Comments on: What is the best way to travel without using credit cards?

By: Fishie

Fishie — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:37:11 +0000

I have been travelling for the last 1-2 years and have used from Dollars, Roubles, Dinars, Euros and all… Writing a few things I had put to use apart from Credit Cards

1. Traveller’s Cheques :: These are the most simplest and very usefull instrument available in Euros and Dollars and convertible to any local currency anywhere in the world. But you shouldnt try to BUY stuff with these TCs. Because TCs quote "lower" exchange rate compared to $$/Euros. The best way is to locate a Money Exchange company near to where u stay (Never use the Hotle Exchange office, NEVER). Go there and convert the TCs to $$/Euros OR to the local currency. Sometimes in many countries many shops offer "discounts" if you pay them in Dollars. (wink)

2. Travellers Debit Cards :: These work much like the debit cards u get issued from ur bank. But the difference is they are not linked to your account but issued only for your travel. Though you might not be able to use these cards for taxi rides or candies, you can withdraw from an ATM or in a bank. But remember many banks charge if you withdraw Dollars instead of local currency. Similar to the cash in hand, the money is taken from the card ONLY when u pay for it.

3. Debit Cards :: Just like you use these cards here in your country you will swipe em in the shops and malls. But there is a CATCH. Most banks charge an additional "Foreign Transaction" charge so if a stuff is worth $10 you will end up paying $10.55 or $11 depending on the bank. This mode of cash is a costly one for travellers. In this too the money is taken ONLY when you Swipe the card at the shop or in the ATM.

4. Credit Cards :: The most easiest and not-so-pinching-now kinda payment. Where you use the card now, have fun, come back home, then after 30 days u get to pay the money!!! So if you are short on cash when u travel, but REALLY need that DeBeers diamond brooche, swipe that card baby… Hubby can pay it next month (wink). But again there is a catch. Most banks charge 2.5% of the transaction amount as FX(Foreign Exchange) charge and ALSO the exchange rate is the HIGHEST for the currency in which u have paid. If you use Credit Card, ensure you pay it in Dollars and not in local currency. Ask the shop dude, he will know.

Hope this helps. If you need anymore information you can always buzz me or drop a line to me.

.:Fishie:.

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:37:11 +0000

It should not be taken, just earmarked.

By: detecting_it

detecting_it — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:37:11 +0000

I always carried quite a bit of my money in traveller’s checks. Never had a problem spending them, and they can be replaced if lost or stolen in just about any country. Lose you credit or debit card, and you aren’t so lucky. But, keep debit or credit handy just in case.

By: edward I

edward I — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:37:11 +0000

Your debit card account will not be "debited" until tickets are issued. Not when reservations are initiated.
As to hotels, if a night is guaranteed, your account is debited at once.
At "check in" a hold for your stay is placed on your account, plus an additional amount, as reserve for any extra charges, such as movies, bar, or restaurants. This is adjusted up or down at checkout.

By: mikewonaus

mikewonaus — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:37:11 +0000

The flights are paid in advance & the hotel deposit is tendered so that the only expense is the hotel, payable upon arrival. The credit [or debit] cards make it convienient to convert currencies & I’m not sure what your ‘etc’ entails. We all hate to part with our money but as far as I know, this is the way it woix! 8-( [+2];-)