Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Small Change
Make sure you're carrying some small bills or loose change. Petty cash will
come in handy for tipping and public transportation. Consider keeping
the change separate from your larger bills, so that it's readily accessible
and you'll be less of a target for theft.
Tips
the moment you receive the cash, and
you won't receive frequent-flier miles
for cash advances on an airline credit
card).
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are invaluable when trav-
eling. They are a safe way to carry
money and provide a convenient
record of all your expenses; you can
withdraw cash advances from your
credit cards at any bank (though you'll
start paying hefty interest on the
advance the moment you receive the
cash), usually at the ATM if you know
your personal identification number
(PIN). If you've forgotten yours, call
the number on the back of your credit
card and ask the bank to send it to
you, which usually takes 5 to 7 busi-
ness days.
These days everyone pays with plas-
tic, even for the smallest purchase. So
go ahead and use your card for a cup
of coffee and a bagel—few merchants
will bat an eye. You can use just about
any credit card here; one that might be
more popular around Chicago than in
other parts of the country is Discover,
which is owned by Sears, the Chicago-
based retailer.
TRAVELER'S CHECKS
These days, traveler's checks seem less
necessary, but if you're withdrawing
money every day, you might be better
off with them—provided that you
don't mind showing identification
every time you want to cash a check.
Most downtown restaurants, hotels,
and shops in Chicago accept traveler's
checks, and banks generally exchange
them for cash (for a small fee). When
you get away from downtown and the
more affluent neighborhoods, how-
ever, smaller restaurants and shops
may be reluctant to accept traveler's
checks. American Express offices are
open Monday through Saturday in
Chicago. (See “Fast Facts: Chicago,”
in chapter 3 for office locations.) AAA
members can obtain checks without a
fee at most AAA offices.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR
WALLET IS LOST OR STOLEN
Almost every credit card company has
an emergency toll-free number that
you can call if your wallet or purse is
lost or stolen. A representative may be
able to wire you a cash advance off
your credit card immediately and, in
many places, can deliver an emergency
credit card in a day or two. The
toll-
free information directory
will pro-
vide the issuing bank's toll-free
number if you dial
&
800/555-1212.
Citicorp Visa
's U.S. emergency num-
ber is
&
800/336-8472.
American
Express
cardholders and traveler's
check holders should call
&
800/221-
7282 for all money emergencies.
MasterCard
holders should call
&
800/307-7309. If you opt to carry
traveler's checks, be sure to keep a
record of their serial numbers, separate
from the checks, of course, so that
you're guaranteed a refund in just such
an emergency.
