Carrying Money During a Volunteer Vacation
From Wallets and Money Belt to Credit Cards and Travelers Checks
May 15, 2009
During a volunteer vacation, a large portion of the trip expenses may have been paid up front. If the trip is extended however to include a longer vacation, there will be expenses while abroad. After deciding which method of payment a traveler prefers to use during an international trip, it is then possible to select the size and style for both a travel wallet and money belt. The standard travel wisdom is to never carry or store an entire stash of currency in one location or with one person. When traveling as a family or in a group, spread the currency and bankcards between the adults.
Wallets and Money Belts
Travel wallets that have multiple compartments or zippered pouches can keep different currencies separate yet accessible. These wallets can be small, half the size of a standard check book, and easy to slip into pockets or even a money belt. At times and in certain locales, travelers are advised not to carry a significant amount of currency in public. American travel writer Rick Steves recommends carrying a small travel wallet with only enough cash for a single day. That way if the wallet is stolen, it is no great loss.
Hidden money belts are worn either around the waist or the neck and can be a safe way to carry a larger amount of currency. Money belts traditionally come in beige or black, cotton or nylon and weigh next to nothing. Be advised that the cotton belts while slightly heavier, tend to be cooler to wear and easier to clean.
Types of Payment
There are multiple ways to carry money when traveling. Some are convenient and low hassle, but a combination of all of the following may be used during a single trip. Prior to making any trip outside the U.S., contact each bank system with the proposed itinerary and dates of travel. This simple step can make all the difference when accessing funds abroad.
- ATM's and Debit Card - ATM's are almost everywhere and it is easy to obtain cash in most places. Visiting an ATM in a foreign country can be amusing because some offer multiple currencies from a single machine.
- Credit Cards - At times ATM's may not accept debit or credit cards especially if they were issued by a smaller bank or credit union. In addition, the world is not always on the same system. As a precaution, it is advisable to take cards for both of the major banking systems, CIRRUS and PLUS. Make sure that the PIN numbers for all cards are known and working before leaving home.
- U.S. Dollars - U.S. Dollars in cash is the easiest form of currency to exchange, especially in lower denomination bills such as ones, fives, tens or twenties. It is prudent to take clean and un-torn bills. Be aware that some places are not familiar with the newer bills and prefer the old greenbacks which are getting harder and harder to find. Some countries prefer and allow most transactions in U.S. Dollars. Consult the guidebooks for the country concerned to determine if the U.S. Dollar or the local currency will offer the best rate of exchange.
- Local Currency - Bills and coins are easy to use but not always convenient to carry depending on the exchange rate. When arriving at a foreign destination outside of standard business hours, it is wise to arrive with at least a small amount of the local currency. That way, if the exchange offices are closed upon arrive, there is cash on hand for porter tips and local transportation.
- Travelers Checks - They're passé. They're antiquated. They're obsolete. They should all be in the Smithsonian. Not necessarily so. These have a higher nuisance factor. (i.e. locating an open bank, hotel or store that will cash them and at times standing in long lines). That being said, carrying a few may be a wise precaution.
- Certain remote locales may have either limited or no ATMS, or bank machines on only one system. For example, Easter Island still has only one ATM and it is on the CIRRUS system that accepts only Maestro or MasterCards. Cash advances are obtainable by visiting the bank during the limited open hours. As a back up, the local convenience store on Easter Island does exchange small denomination travelers checks.
Researching all expected locations prior to a trip can alert the traveler to areas with potentially limited banking options. Travelers checks still remain the only currency that is replaceable if lost or stolen. It looks like the actor, the late Karl Malden, may still be right, "American Express Travelers Checks - Don't leave home without them."
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