Most ships accept credit cards and US dollars and often there is a currency exchange facility on board where it is also possible to exchange travellers checks. In Antarctica itself, each base uses the currency of their home country.
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The international dialling code for Antarctica is +672. Ship-based communication is by satellite phone.
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Tips are not included in the cost of a passenger ship, but are usually expected by the staff. Size of tip varies, but about US$10-15 (£5-7) day per traveller is recommended.
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The waters around Antarctica can be extremely rough, and in bad conditions loose equipment not tied down on board ship can cause injury; similarly passengers can be caught off balance during high seas. Sea ice is a polar hazard and icebergs are capable of sinking even a large ship.
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Extreme cold temperatures and wind chill can lead to hypothermia. Due to the thin ozone layer it is essential that a high protection sunscreen be worn, and the glare from the ice and water necessitates the wearing of sunglasses. The crossing of theDrake Passage will require most passengers to take some form of seasickness preventative medication. All passenger ships have an onboard doctor, but health insurance is imperative and must include emergency evacuation, which can be exorbitantly expensive.
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Each ship and base has its own electricity supply. Russian ships will have a 220-volt, 50Hz supply with a round two-pin plug connection.
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