Page 24 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – May/June 2019

TRAVELER’S GUIDE
for International Travel
Even seasoned travelers like you can’t anticipate every financial need, so it’s essential to pack a combination of
financial products for your trip abroad, including foreign currency, as well
as credit, debit and ATM cards. It is recommended that individuals traveling abroad carry at least two of these means of payment. Here are a few tips to consider regarding money management while traveling internationally.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
You might be able to avoid exchange line hassles, high fees and unfavorable exchange rates (typically offered in airports, hotels and restaurants) by purchasing foreign currency before leaving the United States. It’s helpful to have small denominations to pay for taxi fares, tips and meals.
Traveler feedback suggests taking the foreign currency equivalent of $50 to $100 U.S. dollars per person, per day, to meet incidental expenses.
AAA offers foreign currency TipPaks®
(packages of small denomination bills)
at the AAA Travel Store. Foreign currency can also be ordered at the AAA Travel Store as well with cash or certified bank check. AAA members can order currency for more than 100 countries, with popular currencies available in two business days and other currencies generally available in five business days.
CREDIT, DEBIT AND ATM CARDS
We recommend using foreign currency for gelato, sombreros, tipping or purchases at the local market. However, credit and debit cards are good for more significant transactions, like your hotel bill or dinner. Credit or debit cards generally provide a competitive exchange rate. While many card service providers charge a small fee for each purchase, the rates still are relatively competitive and make cards a convenient travel option.
Be careful when getting cash out of an ATM. Cash at foreign ATMs is dispensed in the local currency and
Photo: Shutterstock, GoranBogicevic
debited from your account in U.S. dollars. Fees are usually associated with each transaction (generally fees from your home bank as well as the ATM’s bank).
We also recommend using all of your foreign currency abroad. Once you’re home, the AAA Travel Store can buy back your paper currency; however, it will be at a different exchange rate than you purchased it. We do not accept coins so if you have leftover foreign coins try to use them at the airport before you leave. Also, some airlines and airports will collect these for donations to local charities.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, with a little planning to consider your travel money needs, you can save valuable time and focus on the true purpose of your trip: to have fun.
Check out our exciting limited time offer for currency purchase on page 8.
24 I MAY/JUNE 2019