Top tips on managing your money for travel

If you're a seasoned traveller, you have probably pretty much got it sussed when it comes to down to 'what's what' with your travel money, such as how to stay safe with it and protect against fraud.

But, I think everyone can learn something new, so here are a few 'top tips on managing your travel money' (some slightly adapted from the Foreign Office website) which could help you when you next go on holiday or even travel for business:

Before you go:

• it seems a bit obvious, but get some local currency! And order less common currencies a week in advance – you might find the Post Office has just run out of its last Moldovian Franc if you turn up asking for them the day before you fly!
  
  

• Use a service such as Travelex and have currency waiting for you at the airport, it saves the trip to the Post Office!
  
  

• order a mixture of cash and travellers’ cheques – always better to have a few ways to pay
  
  

• write down the numbers on your travellers’ cheques – tiresome but sensible
  
  

• write down your credit card numbers and expiry dates – leave a copy at home
  
  

• check your credit card is valid in the country you’re visiting – it's one thing a lot of people forget to do, we're so used to globalisation!
  
  

• note your credit card’s emergency cancellation phone number
  
  

• take enough money to cover emergencies – and don't spend it on the local vino!

When you’re away:

• familiarise yourself with the local currency the minute you arrive – though I'm one to talk, I'm often still fiddling about trying to count up my change at the end of a trip
  
  

• don’t carry more money than you need for the day/evening – not only don't you want it lost or stolen, you don't want to spend it all on tack
  
  

• if you need to carry a lot of cash ask your partner or friend to carry some for you (but only of they haven't got holes in their pockets!)
  
  

• keep a small amount of cash in your wallet and the rest in a secure money belt or inside pocket, just generally in different places
  
  

• if you have several credit/debit cards, only take one out with you
  
  

• leave your cash, cards and travellers’ cheques in a hotel safe and check it is secure
  
  

• don't pass on any personal (e.g bank) details unless you are confident the request is genuine, as financial scams are becoming increasingly common worldwide.
  
  

When you get back:

• Check your credit card and bank statements that little more thoroughly for the next couple of months, just on case there are any discrepancies...
  

Do you have any more tips on managing your money abroad? If you do, please add them to the comments section below!

Comments

[Cool Stuff]

I always get my travel money from the Post Office. Simple and easiest way - available for you to collect from your nearest Post Office or get it delivered direct to your door.
http://www.postoffice.co.uk