'Retro' travel tip that could save you in a pickle
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We live in a world where everything is done digitally, to the point where it sometimes feels retro to use a physical card when paying for things.
And cash? Forget about it.
But when you're travelling, this is not the mindset to have, as one Nine.com.au writer shares.
You never know when you'll need cash. Getty
Chloe says that whenever she travels overseas, no matter where she goes, she always carries some local currency with her.
Even in technology-forward places, like Switzerland or Singapore, it pays to have cash - just in case.
As a young traveller, she finds that many people under 40 tend to dismiss the need for cash, but it'll always come in handy.
"This came up at on my Euro trip this year," she says.
"I had to lend the girl I was with some cash for stuff at the markets she wanted. It was some of my emergency taxi money if I needed it."
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Coins come in handy too. Getty Images/iStockphoto
You never know when you're going to need cash.
Like at a cute coffee shop you were recommended, but their EFTPOS machine is down. Or when you're parched, see a street vendor selling ice-cold water, but they only take cash. Or at the local farmers' market, or when you need a taxi after a late night, or you lose your credit card and need to buy food.
There are many countries where cash is still king, and you'd be shooting yourself in the foot if you chose to travel without it.
It's also great for tipping, for avoiding pesky EFTPOS fees, and reduces your risk of getting scammed. In Europe, many public bathrooms require cash for entry.
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Coins and small bills will come in handy. Getty Images/iStockphoto
If you do pay with card, however, always remember to select "pay in the local currency", as we've covered in a previous 9Travel Tip.
If you choose to be charged in AUD, then the exchange rate is set by the merchant's bank or processor. And it's almost always going to be unfavourable for you.
You're likely to pay an extra three per cent to eight per cent on the exchange rate if you choose to pay in AUD rather than the local currency.
That could just be a few cents on a cup of espresso, but the more you spend, the more that extra fee will go up.
Here is the golden rule, for any time you're overseas and paying by card: always choose the local currency.
If you're in Rome, pay in Euros. If you're in the US, pay in US dollars. If you're in Thailand, pay in Baht.
That way, you're using your home bank's currency conversion rate, which will be much more competitive and transparent - often very close to the market rate.
Drop us an email with all your wisdom to travel@nine.com.au, and your tip could be featured in an upcoming story on 9Travel.
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