Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CREDIT CARDS & ATMs
Credit
cards are the most widely used form of
payment in the United States. Among
the most commonly accepted are
Visa
(www.visa.com), which is BarclayCard
in Britain;
MasterCard
(www.master
card.com), which is EuroCard in
Europe, Access in Britain, and Chargex
in Canada;
American Express
(www.
americanexpress.com);
Diners Club
(www.dinersclub.com); and
Discover
(www.discovercard.com). You must
have a credit or charge card to rent a
car. There are, however, a handful of
stores and restaurants, and even a few
guest ranches and B&Bs, that do not
take credit cards, so be sure to ask in
advance. Most businesses display a
sticker near their entrance to let you
know which cards they accept. (
Note:
Businesses may require a minimum
purchase, usually around $10, to use a
credit card.) Check the websites listed
above to find an ATM or location
where you can get a cash advance on
your credit card.
It is strongly recommended that
you bring at least one major credit
card. Hotels, car-rental companies,
and airlines usually require a credit
card imprint as a deposit against
expenses, and in an emergency a credit
card can be priceless.
ATMs
(automated teller machines)
are easily found in U.S. cities. Some
ATMs allow you to draw U.S. cur-
rency against your bank and credit
cards. Check with your bank before
leaving home, and remember that you
need your personal identification
number (PIN) to do so. Most accept
Visa, MasterCard, and American
Express, as well as ATM cards from
other U.S. banks. Expect to be
charged $1.00 or more per transac-
tion, however. One way around these
fees is to ask for cash back at grocery
stores, which generally accept ATM
cards and don't charge usage fees. Of
course, you'll have to purchase some-
thing first.
SAFETY
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS
Although tourist areas are generally
safe, U.S. urban areas tend to be less
safe than those in Europe or Japan.
You should always stay alert. This is
particularly true of large American
cities. If you're in doubt about which
neighborhoods are safe, don't hesitate
to make inquiries with the hotel front
desk staff or the local tourist office.
Avoid deserted areas, especially at
night, and don't go into public parks
after dark unless there's a concert or
similar occasion that will attract a
crowd.
Avoid carrying valuables with you
on the street, and keep expensive cam-
eras or electronic equipment bagged
up or covered when not in use. Hold
onto your pocketbook, and place your
billfold in an inside pocket.
Always lock your room door—don't
assume that once you're inside the
hotel you are automatically safe and
no longer need to be aware of your
surroundings.
DRIVING SAFETY
Driving safety
is important too, and carjacking is not
unprecedented. Question your rental
agency about personal safety and ask
for a traveler-safety brochure when
you pick up your car. Obtain written
directions—or a map with the route
clearly marked—from the agency
In Case of Emergency
Be sure to keep a copy of all your travel papers separate from your wallet
or purse, and leave a copy with someone at home should you need it
faxed in an emergency.
Tips
