Passports & Visas

Climate/Time Zone

Money Matters

Currency Exchange Rates:

Credit and Debit Cards

Visa and Master Card are widely accepted by most (but not all) merchants. Some are reluctant to take credit cards for small purchases, so it is strongly suggested that you bring some cash in USD bills, or change local currency, in case you wish to make small purchases. American Express is not widely accepted in this part of the world (apart from at major international hotels).

Please advise your credit or debit card provider of the dates you will be traveling in order to avoid those cards being rejected by shops or ATMs.

Exchanging Money

The official currency of Turkmenistan is the manat, and the currency of Uzbekistan is the sum.

In Turkmenistan, we recommend exchanging money in banks, hotels, and exchange offices. Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 09.30 to 5:30. The most common currency exchanged is US dollars (USD).

Most of the currency exchange offices do not accept banknotes issued before 1996, as well torn notes, so please keep this in mind. It is recommended to bring cash in small USD banknotes.

In Ashgabat, the import and export of local currency is prohibited for foreigners. Import of foreign currency is not limited, but you will need to declare the amount you are bringing in. Export amount should not exceed the numbers on the declaration. In order to avoid problems at Customs, it is recommended to keep the receipts from currency exchange offices and shops.

 In addition to official currency exchange offices, there is a less official exchange market (sometimes referred to as the “black market,” but it is not nearly as nefarious as it sounds). The disparity between the black market rate and the national Bank of Uzbekistan official rate is about 40% in 2016. This means you could save about 40% by exchanging your USD cash into local currency in this way.

It is wise to bring USD cash with you, as your local guide can always help you change it into local currency from the black market . You can also pay with USD in some local markets and shops. Crisp bills are always preferred and are your best bet when exchanging money, as crumpled or torn ones can be rejected.

PLEASE NOTE: We strongly recommend only exchanging the amount of money you require, as it is impossible to convert local money back to foreign currency. ATMs are only available in larger cities such as  Samarkand and Tashkent. Payment by means of the traveler's checks and credit cards is not accepted.

It is advisable to keep small notes on hand, as it is sometimes difficult to find a place to exchange money.

Packing Guidelines

What to Pack

Want to prepare for your adventure? There’s no better place than the Vantage Adventure Essentials Shop. Please visit us online at www.vantageadventurestore.com for everything you need as you get ready for your trip. The following suggestions are also available online by referencing the Before You Go section of our website.

Your tickets for domestic flights within Central Asia will be delivered on site. Passengers are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage weighing no more than 5 kilograms (11 lbs) and one piece of checked baggage weighing no more than 20 kilograms (44 lbs).

Please Note: Passengers are responsible for any excess baggage charges. Also, for all domestic flights within Central Asia, luggage must be locked. A hat or cap, sunscreen, a scarf (to cover your shoulders and head during visits to mosques), bug spray, and a walking stick will be very helpful.

Our trip through Central Asia will be an active experience, and there will be a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your adventure.  We recommend comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support, that are easy to remove (certain sites such as mosques and tombs require that you take off your shoes).

Electronic devices

Bring your iPad, Kindles, and/or smart phones. This way you will have access to city guides, post trip survey and trip information while on tour. This will also allow you to take pictures and communicate with friends and family easier.

Travel Light

Most travelers pack much more than they really need. We recommend that you start packing a few days before your trip, so you have time to remember everything that you need — and to decide what is essential and what is not. And don't forget to leave room for souvenirs and gifts you may purchase during your trip.
Besides the basic necessities and the items covered below, you'll want to pack sunglasses, a hat or visor, and sunscreen for daytime use. You might also want to bring a small alarm clock, pocket tissues, travel pack of soap powder, needle, thread, safety pins, and personal face cloth. In many countries, your washcloth is considered to be of intimate usage and is not provided by hotels.
Depending on your destination, you may also want to bring insect repellent (we recommend repellent with a high "deet" content). Binoculars are also handy when traveling to areas where flora and fauna may be observed.
Some tours may also require an overnight bag for optional overnight excursions.

Public Toilets

Please note that some public toilets charge $1 USD per person (equaled in local currency) to use the toilet, so be sure to keep small notes with you.

Casual Dress

Dress on tour is generally casual and smart casual. Gentlemen may wish to bring a sport jacket. Formal clothing is not necessary, unless you are traveling on an ocean cruise that has formal nights. If you are traveling on an ocean cruise please refer to the attire information for your particular cruise line. Your travel wardrobe should be planned according to the climate of the areas you will be visiting and the length of your stay. Average high and low temperatures for the destinations visited on each Vantage Tour are listed under "Climate". A HELPFUL HINT — plan to avail yourself of the laundry and valet services available at an additional fee.

