Communicative practice

Task . Read the dialogues given below and act them out:

Study the words for better understanding

1. exchange desk (the bureau de change) (n) –пункт обміну

2. certificate – довідка.

3. cash a cheque – обмінювати чек на гроші; отримувати гроші за чеком.

4. rate of exchange –курс обміну.

5. notice board – дошка оголошень.

6. cash – готівка.

7. identification – документ, який посвідчує особу.

8. traveller's cheques – туристичні чеки (обмініються на гроші, або приймаются без обміну в магазині, ресторані)

9. be (in) valid – бути не (дійсним).

10. signature – підпис

At the Customs

Traveller: Excuse me, how can I decide whether to go through the red or the green channel?

1^st Customs Official: If you have goods to declare you go through the red channel. If you haven't any goods to declare, you go through the green one.

T.: How do I know whether I have goods to declare?

1^st O: Well, madam, this notice here tells you.

T.: Oh, I can't understand it very well.

1^st O: If you're a visitor coming here for less than six months, and you haven't any alcohol, wine or tobacco in excess of the duty free allowance, you go through the green channel.

T.: Oh, I have got some alcohol.

1^st O: How much have you got?

T.: A bottle of brandy. And I've got two hundred cigarettes.

1^st O: That's all right. You're allowed one bottle and two hundred cigarettes. Have you got any expensive presents, things for other people? You have to declare anything which cost over ten pounds.

T.: Well, yes, I have got a watch which costs more than ten pounds in English money.

1^st O: Then go through the red channel. And my colleague may wish to look inside your luggage.

T.: I see. Thank you.

(Traveller goes into the red channel and reaches the Customs official).

2^nd O: Are these two bags all you have, madam?

T.: Yes, and this holdall.

2^nd O: Have you any alcohol, wine or tobacco in excess of the duty free allowance?

T.: No, I just have this bottle of brandy and these cigarettes.

2^nd O: You're allowed a bottle of spirits and that number of cigarettes. That's all right. Have you any articles which you intend to leave in the United Kingdom?

T.: This watch. It costs fifteen pounds.

2^nd O: Have you got any evidence of the cost – an invoice or a bill which shows what you paid for it.

T.: Yes, I have the bill. Here it is.

2^nd O: Thank you. I'll have a look in your luggage. Would you please open the two bags? Thank you. And I'll let you know in a moment the duty you must pay on the watch.

T.: Thank you very much.

Check-up

Task . Complete the sentences using the correct words from box:

Summary of basic custom rules

tobacco, Hong Kong Identity Card, free trade zone, central bank, currency, goods, government agencies, basic customs law, weapons and drugs, shipped goods, VAT and customs, transportation, imports of goods, purchases, trade agreements, criminal penalties

Hong Kong is a free port and generally does not impose duties on imported or exported goods, with the exceptions of liquors, ___1___ , methyl alcohol and hydrocarbon oil. Residents leaving the territory with a valid ___2___ for 24 hours or more may import up to 1 litre of alcohol and 19 cigarettes or 15 cigars.

Indonesia No customs for mailed goods below or equal to US$50. Customs policy may be different in Batam ___3___ .

Philippines Customs prohibits the import or export of PHP10,000 (approximately USD220) of local currency instruments (e.g. Philippine peso banknotes) without the prior authority of the ___4___. However, bringing in of USD10,000 or higher (or its foreign ___5___ equivalent) may be brought in or out but it must be declared in writing. Theoretically, the import and export of controlled ___6___ needs clearance from the relevant ___7___ regulating such goods.

European Union The ___8___ is harmonised across Europe. This includes customs duties and restrictions. Customs tax from 150 €.

Germany From 22 € is VAT payable. National restrictions especially in ___9___.

Romania Customs may be very strict, especially for ___10___ (from anywhere outside the EU). Up to 10€ goods/package there are no taxes (it is free). Taxes may be stiff. There may be an outgoing custom tax too.^]

Slovakia Up to 22€ there are no taxes (it is free). From 22€ up to 150€, it is necessary to pay VAT (DPH in Slovak) which is 21%. From 150€ it is necessary to pay ___11___ . Customs may be from 0 to 10%, the amount depending on the type of imported goods.

Georgia No customs for mailed goods below or equal to 300GEL (App US$160) including ___12___ .

USA The United States imposes tariffs or customs duties on ___13___. that are among the lowest in the world: 3% on average. The duty is levied at the time of import and is paid by the importer of record. Individuals arriving in the United States may be exempt from duty on a limited amount of ___14___, and on goods temporarily imported (such as laptop computers) under the ATA Carnet system. Customs duties vary by country of origin and product, with duties ranging from zero to 81% of the value of the goods. Goods from many countries are exempt from duty under various ___15___. Certain types of goods are exempt from duty regardless of source. Customs rules differ from other import restrictions. Failure to properly comply with customs rules can result in seizure of goods and civil and ___16___ against involved parties. United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) enforces customs rules. All goods entering the United States are subject to inspection by CBP prior to legal entry.

Part III. At the Hotel

Task . Read, translate and learn phrases to the subject:

Hello. I have reserved a room beforehand.	I have a reservation.
I’d like to check in.	How much is the room?
What time is checkout?	This room suits me perfectly, well.
How long will you stay here? for a day for some days for two weeks	May 1 leave... in the safe? money valuable things
Can I look at the room?	Can I send a fax directly from the hotel?
I would like to receive a... single room suite /en-suite double room room with a bath room with a shower room with a balcony room with a view of... - room on one of the top floors	Is there a... in the room? conditioner fully-equipped bathroom toilet telephone colour/satellite/cable TV refrigerator minibar 24-hour room service
How much is the rent…? - of a flat of a house for a night with a breakfast	Where (is)...? - a hairdressing salon - a barber's shop - a bar - a restaurant
Where can I..? - park my car - exchange currency - rent a car	Have you anything...? better larger cheaper
Is there a... in the hotel? - luggage office - fitness-hall - swimming pool - sauna - conference hall - 24-hour room service - porter - laundry - dry-cleaning - tennis-court	I am leaving... this evening tomorrow morning. Prepare the account, please. I have stayed here for... three days a week Can I pay..? - with traveller's cheques - by a credit card - in cash.

