is rarely free. A "free" camel ride will quickly become an expensive one, when you wish to return to where you came from. A "free" guided tour around a tourist site will most likely lead to an uncle's jewelry shop or a demand for money at the end of the tour. A "free" cup of tea might include looking at a lot of carpets.
If you hear the word "free", the price you pay is often not in your control.
Hotels don't suddenly disappear, fill up or move to a bad location
This tip is especially useful for the independent travelers. When you arrive at an African airport, bus station, train station or ferry port you will be greeted by many people, inquiring rather loudly, where you want to go to. Many of these folks will earn a commission for taking you to a hotel of their choosing. This doesn't mean that the hotel will necessarily be bad, it just means you may end up in an area you don't want to be in; the price of your room will be higher to cover the commission; or the hotel could indeed be quite nasty.
Hotel touts may ask you what hotel you have booked and then tell you emphatically that that hotel is full, has moved or is in a bad area.
Make a reservation with a hotel before you arrive, especially if you're arriving in the evening and/or in a major tourist town. Your guide book will have phone numbers of all hotels they list, or you can research online before you go. Take a taxi and insist they take you to the hotel of your choosing. If your taxi driver pretends not to know the location of your hotel, take another taxi.
It's better to pay a little more for your first night in a town, than to end up somewhere you don't want to be.
Exchanging money on the street
When you arrive in an African country, you may meet people who will try to encourage you to exchange money, and will offer a better rate than that which the bank may give you. Don't be tempted to change your money this way. It's illegal and it's also not a great idea to show someone all your foreign currency. There are very few countries in Africa now where the black market rate for foreign currency is vastly different from the official exchange rate. (Zimbabwe is one of the exceptions to this rule).
Exchanging your money on the street is not worth the hassle or the risk of getting robbed or cheated.
Health and Safety
Health and safety are obviously big concerns when people travel to Africa. Here's a list of topics that should help you stay well and enjoy your vacation.
Dangers of traveling to Africa -- offers basic safety tips on avoiding theft and violent crime (which is rare outside some of the big capital cities).
Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa -- Travel warnings are regularly issued by the State Department in the US, for countries which are considered too dangerous for American citizens to travel to. The warnings often come as a response to civil war, terrorist attacks or outbreaks of life-threatening diseases like Ebola. Most locations are not exactly tourist destinations, but Kenya always manages to stay on this list.
Vaccinations you need when you travel to Africa
Packing a first aid/medical kit for travel to Africa
Avoiding malaria when traveling to Africa
List of African Embassies in the US (which you need to check with for current visa regulations).
Source: about.com
If your first trip to Africa is also your first time visiting a developing country, you may be in for a cultural shock. Give yourself time to get used to being in a different environment. Don't compare things with "home" and just keep an open mind. If you are afraid or suspicious of local people's motives, you can needlessly ruin your vacation. Read the tips below, file them away and enjoy your visit to Africa.
Begging
The poverty in much of Africa is usually what strikes first-time visitors the most. You will see beggars and you may not know how to respond. You will realize you can't give to every beggar, but giving to none will most likely make you feel guilty. It's a good idea to keep small change with you and give to those who you feel need it the most. If you don't have small change, a kind smile and a sorry are perfectly acceptable.
If you can't handle the guilt, make a donation at a hospital or to a development agency that will spend your money wisely.
Children begging on their own will often have to give up the money to a parent, guardian or gang leader. If you want to give something to begging children, give them food instead of money, that way they'll benefit directly.
Unwanted Attention
You'll have to get used to people staring at you when you visit many African countries, even in areas where there are lots of tourists. The stares are harmless and just curiosity for the most part. Given the lack of entertainment available, checking out a tourist is just fun. You'll get used to it after a while. Some people like to wear sunglasses and feel more comfortable that way. Some people enjoy this new rock star status and miss it when they're back home.
For women, being stared at by groups of men is naturally somewhat threatening. But this is what you can expect when you travel to some African countries, especially in Northern Africa (Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia). Try not to let it bother you. You have to just learn to ignore it and not get annoyed by it. Read my article about "Tips for Women Traveling in Africa" for more advice.
