Revolut has become a popular choice for many individuals globally, owing to its sleek debit card and impressive multi-currency account. Furthermore, users can access a stock and cryptocurrency marketplace, as well as travel benefits, savings opportunities, and a mobile app that facilitates budgeting and purchase tracking.

Nonetheless, there are Revolut limitations that are unique to particular nationalities, such as the inability to access bank account information, which means direct deposits from employers or friends are not possible. Additionally, the neobank does not accept cash deposits.

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to Revolut available in the market that offer comparable core banking services, with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. This guide will examine some of the top neobanks and banking apps that provide a compelling substitute to Revolut.

Wise

4.5/5

For those seeking a reliable alternative to Revolut, Wise Account is a notable option to consider. Founded in the UK, Wise has made a name for itself through its speedy and cost-effective international money transfer services. Beyond this, Wise offers a multi-currency account that provides users with access to a debit MasterCard and allows them to hold money in over 50 currencies. Furthermore, users receive account details for 10 currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP, making it a versatile option for those who frequently conduct transactions across borders.

One of the standout features of Wise Account is that it charges no monthly fee, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious users. Moreover, the account does not offer an overdraft, which can be beneficial for those who want to avoid accruing debt. Although the account does not offer interest on balances or savings, its ability to hold money in multiple currencies can potentially save users from incurring foreign exchange fees, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers.

In addition to its multi-currency account, Wise Account also partners with FSCS-insured Barclays UK, ensuring that users’ funds remain safe and secure. Overall, Wise Account’s commitment to offering low-cost international money transfers and providing users with an easy-to-use multi-currency account with a range of features and benefits makes it a compelling alternative to Revolut.

Click here to open your TransferWise (now Wise) account now

• Allows users to hold money in over 50 currencies, with account details for 10 of them
• Charges no monthly fee and does not offer overdrafts, making it an affordable choice for users
• Offers fast and low-cost international money transfer services
• Partners with FSCS-insured Barclays UK, ensuring users’ funds remain secure.

Payoneer

4.2/5

Payoneer is an excellent option to consider for SMEs and self-employed professionals. This cross-border digital payment system provides users with a free business account that is available to numerous nationalities around the world. One of Payoneer’s key features is its access to local bank accounts in nine countries, including the US, the UK, and various European countries, allowing users to withdraw their revenue in local currency and avoid costly international wires.

Another notable aspect of Payoneer is its integration with payment systems like Stripe and Amazon’s check-out system. This can broaden users’ international market reach, potentially increasing their revenue and saving them money on transaction fees. Furthermore, Payoneer charges no monthly fee and does not offer overdrafts, making it a budget-friendly choice for businesses looking to save costs.

In addition to its standard account, Payoneer also partners with FDIC-insured US banks, ensuring that users’ funds remain secure. Overall, Payoneer’s range of features, affordability, and focus on catering to businesses and self-employed professionals make it a strong alternative to Revolut.

Click here to open your Payoneer account now

• Provides a free business account with access to local bank accounts in nine countries
• Integrates with payment systems like Stripe and Amazon’s check-out system, broadening users’ international market reach
• Charges no monthly fee and does not offer overdrafts, making it an affordable choice for businesses
• Partners with FDIC-insured US banks, ensuring users’ funds remain secure.

N26

4.2/5

N26 is an online bank that offers numerous benefits to its customers, making it a worthy alternative to Revolut. One of the significant advantages of N26 is its accessibility to anyone who owns a smartphone, as it allows them to open an account easily and start depositing funds immediately. Customers can also enjoy fee-free ATM withdrawals across Europe, making it easier for them to access their money. Moreover, with a debit card that has zero international transaction fees, N26 customers can enjoy hassle-free transactions when traveling abroad.

Another factor that makes N26 a good alternative to Revolut is its budgeting tools and savings pots, which customers find very useful. The bank’s budgeting tools help customers track their spending and stay within their budget, while savings pots enable customers to set money aside for specific goals. Additionally, N26’s integration with Wise makes it possible for customers to send and receive low-fee international money transfers with ease.

