Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bank (in small amounts, of course) and paying in cash.
Remember:
You'll need
identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to change a traveler's check.
CREDIT CARDS & ATMS
Credit cards are the most widely used form of
payment in Hawaii:
Visa
(Barclaycard in Britain),
MasterCard
(EuroCard in
Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada),
American Express, Diners
Club,
and
Discover.
There are, however, a handful of stores and restaurants 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:
Busi-
nesses may require a minimum purchase, usually around $10, before they will
accept a credit card.)
It is strongly recommended that you bring at least one major credit card. You
must have a credit or charge card to rent a car. Hotels and airlines usually require
a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses, and in an emergency a credit
card can be priceless.
You'll find
automated teller machines (ATMs)
on just about every block—at
least in almost every town—across the country. Some ATMs will allow you to
draw U.S. currency against your bank and credit cards. Check with your bank
before leaving home, and remember that you will need your personal identifica-
tion 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 up to
$3 per transaction, however, if you're not using your own bank's ATM. One way
around these fees is to ask for cash back at grocery stores that accept ATM cards
and don't charge usage fees. Of course, you'll have to purchase something first.
ATM cards with major credit card backing, known as “debit cards,” are now
a commonly acceptable form of payment in most stores and restaurants. Debit
cards draw money directly from your checking account. Some stores enable you
to receive “cash back” on your debit card purchases as well.
SAFETY
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS
Although tourist areas are generally safe, you
should always stay alert. 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 cameras
or electronic equipment bagged up or covered when not in use. If you're using
a map, try to consult it inconspicuously—or better yet, study it before you leave
your room. Hold onto your pocketbook, and place your billfold in an inside
pocket. In theaters, restaurants, and other public places, keep your possessions
in sight.
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.
Hotels are open to the public, and in a large hotel, security may not be able to
screen everyone who enters.
Travel Tip
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.
