Page 9 - AAA Central Penn - AAA Now! Winter 2014

9 january/february 2014
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You've probably set a budget for your upcoming
trip, but have you considered how you'll access
those funds while traveling? Don't let international
payment modes catch you off guard; use these
tips to pack your wallet as carefully as you pack
your suitcase.
Credit card: Travelers tend to rely on their credit
Money MattersWhen Traveling
cards for travel expenses
because most vendors
accept major credit
cards. The exchange rate
charged may be better as
the market fluctuates, but
most credit cards charge
a foreign
transaction
fee as high as
3 percent, so
check your
accounts to
find the best
offer. This is a
safe solution
for major
purchases like
hotels and
restaurants.
Cash: Even in today's electronic world, you'll need
cash for outlets that don't take plastic. The "chip
and PIN" technology prevalent in Europe can be an
issue for magnetic-stripe card use at a self-service
kiosk like train stations or vending machines. Shop
around before you leave to get the best exchange
rate on currency; bringing cash covers you until you
can find a proper exchange source.
Prepaid card: Wildly popular, these reloadable
cards give you secure access to your funds and
also help you stick to your budget. Buy prepaid
cards before you leave and use them to make
purchases and ATM withdrawals. Plus, they come
with all of the protection of
your credit card.
Alerts and backups: Avoid
frozen accounts by notifying
your bank of your travel plans.
Sudden expenses that are out of
character can trigger a security
shutdown, leaving you without
access to your account. Also
check the bank's emergency
procedures: How long would it
take to get a replacement card
if yours was lost or stolen? Record the international
toll-free number for your bank, and have a backup
plan to cover expenses in an emergency. Most
travel experts recommend you carry a prepaid card,
a credit card, and a small amount of local currency.
A little research will help you find the best options,
or simply stop by your local AAA office.
A spending strategy for
traveling abroad
financial
services AAANow! TM