Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
&
800/843-7587;
www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your
bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at
your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily
withdrawal limit before you depart.
Note:
Remember that many banks impose a fee every
time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international
transactions than for domestic ones. In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash
may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are another safe way to carry money. They also provide a convenient
record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates.
You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided
you know your PIN. Keep in mind that you'll pay interest from the moment of your
withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time. Also, note that many banks
now add a 1% to 3% “transaction fee” on
all
charges you incur abroad (whether
you're using the local currency or your native currency).
Credit cards universally accepted are MasterCard and Visa, with American
Express allowed less frequently. In the past few years, Scotland has imposed a “Chip
and Pin” system, which means that all credit cards issued in Scotland have a com-
puter chip embedded in them and users must know their PIN. In effect, the PIN
has replaced the signature on credit card purchases. Many businesses can override
the “Chip and Pin” requirement and
revert to the once common “swipe” of
credit cards—although it often
depends on staff 's knowledge of the
equipment that the business uses.
Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are becoming some-
thing of an anachronism. These days,
traveler's checks are less necessary
because 24-hour ATMs allow you to
withdraw small amounts of cash as
needed. You can buy traveler's checks
at most banks. They are most com-
monly offered in denominations of
£50, £100, and £200. Generally, you'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.
The most popular traveler's checks are offered by
American Express
(
&
800/807-6233
or 800/221-7282 for cardholders—this number accepts collect
calls, offers service in several foreign languages, and exempts Amex gold and plati-
num cardholders from the 1% fee);
Visa
(
&
800/732-1322
)—AAA members can
obtain Visa checks at most AAA offices or by calling
&
866/339-3378;
and
Mas-
terCard
(
&
800/223-9920
).
American Express
(see chapter 21 for addresses),
Thomas Cook, Visa,
and
MasterCard
offer
foreign currency traveler's checks,
which are useful if you're
3
Regarding the British
Pound & the Euro
Tourists from other parts of Britain
don't need to be told, but for those
arriving from overseas: Europe's pri-
mary currency, the euro, is not officially
used in Scotland. Great Britain's cur-
rency is the pound sterling. However,
some euro-friendly businesses in cen-
tral Edinburgh and Glasgow will accept
euro coins and notes.
