Common Sense Safety & Money Matters 💵

When you first arrive at your destination, you may want to cash only what is necessary for your immediate needs. Never carry large amounts of money with you, and keep it secure, close to your body. Money bags and belts work best.

If you need to carry a purse, make sure it has a long strap so you can put it over your head and across your body. Never keep it unzipped or hanging loosely at your hip. Purses and jewelry on unsuspecting travelers are prime targets for most thieves.

Never go out alone. Always have at least one other person with you.

Try your best to blend in with other people rather than drawing attention to yourself. The less noticeable you are, the less likely you are to have a problem.

You can never be too safe when traveling so use common sense, and think through situations ahead of time. Pay close attention to everything around you. Be prepared!

STREET SMART TIPS

Always go out with a friend
Keep your doors locked
Keep car/taxi windows closed
Put ID tags on all of your bags
Carry a card the taxi driver can read to get you back to the place you’re staying

Wear flashy jewelry even if it’s costume
Put all your money in one place
Go out alone
Flash wads of money
Carry a lot of cash
Carry a purse
Carry your wallet in your rear pocket
Exchange money on the street
Promise anything, not even to write a letter to someone, if you cannot follow through with your promise

MONEY & CURRENCY EXCHANGE

A recommended amount for personal travel money is $25 - $30 per day. This will cover meals, miscellaneous expenses and small souvenirs. Most restaurants want to issue one check per table. With that in mind, everyone should have some cash on them each day to cover their lunch and dinner expenses.

Please notify your credit card and debit card companies that you will be traveling and your location, as well as the dates you will be there. Use a credit card for purchases when possible so that you have a good record of your receipts.

Every penny you spend on project expenses is tax deductible like other charitable giving. Depending on the ATM and your location, you should not only have your Debit Card PIN memorized but your Credit Card PIN as well.

Chip and PIN represent a change in the way that credit and debit cards are used. The program is designed to cut down on the fraudulent use of credit cards. More and more banks are issuing customers Chip and PIN versions of their debit or credit cards.

Some establishments might not accept your credit card unless you have a computer chip embedded in it. More and more places are moving from the magnetic-strip credit card to the new system of "Chip and PIN.” In the changeover in technology, some retailers have falsely concluded that they can no longer take swipe cards, or signature cards that don't have PINs.

For the time being, both the new and old cards are used in shops, hotels, and restaurants, regardless of whether they have the old credit and debit card machines or the new Chip and PIN machines installed.

In the interim between traditional swipe credit cards and those with an embedded computer chip, you can get a four-digit PIN from your credit card's issuing bank before leaving home, or call the number on the back of each card and ask for a four-digit PIN.

Keep an eye out for the right logo displayed in a retailer's window. You want Visa or MasterCard, not Maestro, Visa Electron, or Carte Bleue. Know that your Amex card will work where an Amex logo is displayed, but the card is not as widely accepted as Visa and MasterCard.

As a last resort, make sure you have enough cash to cover your purchase.

Use an ATM card to get cash. You get the best exchange rate using an ATM card as opposed to exchanging cash at a bank or hotel. Our host can direct you to an ATM. Check the airport for one as well. You can use your ATM card to get native currency from the country you are in without having to go through the exchange process.

If you are shopping in an open air market of any kind, you may need cash. Be sure and ask where the best place is to exchange American dollars in the event that is needed and you will need identification to do that. Always ask for a currency exchange receipt. You may be asked for it when you change your money back into dollars.

DO NOT exchange money on the street with anyone.

These are becoming much more difficult to use and exchange in many countries so we strongly recommend NOT using these.

Visit Trip Advisor to see what the tipping etiquette is in the country you're visiting.