8 Apps and Websites You Can Use To Get The Best Travel Deals
- By CompareHero.my
- November 29, 2021
As of today, the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) between Malaysia and Singapore has started. Travel has been heavily increasing in the last few weeks and if you want to go on a vacay as well, you’re going to look for the best travel deals.
People usually head over to popular sites such as Hotels.com, Booking.com and Agoda to book cheap hotels and flights. While those are great options, here are some other alternatives you can try. Who knows, you might get even bigger discounts!
Note: All of these travel websites have mobile apps as well.
Contents
1. Skiplagged
Skiplagged.com was founded in 2013 and you can look for both flight and hotel deals on it. What’s unique about Skiplagged is that it uses a ‘hidden-city ticketing’ technique.
How this works is that you buy a ticket to a destination with a layover in between. In reality, your actual destination is where you have your layover, and that is where you will get off. But by merely using it as a layover destination, you will pay less. The second half of your journey, of course, will go to waste, but it’s still said to be cheaper.
Interestingly, as complicated as this sounds, it’s a common and perfectly legal technique that is used.
2. Travelocity
Travelocity is owned by Expedia, the same group that owns Hotels.com. Besides flight and hotel deals, you can even book travel packages for various cities. This is a great option if you have no idea what to do in a new place. Some of them also come with tour guides.
Travelocity offers free cancellations for many of their deals, so you won’t have to worry about changing plans if needed. Especially at a time like this, flexible travel deals are much needed.
Related: 5 Important Things To Know Before Booking Your Next Flight
3. HotelTonight
HotelTonight is owned by the ever-famous Airbnb, and their USP is that they can help you find hotel rooms last-minute. If you need to make a quick trip somewhere, this app should be at the top of your list to get lodging.
However, do note that for now, HotelTonight is only available in the Americas, Europe and Australia. So, if you’re planning to travel to those places anytime soon, you might find HotelTonight handy.
4. Hotwire
Like Travelocity, Hotwire belongs to the Expedia Group, and it also has flight & hotel deals as well as travel packages. But in addition to all of this, it also provides car rental services. Going on a holiday and want to drive instead of taking public transport? Sure thing!
Hotwire’s deals are also cheap because they sell off unused travel inventory. This way, these packages won’t go to waste, and you also get to enjoy them at discounted prices.
Related: 8 Hotels In Malaysia That Are Currently Having Exciting Staycation Promos
5. Luxury Escapes
Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Luxury Escapes is an online travel agency with about 3.2 million members. While their members are all over Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, the US and the UK, you can book travel deals to and from any destination.
Their promos are mostly limited-time, so you’ll really need to be on the lookout if you want to snag one at a great price. Want to get something posh like a river cruise? You’ll probably find it on Luxury Escapes.
6. HotelsCombined
With HotelsCombined, you’ll get to compare prices for the same hotel or flight from various websites. There are more or less 2 million deals you can find on the platform, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
To make your search even easier, you can also change the currency if that will help you compare prices better.
7. Omio
Omio also lets you book tickets for smaller modes of transportations such as buses, trains and trams. Do note that you can only book tickets for destinations in Europe, the US and Canada.
But again, if you’re a first time traveller to these places, you might appreciate being able to book all your tickets easily in one place.
8. FareFirst
What’s interesting about FareFirst is that they have something called Nomad Booking. Under Nomad Booking, you can just select all the places to travel to, and FareFirst will come up with an itinerary just for you.
It’s nice having a customized trip for you, but it also works great if you’re bad at planning your dream holiday.
We hope you found this article helpful! Want to book a trip but don’t know where to go yet? Maybe you could start with some glamping spots all around Malaysia. Click the link below for more information!
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Useful Tips To Survive As A Freelancer In Malaysia
- By CompareHero.my
- November 26, 2021
Want to become a freelancer? Well it involves a whole lot more than sitting around at home waiting for inspiration while you work to pay the bills. Here are some survival tips you need to know in order to become a successful freelancer in Malaysia.
