Money management ?

[Orrjames]

We are planning on traveling where ever the wind blows from S. Fl. What is the best way to pay for things in other countries ? Take a boatload of cash? Debit cards? Travelers checks? Any input would help.

[MarkJ]

Visa card. Amex not accepted.
Travlers cheques not used any more

[Unicorn Dreams]

Debit card
Visa card
Cash
Everywhere in the Caribbean takes greenbacks, just watch evchange rates.

[Orrjames]

Excellent thank you all!

[Doodles]

Check your cc agreement. Most charge a foreign exchange transaction fee and it can add up. But there are ones that don't, so you may need to shop around. We have a HSBC Premier card and it doesn't.

[captain58sailin]

My debit card charges me the exact exchange rate at the time of purchase and no fees.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by captain58sailin

My debit card charges me the exact exchange rate at the time of purchase and no fees.

Who is the issuer if you don't mind saying? And is it the same with your credit card?

[captain58sailin]

I don't know about the credit card, I try never to use credit cards outside of my home country, check with Charles Schwab regarding debit cards.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by captain58sailin

I don't know about the credit card, I try never to use credit cards outside of my home country, check with Charles Schwab regarding debit cards.

Thanks but my cc already doesn't charge so I don't need another. I was just curious as to others cc's that don't. I put everything I can on the cc that way I get some cash rebate, plus if there is any problem with a charge I'm protected since I can dispute the charge and not pay it until the issue is resolved. With a debit card once its deducted from your account, its pretty much gone I think.

[David_Old_Jersey]

When travelling abroad I have found it useful to mix up options. Never know when something won't work (even if it should).

Also useful to have someone at "home" who could (at short notice) Western Union / Moneygram out cash (or use there own credit card).

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

When travelling abroad I have found it useful to mix up options. Never know when something won't work (even if it should).

Also useful to have someone at "home" who could (at short notice) Western Union / Moneygram out cash (or use there own credit card).

We need to talk David, you could be my guy!

[boatman61]

Money Management....?? for me thats a fantasy... oh how different life could be...

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Doodles

We need to talk David, you could be my guy!

The good news is that I did once have some interests in the world of micro finance lending in the 3rd world - unfortunately, having just checked the CF rules , I see that most of the related funny stories......aren't funny

If you are interested, I would obviously want a Facility Fee up front and if you can also let me know your blood group and whether your kidneys are still in good order...........just for the paperwork

[arjand]

Originally Posted by captain58sailin

My debit card charges me the exact exchange rate at the time of purchase and no fees.

which bank is that?

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

If you are interested, I would obviously want a Facility Fee up front and if you can also let me know your blood group and whether your kidneys are still in good order...........just for the paperwork

He likes to hold one for investment in other bodies....
in case of default on your part...
But I'd not worry... he's usually moved on before you have a chance to default...