Question of the day: Help a fellow nomadic traveler!
Answer simple questions and help the Nomad community travel better!
As the holiday season approaches, Nomad has launched a series of initiatives to help you travel better. In case you missed them, here are some resources you might find useful:
Learn more about Singapore, Xi'an, and Toronto from an insider's perspective. Discover what these destinations are really like and what you can expect during your visit.
- We offer ourselves as your local friend to talk to and ask any questions you might have for your trip to Singapore, Xi'an, and Toronto.
Following this series of initiatives to help you travel better, we're launching the Question of the Day campaign for November!
We know that the number of destinations we include in our current initiatives is too limited. That's why we're now turning to the wider nomad community for help!
How the Question of the Day Works
Every day for the rest of November, we'll choose a "Question of the Day." These questions are submitted by other Nomad users. If you know the answer to the question or have an experience to share, simply let us know and we'll send the answers to the person who asked the question. Share your experiences and have a chance to earn some Nomad points!
The answers will also be updated on this blog so we can help other travelers who may have the same questions.
Questions of the Day
1. How can I get around Bintan Island? Are there any ridesharing apps?
Destination: Bintan Island, Indonesia
Key Answers:
Ride-sharing apps (Grab, Gojek) that are common in other parts of Indonesia are only available in certain areas of Bintan Island (specifically, Tanjung Pinang town). This also means you probably won't be able to use food delivery apps unless your resort or hotel is within their delivery area.
Taxi services are available, and most drivers wait around the ferry terminal once you disembark.
The best way to get around is to ask your hotel or resort to arrange transportation for you. This usually incurs an additional cost.
Hire a private driver if you plan on traveling a lot, or check if your resort offers motorbike rentals.
2. Can I use Google Maps in Shanghai? Or which maps should I use?
Destination: Shanghai, China
Featured Answers:
Using Google Maps is not recommended, as it only works with a VPN, and even then, you'll miss a lot of information, such as public transportation and various businesses.
Locals use their own map services, such as Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps, but they are all in Chinese and don't have an English interface.
Apple Maps and Maps.ME will work without a VPN.
3. How much data do I need per day when traveling in the United States? Is there free Wi-Fi available in New York City?
Destination: New York City, USA
Featured Answers:
It depends on your usage, but generally, 1 GB per day should be enough if you don't stream much.
Free Wi-Fi is available in most places (libraries, parks, restaurants, subways, etc.) in New York City, so you can manage with minimal data.
4. What can I do in Penang besides George Town? Everything online seems to focus solely on George Town and Penang Hill.
Destination: Penang, Malaysia
Featured Answers:
George Town is a huge area and is where most of Penang's attractions are located, which is why everything you see online seems to focus only on George Town.
But there's plenty to do and eat there, so you could easily spend 2 or 3 days exploring the area.
If you really want to get away from George Town, there are beaches in other parts of the island. Or visit Kek Lok Si Temple. Or simply take a day trip from Penang to Ipoh.
5. Is a day trip to Malaysia from Singapore worthwhile?
Destination: Singapore
Featured Answers:
Assuming you're planning to go to JB by land, if you cross the causeway on weekends or holidays, the queues can be very long. If you leave early enough, you should still have time to spend half a day (lunch/dinner) at JB.
If you prefer, go on a weekday. There are fewer people everywhere.
It depends on what you want to do.