Scams and Conmen (Touts)
Being a visitor, and often much wealthier than most people you see around you, means you also naturally become the target of scams, and touts (people trying to sell you a good or service that you don't want, in a deceitful way). Remember that "touts" are poor people trying to earn their living, they would much rather be official guides but often aren't in a position to pay for that kind of education. A firm "no thanks" is the best way to deal with persistent touts.
Common Scams and how to deal with them:
Assume nothing is Free
While hospitable and friendly folk are everywhere in Africa, be careful when you're in a touristy area and you're offered something for "free". It is rarely free. A "free" camel ride will quickly become an expensive one, when you wish to return to where you came from. A "free" guided tour around a tourist site will most likely lead to an uncle's jewelry shop or a demand for money at the end of the tour. A "free" cup of tea might include looking at a lot of carpets.
If you hear the word "free", the price you pay is often not in your control.
Hotels don't suddenly disappear, fill up or move to a bad location
This tip is especially useful for the independent travelers. When you arrive at an African airport, bus station, train station or ferry port you will be greeted by many people, inquiring rather loudly, where you want to go to. Many of these folks will earn a commission for taking you to a hotel of their choosing. This doesn't mean that the hotel will necessarily be bad, it just means you may end up in an area you don't want to be in; the price of your room will be higher to cover the commission; or the hotel could indeed be quite nasty.
Hotel touts may ask you what hotel you have booked and then tell you emphatically that that hotel is full, has moved or is in a bad area.
Make a reservation with a hotel before you arrive, especially if you're arriving in the evening and/or in a major tourist town. Your guide book will have phone numbers of all hotels they list, or you can research online before you go. Take a taxi and insist they take you to the hotel of your choosing. If your taxi driver pretends not to know the location of your hotel, take another taxi.
It's better to pay a little more for your first night in a town, than to end up somewhere you don't want to be.
Exchanging money on the street
When you arrive in an African country, you may meet people who will try to encourage you to exchange money, and will offer a better rate than that which the bank may give you. Don't be tempted to change your money this way. It's illegal and it's also not a great idea to show someone all your foreign currency. There are very few countries in Africa now where the black market rate for foreign currency is vastly different from the official exchange rate. (Zimbabwe is one of the exceptions to this rule).
Exchanging your money on the street is not worth the hassle or the risk of getting robbed or cheated.
Health and Safety
Health and safety are obviously big concerns when people travel to Africa. Here's a list of topics that should help you stay well and enjoy your vacation.
Dangers of traveling to Africa -- offers basic safety tips on avoiding theft and violent crime (which is rare outside some of the big capital cities).
Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa -- Travel warnings are regularly issued by the State Department in the US, for countries which are considered too dangerous for American citizens to travel to. The warnings often come as a response to civil war, terrorist attacks or outbreaks of life-threatening diseases like Ebola. Most locations are not exactly tourist destinations, but Kenya always manages to stay on this list.
Vaccinations you need when you travel to Africa
Packing a first aid/medical kit for travel to Africa
Avoiding malaria when traveling to Africa
List of African Embassies in the US (which you need to check with for current visa regulations).
Source: about.com
New York's best business hotels
Douglas Rogers picks out his top three hotels for those on business in the Big Apple.
The Ritz-Carlton sits in front of Times Square, with Central Park as its backyard
The location
With Central Park as your front-yard, Time Warner Center a few blocks west, and Times Square just behind you, this is the ideal balance between the classy elegance of Uptown and the busy corporate world of Midtown. You're also in easy walking distance of MoMA and flagship Fifth Avenue stores such as Tiffany and Bergdorf Goodman.
The business draw
No stone is left unturned to make visiting executives feel at home. Every public space has Wi-Fi access and four modern meeting rooms have videoconferencing and audio visual networking facilities. Foreign guests will appreciate the multi-lingual concierges, and who doesn't enjoy a chauffeur-driven Bentley ride to their meeting in Midtown?
The business drawback
The hotel's refined, Old World atmosphere - antique crystal chandeliers, wood-paneled walls - lacks the chic modern polish of most contemporary business hotels. Bankers and brokers may also find the distance to Wall Street, more than 60 blocks south, a hassle.
