Payments must be by Standing Order and are normally over a period of

8 months. The total cost is expected to be around £2200. Please start payments of £275 per month this September. You should arrange for 8 payments to be made.

 

Payments do not commit you to going. Full or partial refunds are possible at any time.

 

Refund:

 

The total cost of these expeditions depends much on the cost of flights and on the exchange rate of the Singapore Dollar. The exchange rate has varied from 2·0 to 3·0 to the pound over the past few years and stands at 2.0 on the June 24th 2011.

 

This poor rate represents a substantial increase on the cost of the trip.  For example, a drop from 2.5 to 2.0 $S to £ represents a 25% increase on the payment to Ecofieldtrips.

 

The charge by Ecofieldtrips is around S$2500. On top of that there is the cost of flights which will be around £800. There are also a number of minor charges for SCUBA tuition, hotel accommodation in Singapore, pocket money, and a contribution towards staff costs. If there is a surplus at the end of any trip a refund will be sent to each family in August to October. It is not expected that we will run at a loss, but if we do, you will be warned in advance and asked to make a final payment before we leave. Detailed accounts are sent to the Bursar of Dollar Academy after each trip.

 

Bank details for your Standing Order: Dollar Academy Malaysian Expedition,
Acc No 40270009, Clydesdale Bank, Dollar 82-62-08

 

Cancellation:

 

This could be a major problem, so it is worth reading this paragraph:

 

In the event of war in the Middle East or a pandemic disease (eg SARS, bird/swine flu) those cancelling may have to pay the full airfare and should be aware that they are not insured for this. Because our flights are booked as a party and not as individuals, we are only allowed a 10% reduction before the full fare is required on cancellation. This means that if more than three persons cancel, the penalty clause is triggered. Holiday insurance covers many aspects of cancellation, but not because travellers are concerned about the risks of war or disease.

 

Pocket Money:

 

Pupils are provided with all meals and accommodation, except during their stay in Singapore, where they are only given bed and breakfast at the YMCA Hotel. It is suggested that they bring around £50 of Singapore Dollars in ready cash. They should also carry some travellers cheques or English notes to change in Singapore as required. Malaysian Ringgits can be obtained in the UK before departure, or in Tioman when we arrive. £40 of Ringgits is more than adequate. Pupils will be given pocket money to buy food in Singapore. Older pupils may wish to consider using credit cards such as VISA. The cash machines are easy to use, but a PIN number is required of course.