How
to effectively organise your money, banking
and budget. To guard against theft, loss of money
or other circumstances travellers should
ideally have several sources of money, for
example they may choose to carry Euro money
and foreign currency that can be changed,
plus have a credit card, an ATM card and
travellers cheques. Cards and cash should
be stored in lockers, safety deposit boxes
or secured on your person wherever possible.
Keep a copy of your travellers cheque numbers
separate from the cheques and also leave
a copy with a reliable person at home.
CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit cards can be used for
purchases including accomodation, air tickets,
and purchases in large shops. In smaller
towns the restaurants and shops may prefer
you to pay in cash. It is probably a good
idea to have several money resources. Keep
a record of lost card hotlines if you get
into trouble. TOP
BANKING
Travellers cheques and international currency
can be changed at change desks in all major
towns. Banks may not always cash travellers
cheques. If you want to send money home
most bank will charge a transaction fee,
and it is usually not possible to open a
bank account unless you hold the country
passport or citizenship card. TOP
CURRENCY
For up to date currency conversion rates
go to
http://www.oanda.com
Since January 2002 all money in Europe became
the Euro
which is roughly equal to USD $1
And you are best to operate in this currency
in any
European countries. If you're travelling
anywhere else
the US dollar is still the unit of choice
for most of
the world.
TRAVELLERS
CHEQUES
Travellers cheques are a good backup if
you lose your credit cards or you can't
use the ATM. They can also be replaced if
they are lost or stolen. Make sure you keep
a record of your travellers cheques in a
safe place (one with you and with someone
else at home). Now that the Euro is the
standard currency in Europe you can also
use them all over the European mainland.
The procedure for using travellers cheques
is to sign them when you purchase them from
a bank or other outlet, and to countersign
them just as you cash them in. Do not sign
them before this. You will also require
identification (eg. passport) to cash the
cheques. The most widely accepted brands
of travellers cheques are American Express,
Thomas Cook and Visa.
TOP
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend all travellers take out personal
travel
insurance to cover any equipment losses,
damages or
health problems that may occur.
Insure and Go - has great deals on travel
insurance
www.insureandgo.com
World Nomads Travel Insurance - As Flexible
As Your
Adventures - Specialist travel insurance
for
backpackers and independent travellers
http://www.worldnomads.com
All Aboard Benefits - provides medical coverage
plans
for individuals and foreign nationals travelling
outside their home country.
http//www.allaboardbenefits.com
Legend Travellers - offers international
travel health
insurance including expat and student medical
coverage
worldwide.
http://www.legendtravelers.com
