Finance and money forum

Denominations query

leeturnbull-
82

longtail driver
Posts: 7

Hey guys,
My girlfriend and I will be travelling around all of SE Asiafor 4-6 months with a budget of $6,000 dollars between us. We were wonderingwhat the best way would be to split up our money between cash (US and local), abank card, and traveler’s checks. How much and what denominations should we putinto traveler’s checks? Any advice and/or suggestions would be helpful.

#1 Posted: 12/1/2012 - 16:50
savorygal

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 109

I have been traveling for a year now & brought no travelers checks. I use my debit card exclusively (better rates & more convenient) and about 600 USD for "emergencies" I still have over 200 USD in cash, as the only "emergencies" i had were a town with broken ATMs and when my bank locked me out. ( be sure to tell your bank you are traveling, BTW) you can get local cash when you land. all airports have ATMs.
happy travels

#2 Posted: 12/1/2012 - 18:11

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busylizzy

under-employed
Posts: 1470
Located in:
Private message

I agree with savorgal. I tend to carry a bunch of USD cash as well (in a mix of denominations from $100 to $20) for emergencies. I tend to hide a couple of the $20 in different places in my pack, JIC. eg in the bottom of my toiletry bag, etc - and carry the rest.

Agree there is no need for TC's - rely on your ATM and credit card. I would suggest carrying a spare card to your account, or having two different accounts with a card each. Same with credit cards if you can. Then carry the cards separately - eg swap spare cards with your girlfriend, or keep one in your wallet and one in your money belt.

I did this, and found it saved my butt on Day 1 of my trip, in Singapore, when I somehow lost my wallet. (I blame jetlag, the heat... or just general stupidity!). Either way, having the spare cards and cash back in my room made life MUCH easier while I waited for my replacements cards to arrive with my friend 3 weeks later.

#3 Posted: 12/1/2012 - 19:28

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