Money on the road

Take your major credit cards, such as, Visa, Master Card and American Express.
Make sure they are really credit cards and not just debit cards with a credit card company’s logo on them. Many locations require a credit card and will not accept a debit card, so they may have limited use on your travel.
Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you. will need to travel.

Should I use my credit card when I travel?
Yes, using your credit card can be more valuable than using cash, so use it when you can.
You’ll probably be able to get a better exchange rate than changing money to spend yourself.
You’ll be in a stronger position; the credit card company can often charge back disputed charges.
Many times your credit card will offer an extra guarantee or warranty when you purchase items with your card, but you’ll want to read the fine print for exceptions.
You won’t have to risk your safety by carrying and displaying large amounts of cash.
If you lose your card, most credit cards have a low maximum liability limit if you quickly report the card as lost.

How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?
You can arrange to pay bills that will come due while you are gone.
They will be aware that you will be making charges from another country.
They will be able to give you an idea of how acceptable their credit card is in that particular country.
They can verify acceptance at certain foreign locations.
They’ll be able to see if your PIN number will work in the countries you are visiting. They can also issue you another PIN number if your current PIN is unacceptable to the foreign bank’s system.
They can explain cash advance, ATM, foreign purchase and foreign exchange rate policies and fees.
They can explain any services they offer, such as, extra insurance for your rental car, luggage or purchases. Make sure the coverage offered extends outside the United States and will be valid in all the countries where you’ll be traveling. Also, be sure to note any other exceptions.
They may need to give you another phone number to call in case you need to reach them. The 800 number listed on the back of your card may not work from foreign locations.
You can find out if they charge a currency conversion fee, so you can find the most economical card on which to place your foreign purchases.

What should I know about using travelers checks?
If the particular brand of travelers checks are accepted in the country and area you’ll be visiting.
How widely they are accepted within the countries and areas you’ll be visiting.
Any fees for purchasing and using the travelers checks.
The travelers check company’s loss, replacement and refund policies.

How can I protect my travelers checks while traveling?
Take the same precautions you would to protect your cash. Be sure to learn and follow the procedures required if you lose your travelers checks. You’ll also need to make copies of your travelers checks before you go and keep separate from them the following information.
The serial numbers of the travelers checks.
The denomination of the travelers checks.
The date and location of their purchase.
The phone number to call to report them missing.

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