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First time out of the country, what do I do about cash?
Posted on 4/3/17 at 2:53 pm
Posted on 4/3/17 at 2:53 pm
I'll be in Colombia this weekend. Can I use my Visa debit card like normal? Is it better to get money exchanged somewhere? Prepaid debit?
This post was edited on 4/3/17 at 3:02 pm
8
Posted on 4/3/17 at 2:55 pm to Ingeniero
Applies to all countries, not sure about Colombia specifically:
If your card doesn't have foreign transaction fees, just do that. Otherwise, get some local currency.
If you're going to a touristy area, they may take American cash, but they set their own exchange rates that are never in your favor.
If you do use your card, make sure to call your bank and let them know where you will be traveling so they don't cancel your card.
If your card doesn't have foreign transaction fees, just do that. Otherwise, get some local currency.
If you're going to a touristy area, they may take American cash, but they set their own exchange rates that are never in your favor.
If you do use your card, make sure to call your bank and let them know where you will be traveling so they don't cancel your card.
This post was edited on 4/3/17 at 2:57 pm
Posted on 4/3/17 at 3:04 pm to Ingeniero
I would advise strongly against using a debit card in a foreign country. At an ATM yes but do not use it to purchase goods. You're leaving your bank account at risk. Terrible idea.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 3:53 pm to Ingeniero
My card has no foreign transaction fees and no ATM fees, which is incredible. I'm going to Australia Wednesday. My plan is to pull out $500 Australian from an ATM with my American debit card. When I fall below $100, I'll go get another $300. Pretty much just continue this cycle until my trip is almost finished. Then I try to evaluate how much cash I think I'll need and work it out so I spend the last of my Australian $$ on food/souvenirs at the airport.
I prefer to go all cash when in a foreign country. Be warned though. I've had my wallet stolen in Paris. My sister had her purse stolen on a train in Spain. My brother had his wallet stolen in Tokyo. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and be aware of your surroundings. If you end up in a crowded area, I recommend putting your hand in your pocket with your wallet. Be safe. And for the love of god, do not let your passport get stolen. Happened to me and my sister. It's a pain in the arse. Eats up half a day of your vacation and costs $100.
I prefer to go all cash when in a foreign country. Be warned though. I've had my wallet stolen in Paris. My sister had her purse stolen on a train in Spain. My brother had his wallet stolen in Tokyo. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and be aware of your surroundings. If you end up in a crowded area, I recommend putting your hand in your pocket with your wallet. Be safe. And for the love of god, do not let your passport get stolen. Happened to me and my sister. It's a pain in the arse. Eats up half a day of your vacation and costs $100.
This post was edited on 4/3/17 at 3:55 pm
Posted on 4/3/17 at 5:09 pm to Ingeniero
Pablo Escobar is offering cash loans if you're worried about not having enough
Posted on 4/3/17 at 10:06 pm to Ingeniero
quote:
I'll be in Colombia this weekend. Can I use my Visa debit card like normal? Is it better to get money exchanged somewhere? Prepaid debit?
If traveling to a first world country just ATM what you need and CC the rest.
If traveling to Columbia I would make sure to take a bit of cash to exchange if necessary, ATM's are not as ubiquitous as in the USA and visa may or may not be an option if you venture far outside the major cities
Posted on 4/4/17 at 9:51 am to Ingeniero
quote:
I'll be in Colombia this weekend.
So...a weekend of hookers and blow, huh?
Posted on 4/4/17 at 10:20 am to Ingeniero
I try not to land without local currency...just in case.
I go to my local bank before I leave and order $500 in the local currency. It is the same as making a withdrawal at an airport ATM, but no risk of your card data being skimmed, it is probably as close to the actual exchange rate as you will find anywhere, and there are no ATM fees.
I go to my local bank before I leave and order $500 in the local currency. It is the same as making a withdrawal at an airport ATM, but no risk of your card data being skimmed, it is probably as close to the actual exchange rate as you will find anywhere, and there are no ATM fees.
Posted on 4/4/17 at 4:08 pm to Ingeniero
I find the major bank (maybe Santander) and just use my ATM to withdraw what I need.
I do not have int'l transaction fees and by going directly through the bank you typically get the interbank rate.
Visa will work in major establishments, but forget about Amex or anything else.
I do not have int'l transaction fees and by going directly through the bank you typically get the interbank rate.
Visa will work in major establishments, but forget about Amex or anything else.
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