You will be billed at the exchange rate on the day the charge clears in the U.S., not the rate at the time of purchase. Any small items purchased abroad should be mailed personally to your home address or carried in your luggage. This will limit the number of misaddressed packages, nonreceipt of merchandise, or receipt of wrong merchandise. If you do mail a purchase, be sure to ask about insurance. Mailing forms are available at foreign post offices.
Select tour guides carefully.
Make up lists beforehand of things you'd like to see. Check museum and shopping hours. Allow time for exploring and adventure. Don't feel you have to see everything to get your money's worth. Ask if any areas in town should be avoided.