We all want awesome vacations, and we do need to pay for the vacation we want. That doesn't mean, however, that we should throw our money away when we don't have to. Check out a few tips that can save you money. When you're traveling, every dollar counts, and I for one would rather spend my money on seeing something new than paying to charge my phone!
Get Smaller Bills at a Bank!
How often have you gotten a large bill at an ATM and then had to go buy something at a convenience store because you know you’re going to need to tip someone, somewhere? Instead of spending money you don’t actually need to spend - use an ATM at a bank, and then bring your receipt in and ask them to make change for you. It’s easy, safe, and a money saver!
Put Your Money In Order
When dealing with foreign currency it’s easy to get mixed up. Organize your bills from smallest to largest so you don’t accidentally pay too much. You don’t want to pay $100 for that $10 cab ride!
Some bills look alike!
Plan Ahead For How To Use Your Cell Phone
There are plenty of options for using your cell phone during your international travels. If you’d like to use your own phone chances are you’ll be able to do that. Call your provider ahead of your travels to make sure your phone can be used internationally and to inquire about adding an international plan - you don’t want to use your phone and end your vacation with hundreds of dollars worth of avoidable fees! Be sure to ask about data and text fees. Think about how you plan to use your phone - if you’re going to send a random text here and there or if you need to keep in constant contact with your dog sitter back home for video updates. (Just me?) You may choose to use international roaming, or it may make sense for you to sign up for a temporary international data plan.
Determine if you need a local SIM card - if you need one your cell phone provider may help you unlock your phone so you can install your international SIM card.
Remember that Starbucks has free WiFi
There are lots of ways and places to get WiFi, but remember if you get stuck - Starbucks exist in almost every city in the world at this point - and they have free WiFi. If you’re in a jam - look for the nearest Starbucks. You may as well get a latté while you’re at it.
Consider Using Your Credit Card Instead Of Cash
You tend to get a better exchange rate when you use a credit card as opposed to cash. *If and ONLY IF you’re in a location where you’re unconcerned about credit card fraud,* and you can - consider using your credit card - it will often save you money in the long run.
Photograph for proof
Most of your trip photography will be to preserve memories of your trip for you to look back on and to share with family and friends. But take a minute to snap a picture of your rental car, or boat or RV, etc. It’s a good idea to get dated proof of how your rental looked when you got it - just in case. I have a tendency to trust everyone, but I'm not going lie - that has sometimes come back to bite me. It's better to be prepared!
Comments