Contents
Learn how to manage your time as a freelancer
Being a freelancer means becoming your own employer. So being disciplined and keeping yourself motivated may prove to be a challenge for some. Yes, everyone feel motivated when you are getting paid, but if your discipline and motivation reach a low point, you might start missing deadlines and fail to secure new jobs.
First up, you will need to start off by getting organized. Designate a working space in your home and set a working schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Make sure you get proper rest and make sure your work doesn’t cross the line into your personal time.
Keep track of time and take note of how long it takes for you to finish one project. Use that as the basis for how much time you will allocate for each project. If you tend to slack off while working at home, get out of the house immediately. Try working at co-working spaces which you can rent where the environment may increase your productivity. (It may also encourage you to work harder because you’re paying for rent.)
How to start looking for freelance jobs
If you are just starting out, you can try websites like Fiverr or Freelancer.com to secure your first project. These websites allow employers to post jobs and freelancers can bid the amount of payment they would like to be paid for each project.
Depending on your skills, platforms like Kaodim and ServisHero are a good way to advertise your services as well. By signing up with them as a service provider, they can match your skills with clients who are seeking out similar services such as graphic design, photography, event planning and more.
Do it only if the price is right…
Don’t lowball the other freelancers out there just for the sake of getting work. Not only is it rude, but when you later try to raise your rates, employers will just move on looking for another sap who’s only shortchanging themselves in the long run. Be smart and charge a fair rate for what your work is worth.
Here’s another tip from our Content Manager who worked as a freelancer for three years:
“Lowballing in the freelance community is more common than you think. I’d like to add that NEVER EVER start off by lowballing and try to take advantage of your clients by threatening to withhold the work if they don’t raise your payment. Firstly, it’s extremely unethical and once word gets around, no one will ever trust you or want to work with you ever again.”
“You’ll probably run into clients who pull the same stunt on you by refusing to pay unless you do extra work. It’s pretty much a long walk off a short plank as the freelance industry is a lot smaller than you think.”
How to negotiate your freelance payments
Do consider offering your services at a slightly lower price and focus more about building a network of regular clients. Once you’ve gotten the ball rolling and built a solid reputation for yourself, you can negotiate with your clientele about increasing your charges. However be realistic and understand that not every client can afford a multi-million ringgit budget. After all, that’s the main reason why most are looking for freelancers in the first place.
Another tip is to start with a base fee then include additional costs based on the complexity and time needed to complete each project. You should also do some research on what your competitors are charging to get a better idea of whether you are under-charging or over-charging your clients.
Related: 5 Polite Ways To Ask For Your Money Back
How to protect yourself as a freelancer
As a freelancer, you are bound to experience problems with a client about the payment process or specific project details. But if push comes to shove, make sure you have all of the details in black and white in a formal agreement to protect both you and your client’s interests.
Always keep a copy of all your conversations with your client via email, phone messages and even social media. For example, deal with your clients directly and issue a job quotation or payment order to have them acknowledge it and return it to you before work even begins. This is to ensure you have all of the paperwork in place to fall back and protect yourself whenever necessary.
How to manage your money
Becoming a freelancer means that you will no longer have regular income and there will be months where you earn more money and there will be times when business is slow. Therefore, you will need to be on top of your finances at all times. Being prudent with your money is just as important as meeting deadlines and delivering your work on time!
The first step would be to have a budget, where you begin by tracking all of your spending and set a monthly budget for yourself. You will then have a clearer picture of your expenses versus your income. You should also set aside some money to put towards your savings, as it will also help your out during the “slower season”. You should also take note of your cash flow even more so when you are a freelancer so that you can be sure you can survive the next few months even if you have less work.
Related: 10 Free Budgeting Apps That Can Help Track Your Expenses
It may take some time to achieve work-life balance when you are a freelancer. However, recognise the potential problems that can arise in freelancing and make adequate preparations to overcome these problems, you can then make your career as a freelancer smoother and more rewarding.
Looking to start your journey as a freelancer? Check out the article below on the best paying jobs on Fiverr!
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4 Reasons Your Loan Application Gets Rejected, And What To Do About It
- By CompareHero.my
- November 25, 2021
Picture this: You’ve been wanting to renovate your home for some time now. There’s quite a bit of work to be done, so you’re going to need some extra cash to fund your dream home makeover. Your best option would be to head over to a bank and apply for a personal loan.
You then go ahead and send in your application, but days later you’re told that it’s been rejected. You’re not sure why this happened, and you don’t know what you can do about it. In this article, we’ll look at 4 common reasons why loan applications get rejected.
Contents
1. You don’t meet the salary requirements
This may seem like a super simple thing, but it’s possible to overlook these details sometimes. Before applying, double-check that you are actually eligible to apply. If you’re not sure what type of loan is best for your income bracket, consult with a bank official or use a loan calculator tool.
But having a stable income is just one thing. You also need to prove that you’re earning enough. When applying, make sure you furnish the required documents such as payslips or other proof of income that the bank may ask for.
2. Poor credit score/ no credit score
If you know what the purpose of a credit score is, you’d know why it’s important to maintain a decent one. A good credit score means that you don’t have a lot of debt and you’ve been paying off your financial obligations on time. Naturally, a bank would be happier to give you a loan if your credit score is good enough.
Related: 6 Ways To Improve Your Credit Score
However, while better debt management does result in a better credit score, not having any financial commitments at all will not necessarily mean an impressive score. If there has been no history of you having a loan or credit card before, you might end up with no credit score. This way, the bank will not be able to assess whether or not you’ll pay up on time, even if you earn really well.
3. Unhealthy debt service ratio
A debt service ratio (DSR) is another way banks can determine whether or not you’ll be able to pay your loans. This is done by calculating the ratio of your debts to your household income. Generally, your DSR is determined using the following formula:
Total of monthly commitments + amount of loan you’re applying for
÷
Net income (after deducting EPF, SOCSO etc.)
Once you get a number, multiply that by 100 and you now know your DSR! Typically, most banks prefer a DSR of 30-40%, but some of them might accept a higher DSR in certain scenarios. It also largely depends on the type of loan you’re applying for; some of them require lower DSRs and some just don’t.
Before you apply for the loan, find out from the bank what the DSR for that particular type of loan is. That way, you can avoid getting rejected for a loan you don’t qualify for.
Related: 3 Ways You Can Settle Your Debts In Malaysia
4. You have several pending loan applications elsewhere
You might think of applying for multiple loans at once in the hopes of getting at least one approved. But a lesser known fact is that this can actually work against you. Banks can check to see if you’ve been applying for loans elsewhere. And while it’s not wrong to apply in more than one place, too many applications may cast a doubt on how genuine you are. To be safe, limit your applications to 2-3 banks at one time.
Besides that, if your bank finds out that many of your loan applications have been rejected elsewhere, this can affect your loan approval. There’s also the issue of applying at the right bank. Some banks are better suited for certain types of loans. So instead of just applying to, say, 10 banks at the same time, check to see if you’re applying at the best bank for your type of loan.
What can you do about a loan application rejection?
Not getting the approval for a much-needed loan isn’t fun, but there are some things you can do to help yourself. The first thing is to find out why it was rejected. Once you know the reason, you can take the next steps. For example, if the issue was due to a bad credit score, you can work on improving it before reapplying. Or if it was to do with your salary or some incomplete documentation, you can provide whatever is missing to the bank.
In the event you feel that you fulfill all the requirements but your application was rejected due to a mistake, you can appeal the bank’s decision if that option is available to you.
Learned something new? Be sure to share this article with a friend or two! And if you’re thinking of applying for a personal loan, let us help you. Apply within minutes, with just a few simple steps. Click the link below to find out more:
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5 Important Things To Know Before Booking Your Next Flight
- By CompareHero.my
- November 24, 2021
Do you know what are your rights if your flight is delayed, cancelled or you lose your baggage? Here is what you need to know about your rights as an airline passenger in Malaysia to make sure you don’t lose your money when the unexpected happens.
Contents
1. Compensation for delays
Do you just wait around when you are told that your flight has been delayed? You are actually entitled to receive compensation which includes meals and also accommodation depending on how long the flight is delayed for.
