Whether you choose to live like royalty or scrimp on a shoestring in Vietnam, you’re going to have a memorable trip.
21.07.2023 - 07:48 / roughguides.com
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You may have become accustomed to depending on those little pieces of plastic when at home, but on the road paying for that bowl of noodles, train ticket or local beer is unlikely to mean simply whipping out the Visa or waving your Amex.
Carrying your money abroad often means literally carrying it – in cash – as you're likely to be charged a fee each time you use your card. And it’s certainly going to mean more forward planning than your usual “just popping to the ATM” lifestyle back home requires.
The first question is: where are you headed? Our guide to carrying money abroad is divided into regions, depending on how easily available ATMs, banks and chip and PIN machines might be.
Pick your travel destination below and we’ll help you start planning the practicalities behind that skydive you want to do, that market you want to visit, or that cross-continent train journey you’ve got up your sleeve.
ATMs are more readily available in certain destinations © Shutterstock
When travelling around much of Europe or in Australia and New Zealand you can apply the same rules as you would at home in the UK.
It’s always advisable to have some local currency on you – especially on arrival, you may need it for those first taxi or bus journeys, or that first coffee or meal before you get to an ATM.
Throughout your trip you are sure to come across smaller businesses, markets or bars and restaurants that don’t accept debit or credit cards.
If you use American Express, be aware that it’s not as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard. Carrying both a Visa and a Mastercard is always the best bet, though keep them separate to avoid losing both at once.
Currency exchange office in Prague, Czech Republic © Shutterstock
It’s also a good idea to keep one credit card in your hotel or hostel, tucked away somewhere hidden, for emergencies.
For security reasons, taking money out of an ATM every few days is a better idea than carrying large amounts of cash. Although using ATMs to withdraw cash is convenient, it can be costly as most banks will charge you a fee when using your card abroad.
Wherever you’re travelling don’t forget to tell your bank so they do not block your card.
Although the USA and Canada are also countries where debit and credit cards are widely accepted, you will certainly need cash here – you are expected to tip everyone from taxi drivers and hotel porters to waiting and bar staff.
Before your trip get some US or Canadian dollars and ask for small bills so that you’re ready to tip as soon as you arrive. Be sure to continue breaking larger bills into smaller denominations so you always have one dollar bills for those
Whether you choose to live like royalty or scrimp on a shoestring in Vietnam, you’re going to have a memorable trip.
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