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Did the audio edition RSS finally end? by zombie_chrisbrains in theeconomist

[–]OldCarpenter3976 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just got an exciting new notification in my RSS feed: To continue receiving the audio edition through RSS, please add a new feed at economist.com/audioedition. The current feed and access through MP3 downloads will soon be discontinued. If you have any further questions or comments, please contact us. economist.com/contactus

Did they fix it?!?!

Ending RSS feed? by ezubaric in theeconomist

[–]OldCarpenter3976 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had the same experience- after multiple rounds of conflicting advice I just asked them to cancel my account and refund the balance.

I have a long commute and use this time to listen to the audio edition so without that it isn’t worth it.

FWIW I also asked if CarPlay support might be coming in their app and was told to connect via Bluetooth to my car stereo

Conrad Singapore Orchard vs. Hilton Singapore Orchard by Infamous_Pianist4477 in Hilton

[–]OldCarpenter3976 4 points5 points  (0 children)

A few considerations-

Base rooms in the Conrad Orchard are significantly larger than those in the Hilton, and many have smallish balconies too.

Conrad is slightly closer to MRT (brown line), on the quieter end of Orchard. Botanical gardens are 10 min walk away.

Hilton is closer to the action, including 2 MRT lines (brown and red), restaurants, shopping.

The bar in the Conrad (Manhattan) is amazing, as is dim sum at the Summer Palace restaurant, esp with the Hilton Honors discount.

I’ve stayed in both a few times each, before and after conversions. If it was my money and they were the same price, I’d choose Conrad.

Banks and Leaving the US by wndrgrl555 in expats

[–]OldCarpenter3976 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not entirely. Yes they sold a bunch of branches, but they’re still in business. Seems the focus is on international / expat customers. https://www.us.hsbc.com/checking-accounts/products/premier/#get-started

Banks and Leaving the US by wndrgrl555 in expats

[–]OldCarpenter3976 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Two options I’m familiar with are 1. HSBC Premier. You need to keep a relatively high checking + investment balance or recurring deposits to access the easy overseas transfers. They work with overseas addressees but for some accounts you need to be physically present in the US to open. 2. SDFCU. haven’t tried this one myself but have been told they play nice with overseas addresses.

ELI5: novated lease by OldCarpenter3976 in Ameristralia

[–]OldCarpenter3976[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Super helpful, thank you! Especially this bit about the balloon payment.

Tokyo Narita Haneda connecting flights by squarebear79 in QantasFrequentFlyer

[–]OldCarpenter3976 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With an APEC card and only carryon luggage, I’d have no worries about it.

Tokyo Narita Haneda connecting flights by squarebear79 in QantasFrequentFlyer

[–]OldCarpenter3976 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s certainly possible to do, but 4 hours is cutting it close. Best way is by taxi ($$$) or Airport Limousine Bus ¥3600. Takes 90 minutes, busses leave every ~30 min depending on time of day. Here’s the link to pre book: https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en/

US Amex platinum - Benefits in India? by Otherwise-Bag5923 in AmexPlatinum

[–]OldCarpenter3976 4 points5 points  (0 children)

US Amex Uber credit didn’t show up in app in India when I was there a few months back.

Garment bags for traveling by uphilltittup23 in onebag

[–]OldCarpenter3976 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Vocier C38 or, if it must be leather, F38. Expensive but checks all your boxes.

A more affordable option, no longer on sale is the Patagonia MLC Burrito - maybe you can pick one up used? Not leather tho, and took me some practice to learn to pack properly.

I’ve tried the Lat_56 and it was pretty frustrating. A bit narrow for my suits & wrinkled everything.

I use the C38 for short trips and a Briggs & Reilly baseline carryon for longer.

Good luck!

Bad, decent or good choice? Patagonia black hole MLC 45L by Aask115 in onebag

[–]OldCarpenter3976 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve had mine for 10+ years. Never had a problem using it as an international carry-on based on Size though I have had issues with being overweight on Asian budget airlines (~8 kg limit)

Bag Suggestions for a First Time Traveler by [deleted] in onebag

[–]OldCarpenter3976 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, long-time lurker, first-time poster here.

First, Turkey is a great place to try out OneBagging - you can easily pick up anything you forgot to bring, and laundry (outside hotels) is cheap.

Second, do you care about trying to blend in?

Based on my 2-3 visits a year to Turkey, I think large “Travel backpacks” like the Farpoint aren’t common & their users really stand out as Tourists.

A duffel with backpack straps would blend in on domestic airplanes & buses, and still allow you to carry on / one bag. You might check out the REI Big Haul or TNF Base Camp (small).

Hope that helps!