Money Overseas

[Damp Squarie]

Is there an ideal way when flying overseas?

Moneybelt?
Travellers cheques?
Visa would be best eh?

Whats other options?

Thanks

 

[Former]

VISA card, travellers cheques in a money belt and some cash in your wallet.

 

[Damp Squarie]

Thanks Adrian

 

[Frodo]

I take a couple of VISA cards (just in case an ATM gobbles up one) and any cash in the country I'm visitings currency from a previous visit. My first stop on landing is an ATM in the airport to get some currency.

 

[Former]

Originally posted by Frodo
I take a couple of VISA cards (just in case an ATM gobbles up one)

Good call.

Remember VISA in Japan is not VISA for the rest of the world. Good luck getting cash out at one of their ATMs.

 

[utility]

Originally posted by topjars
Is there an ideal way when flying overseas?

Moneybelt?
Travellers cheques?
Visa would be best eh?

Whats other options?

Thanks

There are two important points; understanding what will give you piece of mind (what makes you feel safe), and where you are travelling.

A Cirrus card is extremely handy. Before moving to Canada for six months I got a Cirrus card linked to my savings account at the Bank of Melbourne (Westpac). It allowed me to withdraw money from selected/partner ATMs as if they were BofMelb ATMs... the exchange rate was/is good as well. I know they have partner banks in the USA, Canada, Germany and a few other countries. At other banks that are part of the Cirrus network, there is a $5 surcharge.

Visa cards are widely accepted, though I am unsure whether you will be able to withdraw cash straight off a Visa card in a wide number of places. Also be sure not to go on a spending spree.

Travellers cheques IMO are a waste of time, but if you need them to feel safer about your money, get them. Cash is also an option, but it depends how comfortable you feel carrying cash, and how much cash.

As for a moneybelt, it again depends on how comfortable/safe you feel and where you travel. Some places I wouldn't even think about a money belt, other places I would think twice. There are resources such as the Lonely Planet that may recommend money belts in certain cities/countries.

Investigate what support your bank has for Cirrus cards as they are very, very handy. I would combine a Cirrus-linked card with a Visa card and cash (before leaving the country).

Happy travels!

 

[SydneyBomber]

Re: Re: Money Overseas

agreed - Cirrus is the winner by far.
travellers cheques are a waste of time.

take some cash as well (but not too much - say $50-100), as you'll always need cash handy for certain things.

try and keep a few low denomination bills handy too for tips, public transport etc

 

[GoEagles]

Travellers cheques are a waste of time I've found.

Usually split between Cash & Visa Card. Just make sure the fee you have to pay per transaction - usually $4-$5AUD.

It can often be a good idea to bring 2 wallets - one you wear when shopping and one back in the hotel safe.