spending $ abroad!tip
You're busy learning as much as you can about the country you're going to be visiting. Don't forget to consider your options for financing your trip while you're there. Today I'll offer a few simple precautions that will allow you to protect yourself abroad and make sure your honeymoon is flawless.
You have three options to pay for your expenses abroad:
Credit card: Charging purchases and expenses on a credit card gives you the best exchange rate and limits your risk of losing cash. The downside is not every store or restaurant might accept your credit card. Keep track of your credit so you don't exceed your limit.
ATM card: Get the currency you need daily with an ATM card. You'll get a great exchange rate but run the risk of someone stealing your money. Keep in mind that ATM machines are in short supply in more remote countries. Also make sure your account is set up for international withdrawals, so you're not charged large fees or stranded without cash.
Traveler's checks: Traveler's checks give you complete security. Stolen checks are refunded within 24 hours. The fee for checks varies -- often between 1 percent and 4 percent of your total check purchase. To avoid fees for changing currency, try to get some checks in your destination country's currency when you arrive. It's an inconvenient and expensive option but may give you peace of mind.
To prepare for your trip, watch exchange rates so you can learn the currency differences ahead of time. If possible, change some American money to your destination's currency before you leave and study all the different coins and bills, so you can pay for items quickly and not draw attention to your wallet. When you first arrive, purchase some local currency to use for buses, taxis, phones or tips. Foreign exchange facilities usually are located inside the airport.
Know where your belongings are at all times, either on you or stashed in a safe place. Consider these tips to avoid any complications:
Use hidden compartments. Many luggage and travel item companies sell special purses, pocketbooks and passport holders that you wear close to your body or underneath your clothing. That way you'll still have your identification documents and vacation cash if your bags are stolen.
Keep what you don't need for the day in a safe. Never leave your cash, checks, jewelry or documents in your hotel room or any other unattended location. Some hotel rooms have individual safes. If yours doesn't, ask the hotel manager to store your belongings in the hotel safe. Also store in the safe all necessary information regarding your finances.
Traveling abroad for a honeymoon is a great way to start your life as newlyweds. Have all the necessary documents, keep your belongings safe and respect the customs and laws of the country you're visiting, so the only memories you come back with are pleasant ones.
You have three options to pay for your expenses abroad:
Credit card: Charging purchases and expenses on a credit card gives you the best exchange rate and limits your risk of losing cash. The downside is not every store or restaurant might accept your credit card. Keep track of your credit so you don't exceed your limit.
ATM card: Get the currency you need daily with an ATM card. You'll get a great exchange rate but run the risk of someone stealing your money. Keep in mind that ATM machines are in short supply in more remote countries. Also make sure your account is set up for international withdrawals, so you're not charged large fees or stranded without cash.
Traveler's checks: Traveler's checks give you complete security. Stolen checks are refunded within 24 hours. The fee for checks varies -- often between 1 percent and 4 percent of your total check purchase. To avoid fees for changing currency, try to get some checks in your destination country's currency when you arrive. It's an inconvenient and expensive option but may give you peace of mind.
To prepare for your trip, watch exchange rates so you can learn the currency differences ahead of time. If possible, change some American money to your destination's currency before you leave and study all the different coins and bills, so you can pay for items quickly and not draw attention to your wallet. When you first arrive, purchase some local currency to use for buses, taxis, phones or tips. Foreign exchange facilities usually are located inside the airport.
Know where your belongings are at all times, either on you or stashed in a safe place. Consider these tips to avoid any complications:
Use hidden compartments. Many luggage and travel item companies sell special purses, pocketbooks and passport holders that you wear close to your body or underneath your clothing. That way you'll still have your identification documents and vacation cash if your bags are stolen.
Keep what you don't need for the day in a safe. Never leave your cash, checks, jewelry or documents in your hotel room or any other unattended location. Some hotel rooms have individual safes. If yours doesn't, ask the hotel manager to store your belongings in the hotel safe. Also store in the safe all necessary information regarding your finances.
Traveling abroad for a honeymoon is a great way to start your life as newlyweds. Have all the necessary documents, keep your belongings safe and respect the customs and laws of the country you're visiting, so the only memories you come back with are pleasant ones.
