Preparing Your CASH While On Vacation

You can’t always plan for when you’re going to spend money just like you can’t plan for all the little shops you would see along the way. It’s particularly common for tourist to come across something they want at a local small shop, only to then discover, they don’t have enough cash on hand to make the purchase. When planning your spending, don’t forget to always carry something extra. It’s better to have a little bit more just in case, than not enough.

Start with a vacation budget plan, here are some tips:

• Set up an estimate and purchase the local currency with your bank at least 3 weeks in advance
• When you need more local currency at your destination, shop around money changers. Get a scribbled quote from each money changer for the amount you wish to exchange, there are often some hidden fees. Don’t forget to ask for some small notes for tipping and small purchases. The ice cream vendor may not be able to break a big note!
• Use a credit card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee. Always pay in local currency , (decline any offers to charge in US dollars) since your credit card gives better exchange rate.
• Planning to draw cash from a local ATM at the destination? Banks and ATM operators in each country have different policies.  Check with your bank on the fees for using your ATM card there.
• Don’t bring home any foreign coins. See if you can pay partly cash for your final hotel bill.

We share our budget suggestions for our tours to give you a starting point.

Fly Confident!