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5 Tips for First-Time Travelers to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Travelers to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a country on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the fifth-largest country in Asia that covers a land area of approximately 2,150,000 km². It is the largest country in Western Asia while the second-largest in the Arab world.

The tourism sector of Saudi Arabia is loaded with excitement. The country has many airports and you can rent a car at Riyadh airport for visiting the country.

The country allowed citizens from 49 countries to enter the country without a visa. A tourist can stay in the Kingdom for a period of 90 days. The visitors can discover Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and incredible attractions in this short time.

The experience of the trip to the middle will be thrilling as it has lots of locations for sightseeing. Embracing Saudi traditions and culture is part of the adventure! The experience of a Saudi trip is very different from European, Asian, or American countries.

1. Tourist visas

Saudi Arabia grants visas to the citizens of 49 countries on arrival. Tourists can cross-check the eligibility for getting a visa on the website. If you wish to visit the Kindom of The tourism sector of Saudi Arabia is loaded with excitement. The country has many airports and you can rent a car at Riyadh airport for visiting the country. then you can apply for a visa on the official website of tourism Saudi Arabia.

As per the new rules, a visitor can get a visa for one year with multiple-entry visits. The visitor can stay in the country for a period of 90 days at one time. All tourists must hold a passport with validity for at least six months.

Travel insurance

2. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most important things to get during a visit to a foreign country. The most prominent reason for buying insurance during Saudi Arabia’s visit is the expensive healthcare for foreigners in the Kingdom.

Some airlines offer medical insurance for healthcare at affordable prices. Research about a travel company that provides credible and affordable companies for international travel insurance. There are numerous insurance companies, that do research online.

3. Language

A language is an important tool for getting for understanding any place in detail. The local and official language of the Saudi Arabians is Arabic. It is the official language of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. But Visitor does not need to worry about the language barrier as there are lots of them who speak good English or at least can understand enough

English that can make your stay in the kingdom easier. The kingdom has all the sign boards written in both English and Arabic for making life easy for foreigners to get around. well, it is very easy for foreigners to stay in Saudi without knowing the local language but knowing some key phrases will not harm them in any way, it will only going to make their stay more blissful.

Some most common but important key phrases of Saudi Arabia:

  • Arabic words & phrases that are good to know
  • Hello and goodbye – Assalam alaykom
  • Yes – na am
  • No – la or kalla
  • I want a taxi – ureed sayaratt ujra
  • I want to get to [location] – Ureed an Azhab Ila [location]
  • Thank you – shukran
  • Thank you very much – Shukran jazeelan
  • Welcome or you’re welcome – Ahlan Wa Sahlan or Hayak
  • Can I take a photo? – Momken asawwar
  • Excuse me – Afwan

4. Dress codes

dress code, Saudi Arabia

It is the most important tip for your Saudi Arabia trip as it is an Islamic country and there are certain rules for dressing for local people along with foreign visitors. Saudi Arabia’s dress codes can be a bit intimidating for visitors. Earlier women need to wear full-length dresses or robes in public places but now the rules are easing up.

Foreign women have more freedom to wear cloth that must cover their shoulders, arms, and legs. Most private beaches permit ladies to wear swimming outfits, such as a one-piece bikini swim suit is suggested.

Visitors to the Kingdom are supposed to follow clothing regulations in public places. Police can question guests and request them to change apparel as per clothing regulations.

5. Public decency

The Saudi government has many rules for visitors. Every visitor must follow these rules otherwise they can be charged a hefty fine.

  • Acts of public sexual harassment
  • Playing loud music in residential areas
  • Placing racist stickers on cars
  • Distributing ads in public without a license
  • Starting fires in authorized places during safaris
  • Playing music during prayer times
  • Threatening people verbally or through gestures
  • Cutting in line in public venues
  • Shining laser pointers into people’s eyes
  • Taking people’s pictures without their permission
  • Taking pictures of a traffic accident without permission from the parties involved in the accident
  • Littering
  • Failing to remove pet waste
  • Occupying seats designed for people with disabilities
  • Bypassing barriers to entering public places
  • Wearing an improper dress in public, such as underwear or pajamas
  • Wearing shirts that display nude pictures
  • Wearing shirts that display phrases offending public decency
  • Writing and drawing on the walls of public places

Getting there & getting around in Saudi Arabia:

Getting there & getting around in Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Arabia’s government has invested a lot in making the commute to and from the country very easy. It has several international, regional, and domestic airports. All these investments are done for making the country’s tourism sector more profitable. So once you get your visa approved, pack your luggage and enter through one of the following airports.

  • International airports in Saudi Arabia
  • King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh
  • King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah
  • King Fahd International Airport (DMM) – Dammam
  • Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) – Madinah
  • Prince Abdulmohsin Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (YNB) – Yanbu
  • Al-Ahsa International Airport (HOF) – Al Ahsa

Top Hotels In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Top Hotels In Riyadh:

  • Tulip Inn Riyadh
  • Golden Prince Al Sulaymaniyah Hotel
  • MENA AL DIYAR 114
  • Reef Al Malaz Hotel International
  • Al Hamra Palace by Warwick
  • Hyatt Buyutat Apartment
  • Aliah Tolan Palace
  • HDB Sahafa
  • Nuzul Mena 109
  • Golden Tulip Qasr Al Nasiriah
  • Aliah Tolan Palace
  • Obaer Hotel
  • Golden Prince Al Sulaymaniyah Hotel
  • Towlan Suites 1
  • Silent Room 3 By Quiet Rooms
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Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

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New Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

  • You have to be 20 years of age or older
  • You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
  • To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
  • Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

  • Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
  • Instruction and conferences
  • Sports medicine therapy
  • International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

  • In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
  • There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
  • With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
  • Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
  • You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

 

 

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Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

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Hotels in Thailand Fret

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

 

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Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

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Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.

SEE ALSO: Thailand Named Top Spot for Most Popular Tourist Destination

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