In conclusion, N26 is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly alternative to Revolut. With its accessible account opening process, fee-free ATM withdrawals, zero international transaction fees, and budgeting tools and savings pots, N26 offers a wide range of features that cater to the needs of its customers.

Click here to sign up for a N26 account

• Accessible to anyone with a smartphone
• Fee-free ATM withdrawals across Europe
• Zero international transaction fees
• Budgeting tools and savings pots for customers to manage their finances better

Starling Bank

4.0/5

Starling Bank is a standout option among the alternatives to Revolut when it comes to banking. As a fully-authorised bank in the UK, Starling offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including a fee-free current account. This account is one of the most complete in the UK, providing users with access to services like overdraft, loans, joint accounts, pensions, and more. As a result, Starling is an excellent alternative to both traditional high-street banks and neobanks like Revolut.

A standout feature of Starling Bank is its Saving Spaces feature, which enables users to allocate money towards specific goals or expenses within their account. This feature assists users in budgeting more effectively and saving money towards their objectives, making it an ideal option for those who want to manage their finances more efficiently. Starling also offers a pension scheme, youth card, and interest on balances, providing users with a wide range of benefits and features to choose from.

In summary, Starling Bank provides an outstanding banking experience for those seeking a comprehensive and feature-rich alternative to Revolut. With its fee-free current account, extensive financial services, and unique features like Saving Spaces, Starling is an excellent option for anyone seeking to manage their finances effectively.

Click here to sign up for a Starling bank account

Key points about Starling Bank and its strong points for users include:

• A fee-free current account with a wide range of financial services
• The Saving Spaces feature, which allows users to save money towards specific goals or expenses
• A pension scheme, youth card, and interest on balances for added benefits
• A comprehensive and feature-rich alternative to traditional high-street banks and neobanks like Revolut.

Chime

4.0/5

Chime is a popular mobile finance app in the US, offering a range of services that are easy to use and accessible to anyone with a social security number. One of the standout features of Chime is its current account and high-yield savings account, which offers a competitive 2.00% APY on savings. In addition, Chime also provides an interest-free credit builder called the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, which can help users build credit history.

Chime is also known for its vast network of over 55,000 ATMs, allowing users to make fee-free withdrawals across the country. Furthermore, Chime does not charge any international transaction fees, making it an excellent option for frequent travelers abroad. With its simple and user-friendly interface, Chime is a great choice for those looking for a hassle-free banking experience.

Another significant advantage of Chime is that it is FDIC-insured, giving users peace of mind that their deposits are secure. The Chime Checking Account also does not charge any monthly fees and offers overdraft protection, providing users with a reliable and cost-effective banking solution.

Click here to sign up for a Chime account

Four bullet points about Chime’s strong points for users are:

• Offers a competitive 2.00% APY on savings through the Chime High Yield Savings Account
• Provides an interest-free credit builder called the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card to help users build credit history
• Boasts a vast network of over 55,000 ATMs for fee-free withdrawals across the US
• Does not charge any international transaction fees, making it an excellent option for frequent travelers abroad.

Remitly

4.0/5

Remitly is an excellent alternative to Revolut for those who need to send larger sums of money internationally. Remitly is specifically designed for international money transfers, and it offers lower fees and strong exchange rates compared to Revolut, especially for larger transfers. While Revolut is a multi-functional financial app with many features, Remitly’s sole focus on international money transfers makes it a more specialized and reliable option.

Remitly is highly recommended by many comparison engine websites, which consistently ranks it as the best choice for international money transfers from the UK, the US, and the Eurozone. Remitly is known for its competitive exchange rates and its low fixed fees, which can save you a significant amount of money compared to other providers. Additionally, Remitly provides a user-friendly and secure platform, which offers a range of payment options, including bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards.

Remitly has earned a reputation for providing excellent customer service, and it offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the service, Remitly will refund your transaction fees. Moreover, Remitly offers fast delivery times, which range from instant transfers to 3-day delivery, depending on the destination and payment method. Remitly is also available in many languages, which makes it accessible to people from different backgrounds and countries.