The facilities
Guests can rejuvenate in the small La Prairie Spa (one of only two outside Switzerland); enlist a personal trainer at the Fitness Center, and call up a Technology Butler if they have problems with their laptops or the multi-line cordless phones in their rooms.
Other guests
A sophisticated, older crowd attracted as much by the Ritz brand as the location. Travellers with kids are drawn to the proximity of the park.
The rooms
The 260 rooms, including 49 suites, vary from the cosy 425sq ft Deluxe Park View Rooms which come with a tabletop telescope, king-size bed and marble bath, to the lavish 1,150sq ft Ritz-Carlton Suite which has its own dining room. Expect 400-thread count linens on all the beds, Frédéric Fekkai bath amenities and mod-cons such as 27-inch Sony flat-screen TVs and DVDs.
The food
Under renovation and set to open in late 2007 is flagship restaurant BLT Market, helmed by chef Laurent Tourondel. In the meantime the lobby Star Bar has a superb modern American menu in the evenings and elegant high-tea with harp and piano music in the afternoon. The second-floor Club Lounge for suite residents serves complimentary sushi.
The service
Desk staff pre-call to inquire about transportation to the hotel, and also pre-register frequent guests meaning they can go directly to their favorite room on arrival. Baggage staff offer a complimentary packing and unpacking service.
The bottom line
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park South, 50 Central Park South New York, NY (00 1 212 521 6058)
www.ritzcarlton.com
Doubles from US$595 (£294); Suites from US$995 (£492)
The Four Seasons
The imperious columned lobby at the Four Seasons is a hot post-work drink scene for Manhattan's moguls
The location
The I.M. Pei-designed 52-story hotel towers over Midtown's premier shopping and business district between Park Avenue and Madison. You're only three blocks from Central Park but the hotel is a star attraction in its own right.
The business draw
A slate of design restaurants and bars in its imperious columned lobby have become the hottest power breakfast and post-work drink scene for Manhattan's moguls. They conduct negotiations in the high-ceiling, glass-wall space of modern-American restaurant 57, and seal deals in celebrity chef Joël Robuchon's intimate French-Asian inspired restaurant L'Atelier, with its sweeping open-plan kitchen and red-black banquettes.
The business drawback
Will the presence of so many powerful people detract you from the job at hand?
Facilities
There are no less than eleven private boardrooms and conference spaces in the hotel, from the two 10-person Executive Meeting Suites on the fifth floor (one with a gorgeous city-view terrace), to the sprawling 190-person Cosmopolitan Suite above the Lobby, with its 12-foot high ceilings, backlit onyx panels and light beech-wood walls.
Other guests
Amex-carrying Armani-clad tycoons and a large smattering of movie stars and supermodels, along with those who like to be seen with them.
The rooms
Of the 368 rooms and suites try to get one of the 20 that come with fully-furnished terraces with Central Park views - perfect to intimidate business rivals you bring round. Crisp, earth brown interiors all have light wood walls, black leather armchairs, plasma screen TVs, and marble bathrooms with deep-soak tubs that fill up in 60 seconds.
The food
Sublime fusion dishes such as roast Japanese hanger steak or quail stuffed with foie gras at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon have set new standards in French-Asian cuisine, although make sure your expense account can cover it. Start the day with a Bloody Mary and "from the farm" eggs Benedict among the power breakfasters at 57.
The service
From doormen who always seem to know your name, to multi-lingual concierges who'll get you last-minute tickets to Jazz at Lincoln Center, it's among the best in the city. A complimentary Rolls-Royce is also on call to whisk you to meetings.
The bottom line
Four Seasons Hotel New York, 57 East 57th Street, New York, NY, 10022 (00 1 212 758 5700).
www.fourseasons.com
Doubles from US$595 (£294); Suites from US$1,950 (£964)
The Gansevoort
Models-in-waiting waitresses eagerly recommend their favorite cocktails at the Gansevoort's G Spa bar
The location
On a cobbled street in the uber-trendy Meatpacking District just north of the West Village, this sleek, glassy 14-story hotel overlooking the Hudson River caters to the cutting edge of the fashion, advertising and new media worlds.
The business draw
Perfect for the younger executive here for serious business but who might like to conduct it from a W-Fi accessible roof-top swimming pool next to a sunbathing model.
