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