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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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