- Delays of 2 hours or more: you are entitled to receive meals, internet access and telephone calls access
- Delays of 5 hours or more: you are entitled to receive transport and hotel accommodation
In cases where your flight has been cancelled, you have the right to another flight at no additional cost. But what if you don’t want another flight ticket but you just want your money back? You have the right for that option too. But if your flight was cancelled in situations of extraordinary circumstances such as war, meteorological conditions and security risks, the airline is not obliged to pay compensation.
If you feel that you were not adequately compensated for the flight delay or cancellation, you can submit a complaint to the airline.
Related: Travel Insurance: What Happens When Natural Disaster Strikes?
2. Claim for lost/delayed baggage
When you take a flight, you may be at risk to cases where your bag does not arrive with you at your intended destination. Usually, when this happens, your baggage will be declared lost or in some cases, it was mistakenly put on a different flight than yours.
In those type of situations, you are entitled to compensation for the inconvenience caused. To claim for compensation, you will need to submit a written complaint to the airline. The time limit to make a claim in relation to baggage matters are as per below:
- make your claim on arrival
- within 7 days of receiving your bags (for damaged baggage)
- within 21 days of receiving your bags (for delayed baggage)
If your bags did not arrive on the same flight that you were on, you are can submit a claim of up to 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (approximately RM 6,200, depending on exchange rate of the time) in cases of baggage delay. Special Drawing Rights is a measure of currency created by International Monetary Fund (IMF) for international compensation. The currency value of Special Drawing Rights is determined based on market exchange rates of major currencies which as U.S dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling and Chinese renminbi. The currency value is calculated daily (except on IMF holidays) and is reviewed and adjusted every five years.
3. Price disclosures
When booking for a flight ticket, the airline must show you all of the following before you purchase the ticket:
- baggage allowance policies
- government taxes and fees
- other fees and charges
- terms and conditions applied to the fare type
- refund and booking policies
- fees and charges imposed by the Commission
- contact details of airline
- any other information necessary to explain the conditions and the total price of the ticket which you will be purchasing.
Aside from that, you should also know that airlines cannot automatically add on any additional services to your flight fare. You must always be informed about the services and be given the option to “opt-in” only if you want to.
Related: 5 Extensions That Can Help You Save While Shopping Online
4. Theft and accidental damage?
Sometimes the unexpected happens like getting your personal belongings stolen from you at the airport or even during the flight. However, in the event of theft, airlines are not liable for theft, or even damages. Once you check in your luggage, it passes through various parties for screening and security aside from just the airline. This is why the airline will not be responsible for luggage theft.
What you can do is to protect yourself from such instances by making sure your travel insurance covers theft aside from flight delays and cancellations.
5. Submitting a complaint
Any airline or aviation services related complaint in Malaysia can be submitted to Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM). It was formally established on 1 March 2016 to regulate economic and commercial matters related to civil aviation in Malaysia.
But before you submit a complaint to MAVCOM, you will need to lodge a report to the specific airline, airport or aviation service provider first to give them the opportunity to resolve your complaint. If you have already done so and the issue has not been resolved after 30 days you can then submit a complaint to MAVCOM.
However, MAVCOM will only review complaint cases of airline operations in Malaysia. This mean flights taking off, landing or in transit through Malaysia.
Did you know that you can get free travel insurance by using the right credit card when purchasing your flight tickets? Some of the free travel insurance you get from your credit card covers delays, flight cancellation and even lost baggage. Although you are entitled to get compensation from your airline, most of the time it is of a minimal amount.
To ensure you have a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience, use the right credit card or take up travel insurance for extra protection. Want to see some great options for a credit card and travel insurance? Click the links below!
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Online Scams in Malaysia You Need To Know About
- By CompareHero.my
- November 23, 2021
Are you put off from buying and selling online because of online scams? Educate yourself on the online scams in Malaysia to protect yourself from falling victim. Check out the common online scams below so you can be safe and smart online!
