South America

spicyboy

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I will be heading to Brazil (Sao Paulo / Rio De Janeiro / Iguazu Falls), Peru (Lima / Cusco/ Machu Picchu), and Chile (Santiago / Easter Island) in November.

Any recommendations on places to visit and eat? And I can't seem to find any money changer that change Brazilian Real, Peruvian nuevo sol, and Chilean peso in Singapore :(
 

spicyboy

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Day 1: Singapore to Sao Paulo (SQ)
Day 3: Sao Paulo to Iguazu Falls (TAM)
Day 4: Iguazu Falls to Rio De Janerio (TAM)
Day 7: Rio De Janerio to Cusco (Avianca)
Day 8: Cusco to Machu Picchu (Peru Rail)
Day 9: Machu Picchu to Cusco (Peru Rail)
Day 10: Cusco to Lima (LAN)
Day 12: Lima to Santiago (LAN)
Day 13: Santiago to Easter Island (LAN)
Day 15: Easter Island to Santiago (LAN)
Day 18: Santiago to Sao Paulo (GOL), Sao Paulo to Singapore (SQ)
Day 20: Reach Singapore
 

invisible999

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Do you have yellow fever vaccination and yellow card?

Are you aware of potential implications of Zika virus?
 

spicyboy

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Do you have yellow fever vaccination and yellow card?

Are you aware of potential implications of Zika virus?

Nope. Not at this moment.

And yes, I'm aware of the Zika virus but my tickets were bought before the virus so I have to deal with it. Anyways, still have months to go, who knows what will happen.
 

invisible999

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Nope. Not at this moment.
Take into consideration that if you decide to go, you should do it at least 1.5 month in advance - not all hospitals have vaccine and I had to go twice, second times with letter from HR telling that I need the vaccination.

Vaccination itself costs about $150. After from one week till two week after the vaccination is done a side effects could start to show off. Generally it is mild version of fever, but it could severe for some people and it could take 2-3 weeks to recover.

And yes, I'm aware of the Zika virus but my tickets were bought before the virus so I have to deal with it. Anyways, still have months to go, who knows what will happen.

Some airlines are giving refunds due to this. If you have doubts, better to check with the airline and explore other options.
 

spicyboy

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Take into consideration that if you decide to go, you should do it at least 1.5 month in advance - not all hospitals have vaccine and I had to go twice, second times with letter from HR telling that I need the vaccination.

Vaccination itself costs about $150. After from one week till two week after the vaccination is done a side effects could start to show off. Generally it is mild version of fever, but it could severe for some people and it could take 2-3 weeks to recover.



Some airlines are giving refunds due to this. If you have doubts, better to check with the airline and explore other options.

Thank you for your heads up. Will go check with HR.
 

gasband

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You can do Yellow Fever vaccine anytime now since it is now considered coverage for lifetime instead of just 10 years in the past. Alot of clinics should have it. And yes you should take in advance of your trip since your body might react to the vaccine negatively in the beginning.
 

spicyboy

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Thanks but I'm trying to find which money changer here changes BRL, SOL, and PESO.
 

invisible999

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Thanks but I'm trying to find which money changer here changes BRL, SOL, and PESO.

You won't. SA currencies have now developed into white and black market and you will have better options to exchange them there.

Any you need to take USD.
 

spicyboy

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You won't. SA currencies have now developed into white and black market and you will have better options to exchange them there.

Any you need to take USD.

Really? :(
Alright will take note. Meantime I try my luck in BKK also.
 

chuanx

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Just got back from 4 months backpacking SA, been to all the countries you are going and more. Your itinerary is really packed for a 20 days trip, leaving no room for error (plane/train/bus delays, which is pretty common.) bring USD to change or draw local currencies from ATM there if you are uncomfortable with bringing lots of money around. ( All the ATMS IN SA accept our debit cards with either cirrus or visa plus logos, a small service fee applies for each withdrawal though). Get the yellow fever vaccination at TTSH travel clinic, but no1 really check throughout our trip. Haha)

A few suggestion on itinerary:

1) you allocated 1 day to see Iguazu fall, might not be enough if want to view it both from the Argentina side and Brazil side, both are equally spectacular and different views.

