Page 21 - 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers

33 Check your card’s expiration date before leaving

If you get stuck with an expired debit or credit card while overseas, it
will be very di icult to get a replacement card sent to an alternative address in

time for you to use it. Most financial institutions can initiate a renewal up to 90
days early if you simply ask.
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Get rid of coins before you leave

These o en cannot be changed by exchange bureaus, so try to use
them up before returning home, even if that means spending it in the duty-free

shop at the airport. On occasion, some airlines have collected le over currency
from passengers to donate to a worthy cause such as UNICEF. But you don’t need

an organization to brighten someone else’s day, just give your le over coins to
someone in need that you see on the street.
35 Use local currency whenever possible

I rarely have cash on me here at home, but when I travel, cash is king.
Sure, credit cards are widely accepted, but you always want to use cash for
those small purchases, snacks, visits to local markets, tips, to make donations to
temples, or to pay park entrance fees. Depending on where you are traveling, as
a backup, you can keep a bunch of American singles handy; they are coveted in
some places, and can be used for tips and small purchases.
36 Don’t launder money—iron it

Believe it or not, some countries want new-looking American bills

and won’t accept old ones. Get new bills around Christmas time, as banks o en

have them for gi s. If your bank doesn’t have new bills available, if you iron
old ones they will look new. They also take up less room in your wallet when
they’re pressed.

Try not to use public Wi-Fi for financial
37transactions

It may not always be possible, but try to avoid checking bank balances, making
online payments or entering financially sensitive information (or passwords)
while using public internet networks. Chances are low that the network has been
hacked, but it’s best to avoid the risk if you can.

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