Hostel cards and student / youth cards can save you money
on travel (bus, train and domestic air fares),
accomodation and museum entry. In many countries
hostel cards and student / youth cards can
save you money on travel (bus, train and
domestic air fares), accomodation and museum
entry. If you are under 26 years you may
also get discounts, so bring identity cards
to show this.
STUDENT AND YOUTH CARDS
Student cards from your own country are
worth bringing with you, however you may
also need an internationally recognised
card like the ISIC or ISE. If you are not
a student but under 26 years you can qualify
for a youth discount card. The ISE card
costs US $25 and can be ordered online at
http://www.isecards.com
The ISTC has three discount cards for teachers,
students and travellers aged under 26. The
ISIC card is the most widely accepted and
many travellers pick up fake versions in
Asia. Because of this you may be asked for
a secondary identification such as your
student university card. The IYTC card is
an alternative if you are under 26 and the
ITIC card is for full time teachers. These
two cards are good if you don't qualify
for anything else.
HOSTEL CARDS VIP
and YHA
(hostelling international) all offer excellent
discounts particularly for transport and
accomodation. It may be worth getting more
than one card. You can order it online.
The VIP card gives discounts of around 5%.
Hostelling international cards can be bought
at the hostel premises but may cost more
than at Hostelling international offices.
They cost approximately US $25 but you can
earn points towards a membership if you
stay at a hostel at the non-member rate.
The card also includes transport discounts
for car rental, bus and train travel.