The business drawback
Although the rooms are sound-proofed, the scene on Hudson Street below gets loud and crowded at night with hooting stretch limos and raucous designer-clad revellers entering and leaving local restaurants and clubs such as Pastis, Spice Market and SoHo House.
Facilities
You get Wi-Fi access in every part of the hotel, including roof-deck cocktail bar Plunge, with its 45ft-long swimming pool. Multi-level indoor-outdoor Japanese restaurant-bar Ono attracts the scene crowd at street level, while the ultra-chic Gansevoort Spa & Lounge is a spa by day and bar by night. For corporate functions there's the panoramic Loft space on the roof-top, and two boardrooms below for executive meetings.
Other guests
Young, rich, fashionable professionals as well as various bratty celebrities.
The rooms
Done in muted grey and brown tones the 187 rooms are immaculately modern, with huge light-filled windows, mirrored walls, stainless steel basins and a single orchid in a vase on display. Amenities include 400-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, mod-cons such as cordless phones and plasma TVs, and soundproof windows to keep out the street noise.
The food
Japanese Robatayaki barbecue and succulent fresh sushi is on offer at Ono, while more traditional modern American meals and bar food is on the menu at Plunge.
The service
Surprisingly good given this is the ultimate style hotel. Friendly concierges and doormen are eager to give you tips on neighborhood bars and restaurants, and models-in-waiting waitresses eagerly recommend their favorite cocktails at the G Spa.
Bottom line
Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Ave, New York, NY (00 1 212 206 6700).
www.hotelgansevoort.com
Doubles from US$455 (£225); Suites from US$725 (£358)
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk
The Ritz-Carlton sits in front of Times Square, with Central Park as its backyard
The location
With Central Park as your front-yard, Time Warner Center a few blocks west, and Times Square just behind you, this is the ideal balance between the classy elegance of Uptown and the busy corporate world of Midtown. You're also in easy walking distance of MoMA and flagship Fifth Avenue stores such as Tiffany and Bergdorf Goodman.
The business draw
No stone is left unturned to make visiting executives feel at home. Every public space has Wi-Fi access and four modern meeting rooms have videoconferencing and audio visual networking facilities. Foreign guests will appreciate the multi-lingual concierges, and who doesn't enjoy a chauffeur-driven Bentley ride to their meeting in Midtown?
The business drawback
The hotel's refined, Old World atmosphere - antique crystal chandeliers, wood-paneled walls - lacks the chic modern polish of most contemporary business hotels. Bankers and brokers may also find the distance to Wall Street, more than 60 blocks south, a hassle.
The facilities
Guests can rejuvenate in the small La Prairie Spa (one of only two outside Switzerland); enlist a personal trainer at the Fitness Center, and call up a Technology Butler if they have problems with their laptops or the multi-line cordless phones in their rooms.
Other guests
A sophisticated, older crowd attracted as much by the Ritz brand as the location. Travellers with kids are drawn to the proximity of the park.
The rooms
The 260 rooms, including 49 suites, vary from the cosy 425sq ft Deluxe Park View Rooms which come with a tabletop telescope, king-size bed and marble bath, to the lavish 1,150sq ft Ritz-Carlton Suite which has its own dining room. Expect 400-thread count linens on all the beds, Frédéric Fekkai bath amenities and mod-cons such as 27-inch Sony flat-screen TVs and DVDs.
The food
Under renovation and set to open in late 2007 is flagship restaurant BLT Market, helmed by chef Laurent Tourondel. In the meantime the lobby Star Bar has a superb modern American menu in the evenings and elegant high-tea with harp and piano music in the afternoon. The second-floor Club Lounge for suite residents serves complimentary sushi.
The service
Desk staff pre-call to inquire about transportation to the hotel, and also pre-register frequent guests meaning they can go directly to their favorite room on arrival. Baggage staff offer a complimentary packing and unpacking service.
The bottom line
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park South, 50 Central Park South New York, NY (00 1 212 521 6058)
www.ritzcarlton.com
Doubles from US$595 (£294); Suites from US$995 (£492)
The Four Seasons
The imperious columned lobby at the Four Seasons is a hot post-work drink scene for Manhattan's moguls
The location
The I.M. Pei-designed 52-story hotel towers over Midtown's premier shopping and business district between Park Avenue and Madison. You're only three blocks from Central Park but the hotel is a star attraction in its own right.
