Page 19 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – November/December 2019

When traveling internationally, there are a few good reasons to keep cash on hand upon arrival and throughout your visit.
Plan Ahead to De-stress Your Arrival
Incidental expenses such as snacks, tips, fares for subways and taxis and pay toilets pop up almost immediately. A small supply of local currency can mean the difference between long waits and unfavorable rates at ATMs or exchange bureaus and a quick transfer from baggage claim to a taxi.
Merchants May Require Minimal Purchases
Small cafes and restaurants may only accept credit cards with a minimum charge of around $10. They may also charge an additional 3 to 4 percent foreign exchange fee if you pay by credit card.
Cash Is Still King in Some Locations
In some popular destinations, merchants demand cash and not every card works with local ATMs. Even in countries where credit- card use is widespread, such as Ireland, that charming rural B&B insists on cash — as will cab drivers in Barcelona. If you want to
haggle with a street vendor in Lisbon, explore the Spice Market in Morocco or buy handcrafted goods at Munich’s Christmas Market, shop with cash.
Share Your Plans with Your Bank
Let your bank know your travel plans so you don’t risk having your credit card charges declined. Record the bank number to call if your card is lost or stolen. If you intend to use a debit card, research your destination. Access to a debit card gives thieves access to your entire account. Banks block the use of debit cards in countries where card fraud is common, such as China.
Know the Risks Associated with Cash Machines
Cash machines in other countries may require personal identification numbers (PINs) that differ from the format of your number, and access can be limited. Some small airports or train stations may not offer ATMs, particularly in less developed countries.
The most common risk is that transaction fees add up. Your credit card may charge a
Finalncial Services flat fee of about 3 percent when you use a
foreign ATM. The foreign bank may charge an additional fee.
If the ATM offers you the option of “dynamic currency conversion,” choose payment in local currency rather than U.S. dollars. Otherwise, you could be charged a conversion fee and find yourself on the wrong end of the exchange rate.
Diversify Your Depart-folio
Incorporating cash, prepaid and credit cards into your travel wallet optimizes convenience and minimizes vacation aftershocks when statements arrive. It pays to know what you want to spend. It also pays to know when you need cash and when to use plastic.
AAA provides cash in more than 80 denominations through its partnership with Travelex. Order currency as cash or on a prepaid Travelex Money Card. Delivery options include pickup at your AAA office
or home delivery as early as the next day, nationwide. Visit AAA.com/ForeignCurrency or your local AAA office to purchase.
ESCAPE SHOP ENJOY
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STATEMENT CREDIT1
after qualifying purchases
Turn everyday purchases into unlimited rewards with AAA Member Rewards Visa® card.
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FROM EVERYDAYTO EXTRAORDINARY
For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this card, visit your local AAA. 1Statement Credit Offer (Valid 5/30/19–12/31/19). You will qualify for a $75 statement credit if you use your new credit card account to make any combination of Purchase transactions totaling at least $750 (exclusive of any fees, returns and adjustments) that post to your account within 90 days of the account open date. Limit 1 statement credit per new account. This one-time promotion is limited to customers opening a new account in response to this offer and will not apply to requests to convert existing accounts. Your account must be open with active charging privileges in order to receive this offer. Other advertised promotional statement credit offers can vary from this promotion and may not be substituted. Allow 8–12 weeks from qualifying for the statement credit to post to your account. The statement credit will generally be applied to your existing balance with the highest APR before being applied to any balances with lower APRs. Receipt of a statement credit does not affect your responsibility to pay your Minimum Payment Due shown on each statement you receive from us. Rewards Program Rules: Program Rules containing additional details will be sent to you with your new account materials. Other significant terms apply. Program subject to change. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. AAA is a registered trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. ©2019 Bank of America Corporation. ©2019 AAA.
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