The Ultimate Guide to Traveling and Money - Passport by Design (2024)

This is your guide to all things traveling and money. Money can be one of the most stressful things about traveling. How will you exchange money? Will I need to tip the staff? Keep reading to find out the tips I’ve learned during my travels.

Traveling and Money – Exchange Rates

Before you even book your trip, check out which travel destinations have good exchange rates compared to where you live. Good exchange rates mean that you will get more for your money. For example, an item may show up as $5 in the local currency when you go to purchase it. Then you go home and check your credit card statement. To your surprise you were only charged $3!

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Cash or Credit Cards

Research your travel destination. Many countries are cash based. Others do accept credit cards in most places. Figure this out before you get to your destination.

If your destination is cash based, decide if you will exchange money before or after you get to your destination. There is no right or wrong answer. This varies depending on where you go. I have exchanged currency at my home bank, then taken the cash with me. Other times I have withdrawn money from an ATM at the airport, or a bank located near where I was staying.

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When I use my credit cards in foreign countries, I notify my bank before I travel and tell them my dates of travel. This will reduce the chance of my charges overseas being denied.This is one of the tips I mentioned in my post about things to do before you take an international trip. Check out that post here.

I do not use debit cards to pay for items when I travel. I only use them to access the ATM machines. This is a personal choice and I follow the same practice when I am home.

When I use a credit card to purchase items that I was going to purchase anyway, I get points that go towards future travel.It is also easier to file a claim and get your money back when you use a credit card. Credit cards come with security features most debit cards do not have. This is especially important when traveling to a foreign country.

Budgeting

As soon as I step onto foreign soil everything seems inexpensive. I don’t know what it is about buying things in other countries. Everything looks like a good deal.

When it comes to traveling and money, I suggest you give yourself a budget. Most people hear the word budget and cringe a little. Your budget does not have to be strict and can be tailored to your needs.

Plan for food, transportation, souvenirs, entertainment and emergency expenses.

Tipping

Research the tipping culture. Many counties to not expect you to tip. Tipping is common in the U.S. In some countries it can even be considered offensive to offer a tip. Don’t assume everyone tips.

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Taxes

This goes for taxes as well. In South Korea for example the tax is included in the price. It seemed so simple really. This includes restaurants and every kind of store I can think of. The price you see is the price you pay.

Duty free shopping is a little different. Duty is another word for tax. There may be places that you may not pay tax as a tourist. When you purchase the item at the store you do pay tax. Then they will give you a special receipt. You take that receipt back to the airport and you get a refund for the taxes you paid. Sometimes you will have to spend a minimum to receive tax back.

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Other shops in airports are duty free and you don’t pay tax. No special receipts are required. However, you can’t open all items you purchase at those stores immediately. Depending on the item (usually liquor) it is put in a special tamperproof bag, and you are not supposed to use the item until you have reached your final destination/home country.

If you’re interested in saving money when you travel, check out this post about motivating yourself to save for a big trip. Then check out this post about airline vacation packages.

Traveling and money go hand in hand. So, it’s great to know a few things before your trip. Do your research and don’t stress.

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The Ultimate Guide to Traveling and Money - Passport by Design (2024)

FAQs

How much cash should you travel with internationally? ›

A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling. As with all things, research is your friend here. Understand where you're travelling and what the local customs regarding cash are.

What is the best form of money to travel with? ›

Credit Card, Pre-paid Credit Card, and Gift Card

Credit cards are often considered one of the safest ways to travel with currency. When traveling, it's a good practice to carry more than one of each these three options.

What is the most cost-effective way to travel? ›

How to travel on a budget: Our 9 best tips
  • Come up with a plan.
  • Travel out of season.
  • Be accommodation-savvy.
  • Pack properly.
  • Book flights in advance…
  • 6. … and be smart about how you fly.
  • Embrace public transport.
  • Don't eat away your cash.

What is the summary of about a travel guide? ›

A travel guide can include information on the various sites, hotels, restaurants, transportation, and activities that may be of interest to a visitor. Sometimes known as guidebooks, travel guides can also include information on a country's culture, currency, and language for international travelers.

How much cash can you legally carry on a international flight? ›

You need to declare it when traveling internationally

It's legal to travel with more than $10,000 in the United States and abroad. You have the right to travel with as much money as you want. However, during international travel, you need to report currency and monetary instruments in excess of $10,000.

How much money can you bring on a plane per person? ›

So, how much cash can you fly with? You can fly with any amount of cash. No law prohibits you from bringing any amount of money on a flight. Likewise, the TSA has no rules that limit how much money you can bring through security.

Can you wear a money belt through airport security? ›

Can you wear your travel money belt through airport security screening? No, you must remove the travel belt when you go through security. It will be treated like a hip pack, which cannot be worn into the body scanners. If the belt is small, you may get away with holding it as you walk through.

Is it better to use a credit card abroad or cash? ›

While you'll always need some cash, using a credit card for your spending needs can significantly simplify overseas travel. You won't really have to deal with converting currency and, armed with the right credit card, you won't pay unnecessary foreign transaction fees.

Should you use cash or credit cards in Europe? ›

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe? Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors.

What is the cheapest way to get across the country? ›

Take a bus.

Greyhound offers an affordable way to get to nearly 2,300 destinations. You can reserve your seat and take advantage of real-time tracking to help you plan. You can get lower fares by booking in advance and/or during the mid-week when there is less demand. There are also travel deals during the Winter.

What is the cheapest way to travel from state to state? ›

Bus travel is usually the least expensive way to travel between states and routes reach almost every city and town in the United States. Traveling by bus can be slow, but it is comfortable and can get you to locations not available by air or train.

How to get a free plane ticket? ›

The 8 Best Ways To Get FREE Flights
  1. Leverage Credit Card Signup Offers.
  2. Use a Credit Card to Earn Points or Miles on All Your Purchases.
  3. Check Out Frequent Flier Programs.
  4. Consider Dining Rewards Programs.
  5. Opt for Programs with Companion Tickets.
  6. Look for More Opportunities to Earn Points and Miles Toward Free Tickets.
Mar 14, 2024

What is the oldest travel guide? ›

“Peregrinatio in Terram Sanctam” (“Pilgrimage to the Holy Land”) is said to be the world's first travel guide. Written by Bernhard von Breydenbach, and illustrated by Reiwich, it was published in 1486.

What is the first great joy of travelling? ›

The correct answer is option (a) "What is the first great joy of travelling?" The underlined part of the sentence answers this question by stating that the luxury of leaving all beliefs is the first great joy of traveling.

What is the purpose of a travel guide book? ›

A guide book or travel guide is "a book of information about a place designed for the use of visitors or tourists". It will usually include information about sights, accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and activities. Maps of varying detail and historical and cultural information are often included.

Should I bring cash when traveling internationally? ›

It is important to have cash available when you land in your destination, especially during the first days of your trip, where you will likely incur expenses for taxis, train tickets, food, souvenirs and more.

How much cash should I take to Europe for 2 weeks? ›

So for 2 weeks in Europe, a budget traveler may spend around 1,120 Euros. This could be lower if you budget to the extreme. Keep in mind, a work exchange cuts your accommodation costs down to 0, and your food, transport, and activity costs may be lower as well depending on what your host offers.

How much cash should I have when traveling to Europe? ›

As a general rule though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation. This is just spending money, as hotel costs are likely to have been either paid in advance or settled by card when you check out.

Should you travel abroad with cash? ›

Advantages of using cash

If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

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