2) Cusco is a nice little town with plenty to do and a good place to acclimatized to the high attitude of Peru, especially you are coming in from Singapore and Brazil which is almost sea level. Good to leave 1 full day for acclimatization for the body before leaving for Machu Picchu. Not much to do in Lima, so if your itinerary are pretty much fixed, I suggest you spend 1 more day in Cusco instead of Lima.

3) Easter island. You have 3days 2 nights. Basically 1 full day. Suggest you rent a car in the town (50usd/day) and drive to all the archeological sites to see as much as you can cos it really amazing.

4) Santiago: if you have time, take a bus to Valparaiso. A beautiful city nearby. If you are into street arts, this is the perfect place.

5) free walking tours: there are many free walking tours in SA. The ones in Santiago and Cusco are pretty good. Go google when you reach a new city. No better way to explore a new place than with a local. And a really good way to meet fellow travellers.

If somehow your itinerary is flexible and you are able to extend your travel, check out Patagonia area of Argentina and Chile, most amazing scenarios and hikes. And one of favorite countries in SA, Colombia.

Enjoy Latin America!
 

gasband

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Yellow Fever Vaccination is not for the destination country actually, its necessary for re-entry into Singapore after visiting these countries.
 

spicyboy

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Just got back from 4 months backpacking SA, been to all the countries you are going and more. Your itinerary is really packed for a 20 days trip, leaving no room for error (plane/train/bus delays, which is pretty common.) bring USD to change or draw local currencies from ATM there if you are uncomfortable with bringing lots of money around. ( All the ATMS IN SA accept our debit cards with either cirrus or visa plus logos, a small service fee applies for each withdrawal though). Get the yellow fever vaccination at TTSH travel clinic, but no1 really check throughout our trip. Haha)

A few suggestion on itinerary:

1) you allocated 1 day to see Iguazu fall, might not be enough if want to view it both from the Argentina side and Brazil side, both are equally spectacular and different views.

2) Cusco is a nice little town with plenty to do and a good place to acclimatized to the high attitude of Peru, especially you are coming in from Singapore and Brazil which is almost sea level. Good to leave 1 full day for acclimatization for the body before leaving for Machu Picchu. Not much to do in Lima, so if your itinerary are pretty much fixed, I suggest you spend 1 more day in Cusco instead of Lima.

3) Easter island. You have 3days 2 nights. Basically 1 full day. Suggest you rent a car in the town (50usd/day) and drive to all the archeological sites to see as much as you can cos it really amazing.

4) Santiago: if you have time, take a bus to Valparaiso. A beautiful city nearby. If you are into street arts, this is the perfect place.

5) free walking tours: there are many free walking tours in SA. The ones in Santiago and Cusco are pretty good. Go google when you reach a new city. No better way to explore a new place than with a local. And a really good way to meet fellow travellers.

If somehow your itinerary is flexible and you are able to extend your travel, check out Patagonia area of Argentina and Chile, most amazing scenarios and hikes. And one of favorite countries in SA, Colombia.

Enjoy Latin America!

Thanks for the tips, I try to work my way around the itinerary.
 

chuanx

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Yellow Fever Vaccination is not for the destination country actually, its necessary for re-entry into Singapore after visiting these countries.

That's not true. You require yellow fever vaccination proof to enter some countries in South America like Bolivia and Eucador. Just that their custom officers are not so "on the ball" with the checking of individual travellers.
 

AMD_FREAK

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Hey guys! I am traveling to Peru and Chile. What are the compulsory vaccinations I have to take?
 

jamietehc

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Routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough.Hepatitis A.Typhoid.Yellow Fever.
 
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