Click here to sign up for a Remitly account

Here are four bullet points highlighting Remitly’s strong points for users:

• Competitive exchange rates and low fixed fees
• User-friendly and secure platform
• Excellent customer service with a satisfaction guarantee
• Fast delivery times and availability in multiple languages

Bonus Option 

Monese

For European residents seeking a hassle-free way to open a UK account, Monese could be an excellent alternative to Revolut. With Monese, you can quickly get a multi-currency account for GBP, EUR, and Romanian leu, along with an EU IBAN and a UK sort code, without having to show proof of UK residency. This feature alone can make it a more accessible choice for people who need a UK account for various reasons, such as freelancing, studying, or traveling.

In addition to this, Monese offers a range of other products, such as interest on your savings, purchase insurance, and an interest-free credit builder. These features are beneficial to those looking to save money and build their credit score, which makes Monese an attractive option for people who want to use their banking app for more than just making transactions.

Finally, Monese offers joint accounts for family members, which is a unique feature that can make it easier for families to manage their finances together. With Monese’s joint account, family members can share their income and expenses, set savings goals, and monitor their spending through the app.

Click here to sign up for a Monese account

• Monese allows for easy opening of a UK account without proof of UK residency.
• Monese offers a range of other products such as interest on savings, purchase insurance, and an interest-free credit builder.
• Monese offers joint accounts for family members, making it easier to manage finances together.
• Monese supports virtual cards and provides multi-currency accounts for GBP, EUR, and Romanian leu.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Revolut is not the only option available for online payments and money transfers. Several other platforms, such as Payoneer and Wise, offer similar services with additional features and benefits. These alternatives provide users with lower fees, better exchange rates, and more extensive coverage of countries and currencies.

Payoneer, for example, has a global reach, making it an excellent choice for freelancers and businesses operating internationally. On the other hand, Wise allows users to hold and convert money in over 50 currencies with no hidden fees. Overall, there are various alternatives to Revolut that can cater to specific needs and preferences, offering users more flexibility and control over their finances.

Ultimately, the choice between Revolut and its alternatives such as Payoneer and Wise comes down to the individual user’s needs and preferences. While each platform offers similar services, such as online payments and currency exchange, they differ in terms of fees, exchange rates, and supported currencies.

Therefore, it is important for users to research and compare these options based on their specific needs, such as the currencies they frequently use, the frequency of their transactions, and the level of customer support they require. By doing so, users can select the platform that best fits their requirements and offers the most value for their money.

Other resources for online banking and transactions

If you are considering options to bank internationally, you might want to check some of our other guides to the subject. Check how to open an European bank account and our guide on how to open an US bank account for non residents. More information specific to banking in the UK is also available at UK Finance.

The post Best 7 Revolut Alternatives: A Guide to Neobanks and Banking Apps appeared first on Check in Price.

Considering traveling to the Caucasus? Check the best places to stay in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, one of the world’s oldest surviving countries and has rich history and culture.

Yerevan is the perfect base to explore this incredible small nation, as it’s easy to combine time in the city with travelling further afield to cultural highlights and attractions.

If you’re travelling here, you’re probably wondering about the best areas to stay in town. That’s why we’ve written this post! We’ve taken a close look at the best neighborhoods in Yerevan, so that you can easily plan your visit here.

Travel in Yerevan: Overview

There’s nowhere better to base yourself than Yerevan if you want to discover the magical and historical Armenia. The centre is packed full of intriguing places to visit such as museums, galleries, and historic attractions. Republic Square is the beating heart of the city, while the Cascade Staircase and Museum is a pretty spot to relax. Art lovers will enjoy the museum within the staircase, while views of Mount Ararat from the top are sublime!

Armenia’s history is long and complex, and one of the worst events in the country’s history was the 1915 Genocide. Visiting the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and Genocide Museum is a sobering and educational place to learn more about this atrocity.