Contents
1. Online Banking Scam
This one has been around for a while but not many people might know about it. In this type of scam, what happens is that the scammers place an ad for a product on social media. The ad would be interesting enough to make you want to purchase the item. Once you decide to pay for it, you’ll be redirected to a payment page. However, instead of being taken to your bank’s actual website, you’ll find yourself at a fake one.
It would look just like your bank’s website, so you might not suspect a thing. You’ll then innocently giveaway your login details, and this is how the scammer will be able to access your bank account. It can be tricky, but to save yourself from this, be wary of who you buy from. Look out for real reviews to ensure that they’re legitimate. And when it comes to payments, ask if you can pay through other methods such as online wallets.
Related: Types Of Money & Investment Scams You Often See In Malaysia
2. The Foreign Buyers Scam
This is the most common scam an online seller would encounter. The modus operandi is always similar – these foreign buyers will contact you saying they are from a foreign country but are interested to buy your item.
Chung Tsung Chen, Head of Corporate Affairs at Mudah.my explained, “When these scammers ask for your bank details to make payment it can go two ways. They will either send you a fake remittance slip or they will use your bank details and get someone else to deposit the money into your account. Most of the time they will send a fake remittance slip.
“There have been cases where victims receive calls purporting to be from Bank Negara with cloned numbers from the fraudster’s accomplice asking them to deliver the item or scaring them” said Chung.
“These clone numbers look similar to phone numbers of Bank Negara but with a slight difference such as a dot or a dash. At first glance the number looks the same as it’s very minor, minute differences”. If this happens to you, call Bank Negara yourself to get the matter checked out.
3. The Upfront Deposit Scam
This is the most common scam received says Chung, “it is still the main scam that is happening here in Malaysia. People make upfront deposits after which they do not receive the item. The seller then disappears and can no longer be contacted. It usually happens with electronic items.”
Chung says the best way to protect yourself from falling victim to this is to never agree on any upfront deposit or payment. It is safer to opt for Cash on Delivery (COD). He says if a seller refuses COD or gives excuses as to why COD is not possible, it is a red flag. Do also avoid dealing with sellers who insists on deposit to “reserve” an item.
4. The Vehicle Syndicate
This is a syndicate where scammers pose as or use an existing car dealership company details claiming to sell used car online. They will then tell a buyer who is interested to make a deposit payment into their account to “secure” the car.
However, upon making the deposit payment and going to the car dealership, the victim learns that it was a scam and no such employee exists at the car dealership company.
Chung advice buyers to do a quick check by calling the dealership to check that the car is indeed being put up for sale by the company. He also advise buyers to not make any upfront deposits.
“This is very prevalent, it’s basically a syndicate going around and it’s a form of identity theft and car dealership companies are being used by scammers to scam people.”
Another way to spot this scam is if you are asked to make a deposit to an account under an individual’s name, because by right the transaction should be made to the company’s account.
5. The Tenancy Scam
When it comes to this type of scam, Chung shares that, “most of the time these cases usually involve fake property agents.” He explains that victims are usually tricked into making a deposit to reserve the unit. They will then find that the individual posing as the property agent can no longer be contacted.
Chung’s advice is to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate property agent, “Call the real estate agency to verify, it’s very straight forward. Don’t take the phone number the agent gave you as it could be a phone number directing you to their accomplice. Do a quick search for the real estate agency’s details and call that number instead to check if the agent exists.”
Scams with tenancy usually happen with rentals, and it is prevalent especially at student hubs, “be careful with tenancy for places such as Setapak and Wangsa Maju because the student population is high there” says Chung. Students are usually in a rush to find a room or house to rent, so they are more susceptible to falling victim to these sort of tenancy scams.
Related: 7 Lesser Known Websites To List Your Property On
“At the end of the day, the best way to avoid being a victim to scams is to opt for Cash on Delivery (COD)” shares Chung. So whether you’re a buyer or seller dealing online, when it comes to the payment it’s best to do it via the COD method. It pays to be vigilant folks!
Want to know how you can save more money? Make sure you’re using an optimized credit card that helps you save money and rewards you! Compare credit cards for free with the CompareHero comparison tool to score yourself the best deal today! Click the link below to find out more:
