Travel
Money-to-Go Travel Tips
Have you decided to take off and see the world? Great! Read on. As you get ready to make the move, there are a few money things you should know about your account and services offered by your credit union. Go through the checklist and get one step closer to making your dreams happen.
Cash & Travellers Cheques
It is good to know all the ins and outs of foreign travel long before you set off on an international trip. Which foreign currencies will you need? What are their value? How do you get cash abroad? Are credit cards accepted? Avoid carrying too much cash. Traveller’s cheques are preferable as long as you have proper ID. You can also access cash from ATM machines in the US and abroad.
Credit Cards
All the major stores accept the most popular credit cards – Visa, MasterCard®, Diners Club, although some stores balk a little at American Express because of their higher commission. It is better to use cash in smaller stores and with street vendors. Paying by credit cards also gets you the best exchange rates.
ATMs
Most banks have ATMs and this is a good way to get local currency at a favourable rate. Members can obtain a Member Card® debit card that provides convenient access to your account(s) and provides you with an additional method of payment across Canada and most places worldwide. Your MemberCard‚ is accepted at any ATM displaying THE EXCHANGE®, Interac®, Cirrus® and Maestro® symbols. The Member Card® saves you time and money with 24 - 7 ATM access. There are no fees when using ATMs across Canada that feature THE EXCHANGE® logo (Note: regular account service fees still apply). What's more, your purchases are protected with the Buyer Protection Extended Warranty.
Make sure you know your Kudos account service charge policy before using International ATMs.
How much Foreign Cash?
It is a good idea to bring a modest amount of cash to your first foreign country. This way, you are not worrying about how to exchange money the moment you arrive at your destination. Within Europe, sixteen of the major countries adopted the Euro € vastly simplifying the currency issue. Your credit union can get "U" the foreign cash you need BEFORE you take off!
Travellers Cheques
Their great advantage is security – if you lose them, or they are stolen, they can easily be replaced – provided you have kept the Reference Numbers in a safe place. Remember to look for "No Commission" deals, especially in tourism hotspots where more deals are to be had. If you have to pay commission, get a couple of friends to join in with you and change the same amount each (like $50), so that you only pay one lot of commission. You will pay the same commission whether you change $5 or $50, so change a good amount each time. Ensure you know both the Commission and the Exchange Rate before you do business with anyone. Remember you will need your passport as ID to change travellers cheques. If you are just travelling to a single currency zone (like the British Isles, or a Euro Zone), order Travellers Cheques in the currency of that zone (pounds or euros), as this will be quicker and easier. Your credit union can get "U" the travellers cheques "U" need.
Get Connected
Currency Converter
www.xe.com
International
ATM locator and service centres
www.mastercard.com
Department
of Foreign Affairs & International Trade – Information and
assistance for Canadians abroad
www.voyage.gc.ca
Official
list of Canadian High Commissions, embassies and consulates around the
world.
www.international.gc.ca
For
the Canadian overseas or on the way
www.canuckabroad.com
International
Travel Health
www.who.int/ith
Centre
for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov
World
Weather news
www.worldweather.com
Map search
www.mapquest.com
Discount
Cards
www.statravel.com
STA
Travel is the world's largest student travel organization helping students
travel in over 90 countries.
International
Student Identity Cards
www.isecard.com
Still have questions? E-mail a kudos Advisor now or visit us in-person.
