Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ber, though, that a cash withdrawal on a credit card is like a “temporary mini-loan,”
and there is an interest charge.
You can avoid interest charges by using a debit card (whereby cash withdraw-
als and purchases are deducted from your checking account). Debit cards have
a major drawback, however; it is far more difficult to refute billing errors when the
money has already been withdrawn from your checking account. You probably will
still pay a fee of around $2 per withdrawal with a debit card. If you do carry trav-
eler's checks, cash them at the branch-bank facilities located in or near railway
stations and airports. Banks and official currency-exchange services are required
to pay the official exchange rates. Hotels and stores seldom give you the full ex-
change value and often add substantial service fees. Credit cards are handy for
paying the larger expenses, such as hotels and restaurants. The charge is conver-
ted into dollars at the applicable exchange rate on the date the charge is posted.
Make a list of credit card, traveler's check, airline ticket, and rail pass numbers
that you plan to take. With a computer and a scanner, you can put copies of your
documents on USB thumb drive. When purchasing your rail pass, inquire about
Pass Protection, a type of travel insurance covering any unused portion of the pass
in case of loss or theft while abroad. Leave a copy of your list at home and pack
one in your suitcase or carry-on bag. Make two copies of your passport. Leave
one copy at home and take the other one with you. Carry a certified copy of your
birth certificate and a few extra passport photos. Taking the time to do this will save
you days of delay on your trip if your passport is lost or stolen. If your passport is
lost or stolen, report it to the local police and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.
Cameras
If you plan to take an expensive foreign-made camera that you purchased in the
United States, bring the sales slip. Otherwise, go to a U.S. Customs Office before
leaving the country and have your equipment registered. Carry a copy of the sales
slip or the registration form with your passport, and keep a spare copy tucked away
in the camera case or your shoulder bag.
Some quick thoughts for those of you considering bringing or buying a digital
camera. Unless you are serious about cameras, don't get caught up in buying the
newest, best camera, with the most megapixels. Find a reasonably sized camera
which is easy to use and fits your budget. (Currently, $200-$300 will buy you an
excellent portable model, without expensive extra features you are unlikely to use.)
Spend time before your trip getting comfortable with at least the basic features of
your camera. You don't want to be desperately fumbling with your camera while
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