INTRODUCTION - Croatia and Slovenia - page 24

For increased security, shield the keypad when entering your PIN code, and don't use an
ATM if anything on the front of the machine looks loose or damaged (a sign that someone
may have attached a “skimming” device to capture account information). Some travelers
make a point of monitoring their accounts while traveling to detect any unauthorized trans-
actions.
Because the countries in this region have different currencies, you may wind up with
leftover cash. Coins can't be exchanged once you leave the country, so spend them before
you cross the border. Bills are easy to convert to the “new” country's currency, but remem-
ber that regular banks have the best rates for the conversion. Post offices and train stations
usually change money if you can't get to a bank.
Pickpockets target tourists. To safeguard your cash, wear a money belt—a pouch with a
strap that you buckle around your waist like a belt and tuck under your clothes. Keep your
cash, credit cards, and passport secure in your money belt, and carry only a day's spending
money in your front pocket.
Credit and Debit Cards
For purchases, Visa and MasterCard are more commonly accepted than American Express.
Just like at home, credit or debit cards work easily at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops.
I typically use my debit card to withdraw cash to pay for most purchases. I use my credit
card only in a few specific situations: to book hotel reservations by phone, to cover major
expenses (such as car rentals, plane tickets, and long hotel stays), and to pay for things near
the end of my trip (to avoid another visit to the ATM). While you could use a debit card to
make most large purchases, using a credit card offers a greater degree of fraud protection
(because debit cards draw funds directly from your account).
Ask Your Credit- or Debit-Card Company: Beforeyourtrip,contactthecompanythat
issued your debit or credit cards.
•Confirmyour card will work overseas, andalertthemthatyou'llbeusingitinEurope;
otherwise, they may deny transactions if they perceive unusual spending patterns.
• Ask for the specifics on transaction fees. When you use your credit or debit
card—eitherforpurchasesorATMwithdrawals—you'lltypicallybechargedadditional“in-
ternational transaction” fees of up to 3 percent (1 percent is normal) plus $5 per transaction.
Ifyourcard'sfeesseemhigh,considergettingadifferentcardjustforyourtrip:CapitalOne
( www.capitalone.com ) and most credit unions have low-to-no international fees.
• If you plan to withdraw cash from ATMs, confirm your daily withdrawal limit, and
if necessary, ask your bank to adjust it. Some travelers prefer a high limit that allows them
to take out more cash at each ATM stop, while others prefer to set a lower limit in case
their card is stolen. Note that foreign banks also set maximum withdrawal amounts for their
ATMs. Also, remember that you're withdrawing the local currency, not dollars—so, for