My first time overseas, I had to exchange cash in $twozerozero of travelers checks to paymountaineering guide who hadn't heard of American Express. The bank charged me $eight. Duringsame trip, I used my debit card atATM to get $twozerozero from my checking account. Once home, I saw thatcharge for this was one dollar, and that waslast time I used traveler's checks.
Debit And Credit Cards When Traveling
I usually carrydebit card andcredit card when I travel now. I keep them well-hidden in two separate places. If they are stolen, which has never happened yet, they have either zero liability, orfifty dollar liability limit for any unauthorized charges. Ask your bank or credit card company about this.
WhenAutomated Teller Machine (ATM) will not take one ofcards for some reason - and this will happen - I useother card, which usually works fine. Credit cards may be less trouble than debit cards. Your liability could be zero on your stolen debit card, but you probably will not have access to your account untilmatter is sorted out.
Of course, on longer trips it'shassle to paycredit card bill on time, which is notproblem with debit cards. Carry both, and on longer trips you can wait until you'refew weeks from home to usecredit card. That way you'll get there beforebill does.
An important advantage credit and debit cards have over travelers checks, is that when you needlocal currency, you'll almost always getbetter exchange rate with your cards. Also,cash you get fromlocal ATM will truly be accepted everywhere, something even American Express Travelers Checks can't promise.
I have nothing against American Express. Once, when I was robbed in Mexico, they quickly and curtiously replaced my stolen traveler's checks. Also, at times it is appropriate to carry money in several forms, including theirs. However, times change and ATMs are everywhere now, so my policy is : Travelers checks; do not leave home with them. You can takeAmerican Express credit card instead.
About The Author
Steve Gillman hitroad at sixteen, and traveledU.S. and Mexico alone at oneseven. Now fourzero, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com.