To reach the country the best option is flying. The Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport is the biggest in the country, and it is growing in number of flights and passengers at a fast pace for the past years.

As well as cultural and historical attractions, there’s much more to enjoy. Try the local delicacies at one of the city’s many restaurants or experience the vibrant nightlife scene. Whatever you want from a city break, you’ll find it here in Yerevan!

Best Areas to stay in Yerevan

The best area to stay in Yerevan depends on what you want from your visit. Tourists will be most at home in the city centre as it’s where pretty much all of the attractions are. In fact, there’s really not that much to see away from there!

However, if you’re looking for an authentic and local experience, you can still explore the suburbs. The city is quite spread out, and districts like Marash and Nork are on a different hill to Kentron and Kond. There’s even a neighbourhood in Yerevan called Bangladesh, because it’s so far away from the centre!

If you are coming for a short stay in Yerevan, the Republic Square is the best reference for a location to explore the city. The area around this square is the most accessible and central of the Armenian capital.

Kentron

Kentron is where you’ll find the most exquisite examples of traditional Armenian churches, monasteries, and historical buildings. Not only that, it’s where you’ll find most of the city’s hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Stroll along the wide tree-lined boulevards in this circular district, while admiring the unique and intricate blend of Armenian and neo-classical architecture.

It’s the best place to be in Yerevan both during the day and at night. If you still have energy after exploring the museums and galleries, then why not head for a night out?

Most of Yerevan’s varied and enjoyable nightlife is in this area. Start off by sampling dolma (stuffed vine leaves) in some of the best restaurants in town. Then, head for a classy cocktail before rounding the night off at one of Yerevan’s great clubs. The centre is quite compact, so you should be able to stumble back to your hotel. To stay safe though, we’d recommend a taxi!

Kond

Kond is the oldest part of the city and has more than 400 years of history. It sits upon a hill overlooking the Kentron District, and it’s easy to get between the two neighbourhoods on foot. The most interesting thing about Kond is the architecture. Some of the walls of the Ottoman, Persian, and Muslim houses are actually thicker than the alleyways!

It’s a largely residential area, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to stop off and get a coffee or a glass of wine. Armenians are so friendly that some of the Kond residents will even invite you into their homes! If you want a local and authentic experience, perhaps look at a vacation rental in this area or see if any local families offer hosting!

Budget Accommodation in Yerevan – $

My Hotel Yerevan –  an affordable hotel close to the Yeritasardakan Metro Station.

Reasonably Priced Accommodation in Yerevan – $$

Republica Hotel Yerevan – a modern option with a beautiful decoration close to the Republic Square.

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel – an high class choice with easy access to the Republic Square.

Luxurious Hotels in Yerevan– $$$

Grand Hotel Yerevan – Small Luxury Hotels of the World – a luxurious option in one of the best areas to stay in the city center.

The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan – a splendid hotel in a very central area of the Armenian capital.

Cost of travelling in Yerevan

When it comes to travelling in Yerevan, budget travellers will be delighted. Although it can be quite expensive actually getting to Armenia, that’s not the case travelling in the country.

Considering capitals are usually the most expensive places to travel, you can enjoy Yerevan for an average price of less than $20 USD per day. Accommodation and meals can be picked up for less than $10 per day per person too. Another great thing is that if you travel away from the capital, it’s super cheap as Armenia is so small!

Best Months to Visit Armenia

Most of Armenia has a cold semi-arid climate, which includes the capital. That means that winters are quite cold, and summers can be extremely hot. For that reason, visiting Yerevan is probably best during autumn and spring. The months of April, June, September and November are ideal for sight-seeing and tourist the country beyond the capital.

Armenia is not a very touristy country, and the tourism seasonality does not affect it heavily. Although the winter months have the lowest influx of tourists, the summer is definitely not packed with tourists. For that reason, prices in Yerevan do not fluctuate as much as they do in most European destinations.

Other Resources to Travel in the Caucasus

If you are planning a trip to Armenia or other countries in the Caucasus you might want to check some of our other guides to the region. Check where to stay in Baku and the best areas to stay in Tbilisi.