The business draw
A slate of design restaurants and bars in its imperious columned lobby have become the hottest power breakfast and post-work drink scene for Manhattan's moguls. They conduct negotiations in the high-ceiling, glass-wall space of modern-American restaurant 57, and seal deals in celebrity chef Joël Robuchon's intimate French-Asian inspired restaurant L'Atelier, with its sweeping open-plan kitchen and red-black banquettes.
The business drawback
Will the presence of so many powerful people detract you from the job at hand?
Facilities
There are no less than eleven private boardrooms and conference spaces in the hotel, from the two 10-person Executive Meeting Suites on the fifth floor (one with a gorgeous city-view terrace), to the sprawling 190-person Cosmopolitan Suite above the Lobby, with its 12-foot high ceilings, backlit onyx panels and light beech-wood walls.
Other guests
Amex-carrying Armani-clad tycoons and a large smattering of movie stars and supermodels, along with those who like to be seen with them.
The rooms
Of the 368 rooms and suites try to get one of the 20 that come with fully-furnished terraces with Central Park views - perfect to intimidate business rivals you bring round. Crisp, earth brown interiors all have light wood walls, black leather armchairs, plasma screen TVs, and marble bathrooms with deep-soak tubs that fill up in 60 seconds.
The food
Sublime fusion dishes such as roast Japanese hanger steak or quail stuffed with foie gras at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon have set new standards in French-Asian cuisine, although make sure your expense account can cover it. Start the day with a Bloody Mary and "from the farm" eggs Benedict among the power breakfasters at 57.
The service
From doormen who always seem to know your name, to multi-lingual concierges who'll get you last-minute tickets to Jazz at Lincoln Center, it's among the best in the city. A complimentary Rolls-Royce is also on call to whisk you to meetings.
The bottom line
Four Seasons Hotel New York, 57 East 57th Street, New York, NY, 10022 (00 1 212 758 5700).
www.fourseasons.com
Doubles from US$595 (£294); Suites from US$1,950 (£964)
The Gansevoort
Models-in-waiting waitresses eagerly recommend their favorite cocktails at the Gansevoort's G Spa bar
The location
On a cobbled street in the uber-trendy Meatpacking District just north of the West Village, this sleek, glassy 14-story hotel overlooking the Hudson River caters to the cutting edge of the fashion, advertising and new media worlds.
The business draw
Perfect for the younger executive here for serious business but who might like to conduct it from a W-Fi accessible roof-top swimming pool next to a sunbathing model.
The business drawback
Although the rooms are sound-proofed, the scene on Hudson Street below gets loud and crowded at night with hooting stretch limos and raucous designer-clad revellers entering and leaving local restaurants and clubs such as Pastis, Spice Market and SoHo House.
Facilities
You get Wi-Fi access in every part of the hotel, including roof-deck cocktail bar Plunge, with its 45ft-long swimming pool. Multi-level indoor-outdoor Japanese restaurant-bar Ono attracts the scene crowd at street level, while the ultra-chic Gansevoort Spa & Lounge is a spa by day and bar by night. For corporate functions there's the panoramic Loft space on the roof-top, and two boardrooms below for executive meetings.
Other guests
Young, rich, fashionable professionals as well as various bratty celebrities.
The rooms
Done in muted grey and brown tones the 187 rooms are immaculately modern, with huge light-filled windows, mirrored walls, stainless steel basins and a single orchid in a vase on display. Amenities include 400-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, mod-cons such as cordless phones and plasma TVs, and soundproof windows to keep out the street noise.
The food
Japanese Robatayaki barbecue and succulent fresh sushi is on offer at Ono, while more traditional modern American meals and bar food is on the menu at Plunge.
The service
Surprisingly good given this is the ultimate style hotel. Friendly concierges and doormen are eager to give you tips on neighborhood bars and restaurants, and models-in-waiting waitresses eagerly recommend their favorite cocktails at the G Spa.
Bottom line
Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Ave, New York, NY (00 1 212 206 6700).
www.hotelgansevoort.com
Doubles from US$455 (£225); Suites from US$725 (£358)
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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