I love traveling – being in new places, exploring and discovering new sites, learning about the history of a town, its people and traditions. Whether it’s halfway across the globe or a small town two hours away from home or even a “staycation” in my own city, there is something exciting and adventurous about seeing new landscapes, meeting people and having new experiences.
When traveling abroad, I’d rather become “one” with the people rather than stick out as a tourist. When you look like a tourist in a foreign country, you can often be a target for theft too.
So when I’m traveling, I prefer using a credit card over carrying large sums of money. Having cash for small purchases and giving tips is the best option, but I only like to carry a little bit of cash with me anywhere I go – whether it’s a short trip away or a family vacation via airplane. I’m always paranoid that I’m going to lose money so I’d rather not carry large bills with me when we’re traveling.
Using a credit card for larger purchases like hotel, rental cars, restaurants, local attractions and shopping, is safer and secure. ATM machines are not always available in some places too so I’d much rather play it safe by charging my purchases to a credit card rather than looking for a debit machine. There have been several times when my debit card chip wasn’t working, I didn’t have enough cash and my credit card came to the rescue. There is also the convenience of being able to make purchases quickly with a swipe or a quick tap and go.
Whether you’re traveling to a remote location or a large city, a foreign country or across the border, or even when you’re taking a short trip in your own country, it’s best to carry a credit card that is widely accepted everywhere – for your peace of mind.
Need some more money tips for travel? Watch this video and keep reading!
Here are 4 money tips for travel:
Carry some small bills.
You may want to exchange a little bit of money in advance if you’re traveling to a foreign country. There’s nothing worse than traveling somewhere and you don’t have any small change to tip a taxi driver or buy a bottle of water!
Skip the Traveler’s Checks
Travelers checks are no longer widely accepted and cannot easily be cashed, even at the banks that issue them. Don’t bother – just bring a credit card.
Don’t Use Currency Exchange Desks
Credit cards offer better rates than the currency exchange desks and you’ll be paying more in fees. You can use your credit card just as you would at home. Card issuers usually add currency-conversion fees of 2 to 3 percent for international transactions but you’ll get the best exchange rate and fees that are lower than those associated with exchanging cash.
Use a MasterCard
MasterCard is accepted in 210+ countries and territories, which is more than any other card. The PayPass locator app helps you find merchants/ATM’s worldwide.
Using a MasterCard is convenient enough to use instead of cash wherever possible. Credit cards are a safe, easy and convenient way to pay when traveling and there are many travel benefits built right into your credit card, including:
- Accepted at more places than any other card
- Acceptance every time you swipe or tap
- Purchase Protection
- Emergency Card replacement
- Ability to track spending and FX via online banking
- Built-in benefits such as insurance
- Safest and most seamless tool for cross-border travel
- Real-time offers and rewards
- Partner perks
- Safe & secure round trip (fraud detection and Zero Liability policy)
- 24/7 Toll-free emergency services operators worldwide
Having a MasterCard in your wallet is your best bet when traveling abroad or staying close to home. Your card is your travel partner because it’s convenient and gives you peace of mind whether you’re visiting a remote island or enjoying a staycation!
Disclosure: I’m working with MasterCard on this fabulous travel campaign.
