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When on vacation, it's advisable to carry a mix of credit cards, debit cards, and a small amount of local currency to ensure you're prepared for various payment situations and emergencies.
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Using a credit card on vacation can have advantages over using a debit card. First, many credit cards offer rewards or cashback for purchases, which can help offset your vacation costs. Credit cards offer more protection against fraud and unauthorized charges. If your credit card is lost or stolen, you can usually dispute the charges.
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The amount of cash you should bring on vacation depends, including your destination, trip length, budget, and personal preferences. A general rule of thumb is to get enough cash to cover your expenses for the first few days of your trip in case your credit cards are not accepted, or there’s a problem.
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Keep cash, credit cards, and essential documents in a hidden pouch or money belt worn under your clothing to keep them safe from pickpockets. Also, be discreet when using cash or credit cards, and do not flash large amounts of cash publicly to avoid catching a thief’s eye.
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Many banks and credit card companies offer transaction alerts that will notify you via text message or email of any large or unusual transactions. Enabling these can provide an extra layer of security, letting you know immediately if someone else is attempting to use your cards.
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Using an ATM abroad offers the convenience of quick access to local currency, often around the clock, but may come with higher transaction fees or less favorable exchange rates compared to visiting a local bank branch. Banks may offer better exchange rates and lower fees for currency conversion.
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