Are you in Armenia already? Leave your thoughts or questions in the comment box below.

The post Where to stay in Yerevan, Armenia? appeared first on Check in Price.

For tourists, it can be very difficult to travel into regions that have different visa policies. Some will not permit you to return into the country once you leave it because they only issue single-entry visa. However, things will be changing in Thailand thanks to their double entry visa program.

New Form of Tourist Visa in Thailand

On Friday, November 29, the Thai government announced that tourists who will be visiting Thailand and its neighboring countries can now get the new double entry visa for tourists. With this visa, tourists can go in and out of Thailand and visit its neighboring country like Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos. Once they are finished with their journeys to these countries, they can go back to Thailand without problems.

According to Kobsak Pootrakul, deputy secretary-general to the Thai PM, the new tourist visa may soon be available online. A three-month trial is scheduled to try out the system in two land entry points – Nong Khai (between Thailand and Laos) and Sadao (between Thailand and Malaysia). The two entry ways will be open for 24 hours a day throughout the trial.

Unfortunately, the government has yet to reveal when the trial will start. However, some report that it may be at the end of this year or next month. Once the trial ends, officials will look at the statistics to see how they can operate the program. For instance, they will see if if they should continue with a 24/7 operation or not.

The new tourism visa is just part of the country’s efforts to help the tourism sector in Thailand grow. Kobsak says that the government aims to bring in 42 million visitors to the country by 2020. So far, they have welcomed 20 million tourists in the first half of 2019 and the year-end total is close to 39 million.

Experts say that the validity of the visa will be limited. Details are not yet out for the public to review.

Thailand Travel Tips

If you plan to visit the country, there are a lot of travel guides available. You can start your search at the Tourism Authority of Thailand website. We also wrote some articles to help you pick the best place to stay in Bangkok.

On the other hand, if you aim to move to this beautiful country, we also wrote some articles as a starter guide. These articles include the average salary in Bangkok and the cost of living in the city.

The post New Thai Double Entry Visa to be Launched appeared first on Check in Price.

Foreigners who wish to live in the country of Saudi Arabia used to find it difficult to do so. The country has very strict requirements and they don’t allow foreigners to visit easily unless it is for work or if they are Muslim. However, they are now shifting their policies to become more open as seen in their latest program.

Permanent Residency Program

On Wednesday, November 13, the Saudi government issued 73 “premium” residency to foreigners under its new program. The program aims to bring in overseas investment by allowing foreigners to buy property in the country and do business without a Saudi sponsor.

The announcement of the program led to the application of thousands of foreigners who wish to get in the country. Permanent residency can be acquired for 800,000 riyals or a one-year renewable permit for 100,000 riyals. The lucky foreigners who got the program came from 19 countries. They come from various professions as well according to the Premium Residency Center’s statement on Monday, November 11. However, it is visible it did not include how many got the permanent residency status.

The new program was introduced in May and shows Saudi’s changing perspective on how the economy can stay afloat. So far, the country has been heavily reliant on oil, but the prices have caused some importers to move to cheaper suppliers.

The program or the “priviledge iqama” system will provide eligible residents the chance to build their business, own property, and go in and out of the country without sponsorship. They will also get family status and use the processing services for Saudi nationals in the airport.

Interested foreigners must have their valid passport, financial requirements and be at least 21 years old and older.

In an interview in 2016 with Bloomberg, Saudi’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman said that the government has been considering a special Green Card system for expats. This can generate billions of dollars for the national economy should the program be successful.

Saudi Arabia Tips

For those interested to travel to Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of guides available to help. You can visit the official tourism website of the Kingdom through this link. The site also has details about how international tourists can get visa to visit the country. You may also check with your local Saudi Embassy for more details about traveling to the country.

The post Saudi Arabia Starts Issuing Permanent Residence Permits appeared first on Check in Price.

The Golden Visa program is open to select countries who wish to drive in more investments from foreigners. Each golden visa is unique per country, from how much the investment must be to how long the residence permit will be. In Greece, the options are now broader to help more people get a chance to apply for it.

