"To travel is to live."- Hans Christian Andersen
MONEY MATTERS
When traveling, think about how you'll pay for extras like souvenirs or even tipping.
- Not all countries expect tips as we are accustomed in the US. In the EU, if a service charge is not included, add 3-5% or rounding up in Euros to next 2 or 5 euro increment often works.
- In several countries you are expected to pay or even tip for use of public restrooms - so have a few small bills/coins.
- When traveling abroad, you may want to get cash at ATMs in the local towns you are visiting especially if you are going to require multiple currencies. Find out if your bank has a foreign partner or waives ATM fees. This avoids carrying too much cash the entire trip.
- Cash hasn't been king in a long time. When using a credit card to pay for goods and services abroad, decline currency conversion. as it often has less favorable exchange rates or added fees.
- Do use credit cards that have low or no foreign transaction fees.
- Most waitstaff can do a credit card transaction at the table - never lose sight of your card.
- Many free apps exist for currency conversion so you can have an idea just how much something costs in USD vs the Iceland Krona or Japanese Yen...
