Some Advice on Travelling to Washington D.C.?

• 

  isthisreally_me on 15/11/2014 - 17:29

  +1

  Definitely go to the Smithsonian museums if you get the chance, well worth it.

• 

  Randxyz123 on 15/11/2014 - 19:35

  +1

  Alright I can help you with a few things.

  was wondering stuff to buy?

  Define "stuff to buy" if you mean like a iPhone for example there really isn't much point. The amount you save is minimal and you risk not being covered by any warranty in Australia.. I'd say you could look at clothes - I didn't go shopping last time I was in Washington DC so I can't help you with where to go…

  Check out the Smithsonian Museums and the capital building and the congress library if you want to do some touristy things….

  If you have a free weekend, New York is a short train ride away!

  Also, what stuff should I get to take advantage of the tax return service at Sydney Airport?

  Correct me if I am wrong but I thought the claiming back the tax was only for outgoing not incoming passengers?

  I'm not sure what to bring (how much to bring), what the weather is like there

  COLD!! and I don't mean Aussie winter cold I mean cold as in it probably will snow cold. You will need a Scarf, hat, gloves and a decent jacket. Also get some decent water proof shoes.

  You can probably get most of that sort of stuff there but keep an eye on kathmandu sales - you might be able to grab something before you go on boxing day etc.

  Is there a good credit card with low exchange rates that anyone can recommend

  From what I have read on these forums the 28 degrees card is very popular and opening a citi bank account is a good idea

  • 

    Randxyz123 on 15/11/2014 - 21:24

    Whoops I read tax return as getting tax back when you return :P

    Umm If you need a new camera and it is cheaper with the GST back then that is always a good option or a new iPad perhaps. What do you want/need.

• 

  Davo1111 on 15/11/2014 - 20:13

  So, I will be travelling to DC for the first time in my life this Jan-March (2 months) and was wondering stuff to buy?

  have a look on amazon.com for stuff you're interested in. I don't know what you're into, but the prices are much cheaper for some electronics, clothing, and camping gear. For larger/expensive items you'll need to decide if it's worth importing, or if it's not that much of a price difference when you take out GST. Also the risk of warranty.

  Also, what stuff should I get to take advantage of the tax return service at Sydney Airport?

  Make sure you read what to do/what your limits are. Really the only things i'd export at things like cameras/mp3 players/ipods etc. Assuming you can't buy them cheaper OS.

  Is there a good credit card with low exchange rates that anyone can recommend or should I just swap cash before I leave and use that over there?

  There are quite a few credit cards with no overseas transaction fees of credit card purchases. 28 degrees for one, but theres a platinum BankWest card, and a few others that have it. As for cash withdrawal, it's a bit of a pain, so you might need to research that. I think people were suggesting citibank.

  Make sure you get a copy of Lonely Planet Washington DC (hint booko.com.au), and visit the Smithsonian museums (there are HEAPS of them, all in one street. You could probably spend half to a full day in each!

  • 

    Randxyz123 on 15/11/2014 - 21:23

    Make sure you get a copy of Lonely Planet Washington DC (hint booko.com.au),

    Order it from book depository

    • 

      Davo1111 on 17/11/2014 - 22:40

      +1

      BD isn't always the cheapest - and sometimes bookdepository.com and .co.uk can have different prices.

      Booko searches all of them.

• 

  edpkicf on 17/11/2014 - 19:40

  Thanks guys - those ideas are much appreciated! Basically I'm planning to get a bunch of stuff i.e. 128gb cellular iPad, some decent headphones HD700 perhaps, some lenses (24-70 II + 6D) a bunch of clothes, just random stuff basically. Knick are you saying that its cheaper to get GST back (i.e. purchase those things in Australia) than in the US?

  Like I've pretty much put up a wishlist in Amazon so I guess we'll have to take it from there.

  Its just I've never been outside of Australia, so very much not sure what to expect haha. Also, can someone point me in the right direction as to what is a good suitcase to bring there/how much luggage I should take?

  How cold will the weather be around? (I know in about jackets and stuff but more in terms of what I should get for corporate wear? I will need to be in a suit-jacket there)

  Also - thanks will definitely grab that lonely planet book!

  • 

    Davo1111 on 17/11/2014 - 22:52

    128gb cellular iPad,

    Just be aware the markup for those isn't that great, plus you'll need to make sure the cellular is compatible with Australian networks. If you buy an ipad here, and get 10% off, you'll probably be around the same as the US. Better off if you take advantage of TRS and get the GST back.

    Its just I've never been outside of Australia, so very much not sure what to expect haha.

    I really suggest reading lonely planet, and wiki travel/wikivoyage etc.

    Also, can someone point me in the right direction as to what is a good suitcase to bring there/how much luggage I should take?

    Everyone over packs on their first trip, halve it, then halve it again. I'd recommend not buying luggage and using whatever bags you have at home. First reason as you'll have your own preferences which you'll learn from. Secondly is the bags get treated like crap, so just use something you already own. For Europe i used a backpack with a qantas plastic bag. For domestic i use a sports/gym bag.

    Osprey Porter Travel Backpack is considered the best backpack for europe, but possibly not in america, if i wasn't backpacking, as i'd use wheels. Keep in mind luggage you purchase over there will be signficantly cheaper than here. It might even be cost effective just to go over there with something on it's last legs, and come back with a bigger, nicer suitcase!

    How cold will the weather be around? (I know in about jackets and stuff but more in terms of what I should get for corporate wear? I will need to be in a suit-jacket there)

    You'll need to look up the weather/climate. Also, suits and stuff will be thicker there as they will have winter suits. It might be advantageous just to wear a jacket over your suit, then take it off when you get there.

• 

  donga100 on 19/11/2014 - 23:53

  How cold will the weather be around?

  In January daily averages are high of 6 degrees, low of -2 degrees.
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C.#Climate