New Scheme

On Thursday, the Greek government released a new statement regarding the criteria for non-European Union residents who wish to have the visa. A joint ministerial decision says these applicants can now get a five-year residence permit if they will be able to invest a minimum of 400,000 euros in Greek securities and companies. This investment will help with the country’s foreign direct investment and help non-EU nationals get the visa faster.

The new policy also ensures that even a time deposit at a Greek bank will be enough to get the visa. If one has a real estate in the country, they can use it to get in the program.

For those who prefer state bonds or mutual funds, the joint decision allows it for the program. The state bonds must be around 400,000 euros and held in a Greece-based bank for three years. Mutual funds must be around 400,000 euros as well and they must be actively on shares and bonds in Greece. The total assets must be around 3 million euros.

Foreigners who have 800,000 euros in stock or corporate bonds in the Greek capital markets can also qualify. They only need to present a permit to prove their investment.

The new rules mirrors the requirements of other EU countries offering the visa program. It also adds to the current requirement of 250,000 euros in local real estate. This is the usual way foreigners can get into the program.

In September, Greece’s Golden Visa was cited to have a high approval rate as compared to other countries who offer it.

Greece Tips

Interested in traveling in Greece? You can check out Visit Greece to find out more about the country. We also have guides on where to stay in Corfu if you will be heading around that area.

If you will be working in the country, we have a guide on the salary and cost of living in Athens.

If you plan to retire in Greece, we have a full guide as well that you can check out.

The post Greece Golden Visa Scheme Broadens Options appeared first on Check in Price.

eVisa programs are now becoming very popular around the world because of how efficient it makes traveling to foreign countries faster. They are also more secure than old visas since more information is within them. The latest country to introduce this system is Oman.

Oman’s eVisa Program

On Sunday, the Royal Oman Police announced that visitors traveling to Oman must now get their eVisas prior to their arrival in the Sultanate. Previously, travelers can avail the visa on arrival to get in Oman.

In their social media post, the police said that the visa on arrival option will only be granted in certain situations. The eVisa should be “used wherever possible.”

It is very easy to apply for the eVisa. Tourists can simply apply online and upload their passport, a passport-style photo of themselves and pay the fee of OMR5.

Processing takes around 4 days and once it is available, they can stay in Oman up to 10 days.

Currently, the eVisa program is open to 71 countries, including the European Union, the United States and Australia. The other countries not included in the list will need to apply for their visas normally through their respective Omani embassy in their home country. Requirements vary which is why it is important to inquire first before applying.

Those from the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait do not need a visa to enter Oman.

This latest announcement regarding Oman’s visa policy comes after the recent announcement of visa-free travel for Omani nationals to Saint Petersburg, Russia. In the announcement, Oman is one of the 53 countries qualified for the visa-free program. They are ok to visit Saint Petersburg with the new visa, but not visit other areas like Moscow since the visa does not cover it.

For those interested to apply for Oman’s eVisa and to see if you qualify, you can visit https://evisa.rop.gov.om/.

Oman Travel Tips

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the Middle East. Tourism has contribute greatly to Oman’s GDP and many tourists entering the country are from nearby countries.

Oman offers a very diverse range of travel destinations for tourists. Many tourists come to try out Oman’s cultural tours, which showcase the country’s World Heritage Sites. Aside from these cultural tours, there are also nature based activities available. Sporting and cultural events are also in the country’s calendar for visitors to enjoy.

To find out more about Oman, check out the official website of Oman Tourism.

The post Oman Introduces its eVisa Program appeared first on Check in Price.

Low cost airlines are a huge business with the increase in travelers looking for budget air fare deals. Some low cost airlines make a fortune with their inclusion to the airline industry in their country or region. However, not all airline markets are thriving as seen in the latest analysis from Germany.

DLR’s Analysis of Germany’s Low Cost Airline Market

On Wednesday, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) released its latest analysis about the country’s low cost airline market. They said that while low-cost flights increased across the region by 4% during last year’s summer season, Germany did not share this same trend. They saw that there is a 1% drop in the number of low-cost services this year or 6,683 weekly departures.

The DLR says that this decline is due to the decrease in flights to Italy, Spain and the UK, as well as domestic flights within Germany. Only Wizz Air expanded their operations in the country since Ryanair and Eurowings reduced their flights in the region.

According to Peter Berster of the DLR’s Institute of Air Transport and Airport Research, Eurowings reduced its flights by 3.5%. The result is that they only have 3,100 departures per week as compared to last year. Meanwhile, Ryanair and its Austrian counterpart Lauda dropped flights by 2% or more than 1,500 weekly departures.

When it comes to the share of German airports in the low-cost segment is around 33% as compared to last year’s 32% share. The slight increase is because of the overall decline in the number of domestic flights. Other German-based airlines – either full-service or charter – reported a reduction of 3.5%.

Meanwhile, low-cost flights from Dusseldorf Airport are increasing as compared to the rest of the country. Eurowings and the airport’s status as a major low-cost carrier hub are the reason for this positive growth. It currently hosts 1,100 departures of low-cost airlines in the country. It is followed by Berlin-Tegel airport.

In the European market, the low-cost carrier market grew by 4% to more than 67,000 departures per week. Ryanair and EasyJet are expanding their operations in Europe. Ryanair has 17,000 departures around Europe per week, while EasyJet has 13,100. This summer, Ryanair added 500 routes to its current route network, while EasyJet added 150 routes.

When it comes to competition, there’s not much competition between budget airlines in the region. Out of all the 10,414 routes operated by these airlines, 8,763 routes get service from one airline.

What is the DLR?

The German Aerospace Center is Germany’s research center for aerospace, energy and transportation. It is located in Cologne and they are engaged in various projects to improve national and international projects for these three industries. DLR is also Germany’s space agency thanks to its research for the industry.

The post German Low Cost Airline Market Cooling Down appeared first on Check in Price.

Getting a US visa is very difficult because it requires a lot of paperwork and interview. Many countries often hope for the chance to get into the the US visa-free waiver program. However, not all are given the chance to get in the program because of the various factors that influence the US’s decision. For Poland, their efforts to get in the waiver program came through since they will now be able to travel to the US visa-free.

Visa Waiver Program Details

On Wednesday, the US Department of Homeland Security said that Poland is now under the Visa Waiver Program and it will be active starting next week. Poland, according to the announcement, is a “trusted partner” of the US and its inclusion to the program is a testament to their “special relationship” and cooperation.

Poland’s inclusion to the program makes them the 39th country to be a part of the program. Under the visa-free program, Polish citizens traveling to the US will only need to register online and pay $14 to get in the country.

The move will help the country’s business and tourism industries, as well as boost cultural ties between both countries.

Polish President Andrzej Duda welcomed the news. He said that starting Monday, Poland’s Independence Day, Polish citizens can now travel to the US visa-free. They will also be able to stay up to 90 days for both tourism and business. He also thanked President Trump for approving Poland’s application to the Visa Waiver Program. The country has been applying for the program since 1990 after the end of communism in the country.

Early this month, US President Donald Trump said that Poland will be included in the US’ Visa Waiver Program in the coming weeks. He and President Duda met after Duda visited the country for the UN General Assembly. Trump had plans to visit Poland but had to reschedule it due to Hurricane Dorian.

Poland Travel Tips

Interested to go to Poland? You can check out the official website of Polish Tourism to get some ideas.

We also have a guide in this site on what international airports are in Poland, which 8 cities should you visit in Poland, how to get prepaid internet in Poland and how to travel via train from Lublin and Lviv. We also listed down the best places to stay in Warsaw, in Krakow and in Lodz.

For those interested to work in Poland, you may visit the Polish migration page of the International Organization for Migration.

We also have a guide in this website about the cost of living in Warsaw and in Krakow. We also did an average and minimum salary guide for those who will stay in Warsaw.

The post Polish Citizens Now Visa-Free to the US appeared first on Check in Price.