Warm Clothes

Weather is never predictable so be sure to be prepared for just about anything. You'll want to take along a sweater or jacket for cool evenings. It's a good idea to dress in layers, which will allow you to adjust to changes in temperature.

Rain Gear

We suggest a practical raincoat or waterproof shell with a hood, and/or a fold-up umbrella. The shell could also be worn with other layers in lower temperatures.

Good Walking Shoes

One of the most important items you'll need for any vacation is, of course, comfortable walking shoes for touring. We suggest you refrain from purchasing new walking shoes just prior to departure — it's best to wear a broken-in pair that you know are comfortable.

Pool and Sauna Apparel

On many programs accommodations will feature pools. So if you plan to use them, bring along a swimsuit and pool slippers.

Cameras and Film

Be sure to test the working order of your camera before you leave home, and to insure your equipment against loss and damage. It is also important to take along an ample supply of film. Film can be expensive and specific kinds of film may not be available in certain areas. Some airport x-ray equipment may harm valuable film. For utmost protection, film should be packed separately in hand luggage. Also, be sure to bring at least one extra battery for your camera.
If you are using a digital camera, check on how many images you can take on your memory card at the resolution you are using. You may wish to bring along an extra memory card so you will not run out of memory half way through the trip. Bring along the battery charger, but remember you may need a voltage converter. The alternative is to carry a spare charged battery with you.

Valuables

Please remember that it is not wise to bring valuables with you when you travel. If you decide to do so, please carry them on your person when flying. Make sure to use hotel safe deposit boxes or safes to ensure the safety of possessions that you may want to have with you.

What to Leave Behind

Do not pack aerosol cans; they tend to leak during air travel. Also avoid packing glass bottles; use plastic containers instead. Leave at home any credit cards and checkbooks that you don't anticipate using on your trip; valuable jewelry; brand-new shoes (instead pack your most comfortable walking shoes); and, in general, anything that you would hate to lose.

Electric Current

If you wish to take along an electric iron, razor, or hair dryer, be sure they are adaptable to different currents, volts, and cycles. Most appliances will require an adapter plug and/or an electrical converter/transformer which are available for purchase at most department stores or luggage shops. These kits are available for electrical settings in countries outside the United States.

The electric current is 220v. Hotels will require the use of an adapter to charge cell phones and cameras.

Flight Information

Flight Information

When planning your flights, Vantage considers each airline's reputation for quality, service, and routing options to the destination. Vantage selects flights that both serve our groups' needs and ensure the best balance of quality and cost. Our flight team members will do their utmost to select flights that will get you to your destination as quickly and easily as possible.

First and Business Class Airfare Upgrades
Many of our programs offer first and/or Business Class upgrades, for more information, please visit our FlightChoice page.

Vantage encourages you to check current airport security regulations well in advance of travel, as rules may have changed since your last trip. For the latest information on airline security guidelines and boarding procedures, please visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web site.

While on Tour

While on Tour

Briefing sessions

Prior to arriving at most stops on your trip, your Vantage Adventure Leader will conduct an informative briefing concerning the daily schedule, local customs, and the included features of the program. It is strongly advised that all tour members attend the briefings.

Extending Your Trip

Vantage offers specially arranged pre- and post-extensions on many of our trips. 

Additionally, if you would like to do some exploring on your own, either before or after your adventure, Vantage can help arrange the details. In most cases, your flights can be adjusted for an earlier arrival date or a later return date. A non-refundable administrative fee will be assessed, plus any additional costs that may apply to the air ticket and hotel. Transfers to and from your hotel are not included when traveling independent of a Vantage group. Please ask a Vantage Sales Representative for additional details. Note also that some airline contracts may exclude changes to routing.

NOTE: Should you wish to make any changes to your plans to extend your trip, please do so no later than 60 days prior to your scheduled date of departure. Change and cancellation penalties apply to changes made after airline tickets have been issued.

Your Health & Comfort

Vantage wants you to have a safe, healthy, and happy journey. Our journeys are planned to combine just the right amount of activity and leisure.

For personal medical attention while on your trip, your Vantage Program Manager can refer you to reliable physicians in the cities on your tour. Please remember that tap water is not potable on this trip -- we will provide plenty of bottled water for you while traveling with us. 

Please note that Medicare and U.S health insurance are generally not accepted in foreign destinations. If you have an insurance claim, it should be made upon your return to the USA and filed through your health insurance provider or through the Vantage Travel Protection Plan if you have purchased it. Keep relevant receipts and doctors' reports for processing your claim.

