8 MONEY MATTERS TRAVEL TIPS
Cash is King
Going to a foreign country – multiple currencies? Bring at least $200-300 in the currency including some change which is useful for grabbing a luggage carrier or a quick beverage and snack. Also, you may not have an ATM or Exchange Center available to you at time of landing. While this seems improbable, it does happen that you land at a time when these services are not open or are out of order – trust me I know about this! It’s a story I’ll tell another time!
Unwanted Fees
Multiple Carriers / broken flights between countries? Check weight restrictions for each carrier, especially if flights are not connected with original ticket purchase. We learned the hard way with a 500 Euro fine!
Money Belt with RFID technology
How do RFID-blocking wallets (or purses, or clothing) work? They're lined with a material that interferes with the transmission of RFID signals. Keeps your credit cards, cash, and Passport/ID safe.
Call your Credit Card Companies
It is imperative to call all banks and credit card companies with your travel plans – even when flying domestically - to avoid a fraud alert and being “shut off” (especially at the beginning of the trip!) It Happens!
800 numbers don’t always work abroad
Bring the local telephone number of your bank which issued the debit card. Many banks have an international number to call when you have a problem. To avoid this make sure you have the local number of your bank.
Cell Phone etc.
Another potential unwanted fee or soaring expense: call your cellular service at least a week prior to departure to check on data plans and rates for international travel. Check about “unlocking” your phone if necessary. Use airplane mode when in flight.
International Banking Service Fees – ugh!
Hard to avoid but there are some banks with free international services – check before you go.
VAT fees/taxes
When you are making an expensive purchase, all vendors tell you that you claim the VAT tax at the airport. It comes as a credit on your card in about 90 days. What they don’t tell you is that you must FIND the VAT office somewhere in the airport and it’s not usually near your gate. It’s in some obscure location, possibly before you clear security, and you must allow plenty of time to find it and possibly wait in line.