With the increasing number of tourists worldwide, airline companies are looking for ways to expand their network. Most of them are purchasing other airlines to get their network and reach more clients. The latest company to make this purchase is IAG with Air Europa.

IAG Purchase

On Monday morning, IAG announced that they have reached a deal to purchase Air Europa. The deal purchase will enable the company to increase its presence in Madrid and transform its airport, Madrid Barajas International Airport, as its next European hub.

According to the press release published, IAG’s subsidiary Iberia acquired Air Europa and put the airline in IAG’s banner. The whole deal is worth 1 billion euros and was agreed between the company and Globalia Corp. They also listed down that the deal will enable the company to boost its Latin America and Caribbean routes for its European clients.

“Acquiring Air Europa would add a new competitive, cost effective airline to IAG, consolidating Madrid as a leading European hub and resulting in IAG achieving South Atlantic leadership,” CEO Willie Walsh said in a statement after the deal was revealed.

The deal may be complete by the second half of 2020 after it gets all the government approvals it needs.

Currently, IAG is having problems boosting its growth plans in London Heathrow because of the airport’s schedules and other fees attached to the hub. However, with Spain and Air Europa, the company can utilize its Latin American and the Caribbean routes to expand further.

Last year, Air Europa recorded 2.1 billion euro in revenue and 100 million euro of operating profit. It also brought around 11.8 million passengers on its fleet in its routes for the year. They also have a good fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s for its long-haul flights.

Walsh also said that they will continue expanding its operations in Europe. The Air Europa deal is just the first step to this target.

Who is IAG

IAG (International Consolidated Airlines Group) is the sixth largest airline company in the world. It started its operations in 2011 with British Airways its largest shareholder. In 2018, it produced 24 billion euros in revenue and it currently has bases in Madrid and London.

Once the Air Europa deal is complete, the company will own six commercial airlines that has flights around Europe: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, Vueling and Air Europa.

The post IAG Acquires Air Europa for $1.1 bn appeared first on Check in Price.

The tech sector is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. Many companies are rallying to find the best tech workers and bring them to their hubs abroad. Australia’s tech industry is also cashing in on this boom and the government is working on ways to get workers in the country. The new tech visa aims to make things easier for the sector to grow.

Global Talent- Independent Program

On Tuesday, the Global Talent – Independent Program is officially launched to help Australian companies get highly skilled workers in the country. The program became known early this year by the Coalition as part of its major immigration strategy. Under the program, highly skilled workers can get their permanent residency faster than before.

With the opening of the program, 5,000 visas are on offer for brilliant tech workers to get for this financial year. Several government officials are now in Berlin, Singapore, Dubai, Shanghai and Washington DC to assist with the program. A new office will also be open in New Delhi this week for the program.

Experts say that applicants in the program may earn more than $148,700 yearly in the country. They will also have a choice between seven industries: AgTech, MedTech, cybersecurity, space and advance manufacturing, FinTech, energy and mining and quantum information. They can also work in advanced data science, digital science and ICT if they joined the program.

According to StartupAus CEO Alex McCauley, the program will usher a new era for Australia in the field of skilled migration. It will open opportunities for Australian tech companies to grow globally now that they have access to the global market.

“It’s not a tech visa. It’s a talent visa targeted at tech because there’s a growing recognition within government and industry that Australia needs to become a world leader in technology if we want to keep up with the rest of the world as the industry moves on,”

He further adds, “If we can attract some of the kind of people that this visa is seeking to target. We’ll rapidly improve our ability to build new technology in Australia.”

It is important to say that the program is not similar to the Global Talent Employer Sponsored Initiative. The program is permanent and the visa open for employers to apply  for. Meanwhile, the new program targets the best global talent directly.

Australia Tips for Migrants

Interested migrants who wish to find work in Australia can also check our short guide here. We also have a guide on where you can stay in Sydney and Melbourne here in the site.

For other visa information and inquiries, check out the official webpage of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

The post Australia Tech Visa Launched appeared first on Check in Price.