Task . Match the hotel jobs with the duties. Use a dictionary to help you:

Jobs	Duties
1. chambermaid	a) carries guests bags to their rooms
2. hotel manager	b) cleans guestrooms
3. bartender	c) serves guests in the restaurant
4. accountant	d) manages all the hotel staff
5. concierge	e) serves quests at the bar
6. porter	f) finds business for the hotel
7. waiter	g) gives information and helps guests
8. marketing manager	h) does the hotel finances

Text A. Read and translate the text:

A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. In past, hotels offered just a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand.

Evidence of hotels and the hospitality industry has been recorded as far back as biblical times when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem during the census. As the Bible depicts, Mary and Joseph were refused accommodations because there "was no room at the inn." Since the beginning of time, people have travelled for commerce, religion, family, health, immigration, education and recreation.

The word hotel is derived from the French hôtel (coming from hôte meaning host), which referred to a French version of a townhouse or any other building seeing frequent visitors, rather than a place offering accommodation. The word "hospitality" comes from the Latin root meaning "host" or "hospice." The first hotels were nothing more than private homes opened to the public but of poor reputations. Under the influence of the Roman Empire, inns and hotels began catering to please travellers and encourage visitors.

The first inn located in America was recorded in 1607. The first publicly held hotel (the City Hotel) was opened in New York in 1792. The first modern hotel (the Tremont) was opened in Boston in 1809 and the first business hotel (the Buffalo Statler) was opened in 1908.

The father of the modern commercial hotel is said to have been Ellsworth Statler. The Buffalo Statler was opened in January 1908. Statler incorporated all the modern ideas of the time into this hotel. Many services which are taken for granted nowadays were first introduced at the Statler. There were keyholes above the doorknob, light-switches next to the door, private baths, ice water, as well as a morning newspaper for each guest. The Statler set standards for cleanliness, guest comfort and affordability. For many years hotels were built to specifications matching the standards of the Statler.

Nowadays hotels offer rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning or climate control. Additional common features found in hotel rooms are a telephone, an alarm clock, a television, and Internet connectivity; snack foods and drinks may be supplied in a mini-bar, and facilities for making hot drinks. Larger hotels may provide a number of additional guest facilities such as a restaurant, a swimming pool or childcare, and have conference and social function services.

Task . Read the hotel descriptions and match them to their star ratings:

One star	Two star	Three star	Four star	Five star

1. A degree of luxury is included at this level. Public areas and bedrooms are more spacious with quality furnishings and décor and satellite TV. The en suite bathrooms are fully equipped. A variety of services is provided, such as porter service, 24-hour room service, laundry and dry-cleaning. Staff will have good technical and social skills, anticipating and responding to guests needs.

2. Hotels in this category provide luxury and exceptional comfort. The restaurant has a high level of technical skill, producing dishes to the highest international standards. Staff are well trained in customer care and are especially attentive, efficient and courteous.

3. Hotels in this category offer practical accommodation and are probably small with a family atmosphere. Facilities and meals are simple. Some bedrooms do not have an en suite bath or shower room, although maintenance, cleanliness and comfort need to be of an acceptable standard.

4. In this classification are typically small to medium sized and offer more extensive facilities than at the one-star level. Guests can find more comfortable and well-equipped accommodation, usually with an en suite bath / shower room and colour TV. Hotel staff will offer a more professional service than at the on-star level.

5. Hotels are usually larger and provide a greater quality and range of facilities than at the lower levels. All bedrooms have a complete an suite bath/shower room and offer a better of comfort and equipment, such as a direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer and toiletries in the bathrooms. Room service is also provided and staff respond well to guests needs.

Task . Complete the webpage for the Forum Hotel in Cracow with the following titles:

Meeting facilities

Accommodation

Facilities

Location

Dining

Leisure

1 _______________________

This elegant, modern hotel is conveniently situated on the right bank of the Wisla River, offering the magnificent view of the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill and Skalka medieval church. An ideal location for sightseeing and for visiting the local business, shopping and entertainment areas. Airport 15 km, railway station 5 km, old town 1.5 km.

2 _______________________

The ‘Zygmuntowska’ Restaurant serves dishes of Polish and international cuisine. Rooftop coffee shop, bar, grill bar, nightclub. Food for vegetarian and other special diets available.

3 _______________________

The hotel offers nineteen single, 244 double rooms and thirteen suites. All rooms are equipped with satellite TV, pay TV, direct-dial telephone, air conditioning, minibar and room service. There are non-smoking rooms and rooms for disabled persons.

4 _______________________

The leisure facilities of the hotel include a sun terrace, indoor swimming pool, sauna, solarium, massage, tennis courts, mini-golf and casino.

5_______________________

Our business centre offers a full range of secretarial services. Currency exchange, hairdresser, flower shop, newsstand, perfume counter, art gallery, babysitting service, laundry service, travel service office, outdoor parking and hotel taxis. Pets are allowed.

6 _______________________

At our guests’ disposal are nine conference rooms and an exhibition area, which are able to accommodate up to 600 people. We offer the highest quality conference equipment.

Task . Read the text and answer the questions after it: