There are so many ways to spend your money abroad, you may be
asking yourself which is the best way? here is the opinion from the experts and frequently travelers.
 Credit card.............Offer distinct
advantages, like the best exchange rates. And, big-ticket purchases that you want protected should go on your
credit card. The disadvantage, like it
can be stolen, and with no guarantee that you'll get them replaced during your vacation. And,
it is hard to trace the money you've spent (in some case, you may end up overspent).
You open your credit-card bill and discover
shopping in Italy costs more than you remembered. It's no mistake: Banks have begun adding
surcharges to overseas credit-card transactions---usually just one or two percent, but, in
some cases, up to five. So are credit cards still a better bet than traveler's checks? Yes,
except in developing countries, where you can't always use credit cards. Here's is why (1)
Buying traveler's checks often carries a one-percent surcharges anyway, and you may have to
pay one to two percent more just to convert them. (2) Credit cards offer an
"inter-bank" exchange rate that, even with fees, is better by a few percentage
points than what you get at banks and cambios. (3) Only credit cards offer
purchase protection. (4) When shouldn't you use a credit card? For cash advances, which
can carry fees as high as three percent and start accruing interest the second you get the
money, making them a costly options.
|
ATM card...............More disadvantage
than advantage when you us abroad. Like regular credit card, it can be stolen and take longer to replace. ATMs often limit you to $200 per day.
In smaller cities, ATMs may be hard to locate or out of order. And, your bank may charge certain
amount of service fee for accessing ATM not at its designated areas.
Traveler's checks.............Offer the
convenience of checks-for-two. This means two people can use the same checks, but only one needs to be present to sign the checks at a point of
purchase. If stolen, can be replaced within one working day. It also enjoy a better
exchange rate outside of the U.S. than cash. They make it easier to track the money you've spent. Most of banks
offer fee-free traveler's checks to its members.
Don't leave home without
"Cash".............When
you travel abroad, you may want to carry some amount of local currency, since there are stores and restaurants do not accept either
Traveler's checks, or credit cards, particularly those in small towns.
¡@
|
In order to
assure information posted here interesting and can truly benefit our readers
for their future travels, we
encourage you to submit and to share any of your past travel
experiences. We welcome any useful travel tips. In addition,
if you
would like to find out more or you need assistance to make trip arrangement,
do not hesitate to contact us, we are the experts, we can provide you
the best advice and travel services. Contact us via email:
larry@todotravel.com
, or call directly: (408)262-2304. Do not forget we are always here to make your vacation dream comes true !
|
|
(408) 262-2304