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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 difficult 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 often 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 leftover 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 leftover coins to someone in need that you see on the street.
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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.
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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 often have them for gifts. 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.
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Try not to use public Wi-Fi for financial transactions
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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