Traveller letters: Put your phone away or stay home and use Google

Caroline Price, St Kilda, VIC

CASHLESS SOCIETY

Sorry to say that paying in cash at hotels is not the answer as all hotels ask for your credit card imprint (Rants & raves, October 15). On our trip to Budapest last year we opted for an extra three nights in the Budapest Marriott after our river cruise.

As it was the end of our trip and Hungarian currency was not euros – we opted to pay in cash on checking out to use up the Hungarian money. However when I checked my credit card the hotel had not issued me a refund – because it was not paid on credit card.

I had to go to great lengths and complete a statutory declaration to get our refund. We were not placed in jeopardy in respect to funds as we had sufficient money to carry the more than $1000 costs for accommodation and meals. But it is always a case of traveller beware.

Elizabeth Brookes, Leumeah NSW

TOPPED OUT

The restrictions on visitor numbers to Machu Picchu are not as severe as you report (Traveller, October 22). Since 2011, the total number has been limited to 2500 visitors per day.

The figure of 400 you mention is the number allowed to climb Huayna Picchu, the conical peak in the background of most views of the ruins.

Philip Holberton, Willawarrin, NSW

CABIN PRESSURES

I heartily endorse the sentiments expressed by Ray Pilbeam (Traveller letters, November 5) regarding people who take oversize bags into the aircraft cabin, much to the inconvenience of other passengers.

I have two suggestions: firstly, why do the airlines not check carry-on bags at the check-in counter? Surely this would not be difficult and would not add greatly to the check-in time.

Secondly, something my wife and I came to realise long ago is that "stuff" is not an asset it is a liability. If travellers would limit their baggage to one modest check-in bag and one minimal carry-on bag we could all travel in much greater comfort.

Philip Roberts, Coledale, NSW

PRIVACY, PLEASE

I'm writing in response to the letter warning readers of selective treatment at security points (Traveller letters, October 15). I have the misfortune to have two artificial hips. When the first one was done the specialist optimistically gave me a letter to give to security – fat chance. Same with the second one.

I routinely am pulled aside at airports – frisked electronically – have to remove my shoes and whatever part of my clothing bips. This is done in full view of all other passengers and with no screens.

Leaving Manchester, England, this year was the most gruelling experience. I had to stand with legs apart, one foot forward and then the other and then back through the screen and try again.

Frankly, while I can understand the fears of someone going to blow up the world with fake hips – surely this process can be done at least behind a screen.

Doris LeRoy, Altona, VIC

SHOCK WITHDRAWAL

I'm just back from Sicily where I withdrew €600 ($870) using a CBA Travel Card (loaded with euros only) from a Bankomart ATM. I was shocked to find while online banking that in addition to the €2.2 fee (for no exchange), a further, whopping €96 had been deducted for a completely unnecessary currency conversion.

This was not reflected on the receipt or the ATM screen. I was informed, ATMs can be privately owned and charges are at their discretion and that apparently it is all in the fine print.

Julie Rea, Lilyfield, NSW

BALI LOW

Caroline Gladstone's feature on Bali (Traveller, November 5) was disappointing. To participate in and promote an orang-utan "experience " is naive at best. Does she really believe these gentle creatures enjoy being manhandled day in, day out? The exploitation of animals for profit is wrong – they suffer so you can get a holiday snap?

Linda Lawson, Glen Iris, VIC

TAKEN FOR A RIDE

My wife and I recently arrived home at Sydney from Athens flying business class on Emirates. After customs we went to meet our complimentary limo driver only to be told that no driver wanted to go to Lavender Bay on the lower north shore and that we must take a taxi and send the bill to the limousine company for reimbursement. Two weeks later and after a series of emails we have not heard a word from the airline and we are still waiting for our refund – other Emirates travellers be warned.

Ian Muir, Lavender Bay, NSW