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Taking Your Money On Holiday - What Buys You More Abroad?

Taking foreign currency, travellers’ cheques and plastic cards on holiday covers all financial options, and gives you greater flexibility with your money when on holiday.

Foreign Cash
Cash is useful for small daily purchases whilst on holiday such as food, drink and transport. The main thing to remember about foreign currency is to not leave getting your cash until you get to the airport, as exchange rates are very poor. Beware of any commission charges and make sure you are clued up on exchange rates right up to the day you get your readies, as it can change daily. As with most products - it pays to shop around for currency.

Travellers’ Cheques
Travellers’ cheques are a safer way of taking larger amounts of money, such as for more expensive purchases and hotel bills, as if they are lost or stolen you can make a claim from the issuer. Make a note of the numbers and keep them safe somewhere apart from the cheques. You can cash the cheques at banks, bureaux de change and hotels. You will also be charged commission when you cash the cheques. Remember to take your passport and you may require your copy of the Purchase Agreement Form.

When buying your Travellers’ cheques the important thing to look out for is the commission charged and the exchange rate. There are some discounts available if you order your cheques via online banking services. Most high street banks charge a fee of around 1-2%, but some may charge up to 6%. Try to choose a bank or bureau de change that agrees to cash any unused cheques free of charge. If you are travelling to a far off destination check whether they are more likely to accept dollars, rather than UK sterling.

Plastic
Credit cards and also Debit cards are now widely accepted abroad, but check with your bank before you leave - acceptability can differ in various countries. Beware of foreign transaction fees, and also when you withdraw money from an overseas cash machine, as it is likely that the card provider will add a fee, usually around 2.5% (both credit and debit cards can be liable). Some high street debit cards charge a fee for every overseas transaction, so in this instance it may be cheaper to withdraw a larger amount of cash and use it to pay, rather than using your card for individual transactions.You can take out insurance to cover loss of your credit and debit cards.

It’s a good idea to keep your cash and cards safely tucked away in a money-belt or locked away in your hotel’s safe, as tourists are always a recognisable target for thieves. Finally, once you are back home and the suntan is staring to fade make sure you don’t allow your credit cards to rack up lots of interest by only making the minimum payment. Consider a zero % balance transfer or a low interest holiday loan to pay your debts off with affordable monthly payments.

Fiona Howard specializes in writing for the financial and business market, and is a well-respected city analyst. She currently advises Loansite the leading UK online site for finding a fast Homeowner Loan or Mortgage and a valued source of financial information, including Holiday Money Tips.

Tags: abroad, cash, credit cards, debit cards, foreign currency, holiday, holiday money, travellers cheques