Jet Lag Precautions

When you cross several time zones to reach your destination, you often lose many hours of regular sleep. Upon arrival your body must quickly adjust to new sleeping and eating patterns. The result is jet lag. Its symptoms may include fatigue, irritability, and vague disorientation. You cannot completely avoid jet lag but you can minimize it. Here's how:

• Try to sleep on overnight flights
• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before - and during - your flight
• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying
• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner

Your Personal Safety

Please keep in mind that in any tourist destination, you need to be aware of your surroundings. We recommend that you use a money protector that can be worn around your neck. Flashy jewelry should be left at home. Never place your camera or purse down, or hang it on the back of your chair. Although incidents of theft and pickpocketing while on tour are rare, it is important to be cautious and aware.

Medical Issues

Click here to read important information about travelers with physical, emotional, or mental conditions that may require professional attention or the use of special equipment. "Medical Issues" information also appears in the "Tour Participation Agreement - Terms and Conditions" bound into Vantage catalogs and printed on the back of your Vantage invoice.

Hotels

Please note that Vantage makes every effort to reserve only hotels that offer well-appointed rooms and a convenient location. We remind you that quality of accommodations may vary from destination to destination. Vantage strives to provide the best hotels available that meet our standards of quality.

How We Rate Our Hotels

While some tour companies devise their own ratings systems (based on their particular standards), Vantage ranks hotels based on the industry-accepted classifications published by the Hotel & Travel Index - the travel industry standard.

Deluxe/Moderate Deluxe ***** Outstanding accommodations in every way, offering superior service, facilities, and location.

Superior First-Class ****+ Above average accommodations, with many special amenities, including more restaurants, shops, and usually a fitness center.

First-Class/Moderate First-Class **** Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private bath and attractive public areas and amenities.

Please Note: In some areas where the hotels aren't rated, it's often due to the fact that the hotel may be too new, too remote, or too small. However, the hotel where you stay has been inspected and approved by Vantage personnel.

Religious Services

At Vantage, we count individuals from all walks of life and all religious denominations among our customers. Although we do not offer religious services on our travel programs, services may be available in the cities and towns you visit while on tour. Your Vantage Adventure Leader can advise you when religious services are available. Please keep in mind that not all religious denominations have a presence in every travel destination. We cannot guarantee the availability of religious services.

Shopping

Shopping for local merchandise is always a part of the travel experience. We are aware that local guides do recommend shops on their tours. Always keep in mind that a purchase is between the buyer and the seller. Always keep receipts and credit card copies. Shipping should always include insurance in the event of breakage. Some credit cards such as American Express also include insurance protection for purchases, but it is best to check with your card issuer for any insurance that may be included when you use your card.

Sightseeing & Cultural Connections

Vantage offers a variety of included sightseeing tours and special cultural events to enrich your travel experience and bring you "closer to the world." Our tours are specially designed for Vantage travelers. They let you feel the atmosphere, gain a cultural understanding, and become a part of the area you are visiting. They include all transportation and the services of expert local guides.

Optional Excursions

Vantage makes every effort to provide the right balance of both included activities and time for exploring on your own. We've found, however, that many of our passengers prefer an additional guided activity in lieu of free time. For that reason, some of our river cruises may include a limited number of optional tours and activities, which you may choose to take at a moderate fee. In no case do we replace an included sightseeing tour with an optional tour. Optional tours are strictly voluntary, providing you with the opportunity to visit an attraction that you may not see otherwise.

Transfers

All transfers between airport and hotel are included when purchasing Vantage air. However, travelers purchasing their own airline tickets will be responsible for their own round-trip transfers to and from the airport/hotel/pier based on the itinerary.

Travel Itinerary

Each Vantage adventure is planned with two criteria in mind: It must be an interesting destination and the tour must offer good quality at an exceptional value.

Although everything is planned well in advance of your departure, our ultimate goal is to ensure that each departure is enjoyable, interesting, and safe. Therefore, the day-by-day itinerary provided is subject to change depending upon local conditions. If any significant changes occur in advance of your departure, Vantage will notify you by phone or by mail. If changes occur while on tour, your Vantage Program Manager or local representative will notify you.

Your Vantage Program Manager / Local Representative

During your river cruise you'll be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking Vantage Adventure Leader. You will also benefit from the insights of expert Local Representatives. Both your Adventure Leader and Local Representatives can give you suggestions on the best restaurants, shops, and local sights; help coordinate optional tours and excursions; and assist in any manner possible.

Vantage Hospitality Desk

For your convenience, a Vantage Hospitality Desk will be available during scheduled hours. The desk hours vary, depending on your daily scheduling. Tour members will be advised of the desk.

Payment Information