| So you've booked your holiday, bought all | | | | in your travellers cheques or exchange cash |
| your news clothes and packed the sun cream. | | | | you will usually need your passport with you |
| All you need now is some spending money so | | | | also. When getting cash from an exchange |
| you can enjoy yourself whilst you are away. | | | | facility, try and avoid high currency notes. |
| | | | Not only does this mean you avoid carrying a |
| You are advised to sort out your foreign | | | | large proportion of your holiday money in |
| currency before you set off on your holiday. | | | | just one note, it also means less |
| All though you can always change your money | | | | inconvenience when paying for items of a |
| once you arrive at your destination doing it | | | | smaller price. |
| in advance means you have some spending money | | | | |
| as soon as you arrive for any tips or taxis | | | | Make a note of the serial numbers on the |
| etc. However, in some countries you are not | | | | travellers cheques and do not keep the |
| able to exchange your money until you arrive | | | | receipt with them. If they are lost or stolen |
| there. | | | | then you need the serial numbers in order to |
| | | | reclaim them. It is also a good idea to give |
| You can exchange your money for foreign | | | | someone back home the serial numbers should |
| currency in almost any bank or building | | | | you lose or have these stolen too. |
| society, along with the post office and some | | | | |
| high street shops such as Marks & Spencers. | | | | You also have the option of withdrawing cash |
| You can shop around for the best exchange | | | | from cash points using your debit or credit |
| rate but generally most exchanges will offer | | | | card. It is suggested you contact your card |
| to match the best rate offered elsewhere so | | | | issuer(s) before going away to check any |
| ask if you are unsure. Some exchanges will | | | | charges or fees this may incur. |
| charge commission to exchange your money but | | | | |
| then again some do not so again shop around | | | | When carrying any cash or travellers cheques, |
| and see what each exchange offers. | | | | along with any debit or credit cards, it is |
| | | | important that you do not carry them all in |
| When purchasing your money you would be | | | | one place. This means that if you lose or |
| advised not to take it all in cash. Carrying | | | | have stolen a bag, wallet, or where ever you |
| a mixture of cash and travellers cheques | | | | keep your money, that you do not end up |
| means that should your money be lost or | | | | losing all your forms of currency and left |
| stolen then you can claim a refund on your | | | | with nothing until any replacements (if any |
| travellers cheques. Stolen or lost cash | | | | at all) can be arranged. If there are more |
| cannot be replaced, and although some travel | | | | than one adult on the trip then is also |
| insurance may cover you for such instances, | | | | suggested that any money is spread amongst |
| you will find that the amount that is | | | | them so that one person is not carrying all |
| refunded is limited, and along with your | | | | of it. Consider spreading large amounts of |
| excess it may make any claim worthless and | | | | money across your person so that it is not |
| pointless. Therefore, by carrying travellers | | | | all in one place. You should consider secure |
| cheques you have the added security that if | | | | money belts or pockets which can be worn |
| they are lost or stolen that they will be | | | | under your clothing. |
| reissued by the issuers. | | | | |
| | | | On each day of your holiday you should only |
| With travellers cheques, you sign them when | | | | carry the amount of money that you think you |
| you purchase them (at the same exchange rate | | | | need for that day. Do not carry more than |
| as your cash) and then you can cash them in | | | | necessary if it can be avoided. Leave any |
| whilst away at a local foreign exchange or | | | | money or travellers cheques that you are not |
| bank. Many hotels and shops also offer | | | | taking out with you either in a hotel safety |
| exchange facilities but always check their | | | | deposit box or safe. |
| commission rate and be sure that they are | | | | |
| trustworthy before doing so. The last thing | | | | When out and about you should always be aware |
| you'll want to do is end up with a bundle of | | | | of your surroundings and those around you. In |
| fake notes. Most exchange facilities will | | | | busy areas look out for pickpockets as they |
| charge commission to cash in your travellers | | | | will often target tourists so ensure that |
| cheques but it is usually as low as 2% which | | | | your money is in a safe place and check every |
| is a small price to pay for the added | | | | so often to make sure that you still have it. |
| security they offer over cash. When you cash | | | | |