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Communication
Calling cards can be an invaluable tool
when traveling, especially in remote areas
that do not have access to the Internet
or a wi-fi station to make Internet phone
calls. Aside from being able to use them
wherever you are, the advantages of having
a prepaid calling card are numerous.
How to Bring Money
(Info courtesy of travel.state.gov
website)
It is wise not to carry large amounts of
cash. You should take most of your money
in traveler's checks and remember
to record the serial number, denomination
and the date and location of the issuing
bank or agency. Keep this information in
a safe and separate place so, if you lose
your traveler's checks, you can quickly
get replacements.
Some credit cards can be used worldwide,
even for cash advances. Keep track of your
credit card purchases so that you do not
exceed your limit. Travelers have been arrested
overseas for mistakenly exceeding their
credit limit! Leave all unnecessary credit
cards at home. Record the numbers of the
credit cards that you do bring, and keep
the list separately from the cards. You
should immediately report the loss or theft
of your credit cards or traveler's checks
to the credit card companies and to the
local police.
Before leaving on your trip, you may wish
to check with your bank to see if the country
or countries that you plan to visit have
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) service.
The bank should be able to tell you if you
can use your ATM card during your
trip abroad.
Prepare for Emergency Funds. It is a good
idea to keep the telephone number for your
bank in the United States with you, in case
you run out of cash and need to transfer
money. In some countries, major banks and
certain travel agencies can help arrange
a transfer of funds from your account to
a foreign bank. If you find yourself destitute,
contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
for assistance in arranging a money wire
transfer from a relative or friend in the
United States.
Before departing, you may wish to purchase
small amounts of foreign currency
to use for buses, taxis, phones, or tips
when you first arrive. Foreign exchange
facilities at airports may be closed when
your flight arrives. You can purchase foreign
currency at some U.S. banks, at foreign
exchange firms, at foreign exchange windows,
or even at vending machines in many international
airports in the United States. Some countries
regulate the amount of local currency that
you can bring into or take out of the country;
others require that you exchange a minimum
amount of currency.
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