We are great fans of using credit cards for purchases, and debit cards for withdrawing cash from ATMs operated by foreign banks while traveling abroad,
but travelers need to be aware of the potential hidden costs and the increasing number of fees and multiple ways banks are taking fees and hiding them on both charges and withdrawals.
While credit cards and ATM cards will generally get you the best exchange rate in most foreign countries, you should be aware of the hidden foreign currency surcharges your bank may be applying to your charges abroad. Worse yet, some banks have taken to recognizing foreigh credit cards and taking it upon themselved to make the conversion to your currency. Of course they are building in their foreign currency surcharge. As if that's not bad enough, many banks are now charging a fee for any and all transactions made outside your home borders. What this means is that you may be hit for a "cross-border transaction fee," the equivalent of a "foreign currency surchage," even if the transaction is in your own currency. This allows your bank to "tax" you even if the purchase was made in dollars at a duty-free shop or aboard a ship in international waters and it allows two banks, to hit the consumer traveling abroad, with a fee.
These fees, charges and surcharges may apply to credit cards, debit cards, and ATM bank cards. They are in addition to your bank's interest rates, cash advace fees, ATM use fees, etc. Note that many banks have different fee schedules depending on the type of account and your minimum balance. Note also that use of ATM cards to withdraw funds abroad, will often be limited to those connected to a checking account and that you will not be able to transfer funds between accounts as you may at home. Ask your bank about all these fees, and don't be surprised if you get a misleading answer. In many cases, it's not dishonesty, it's just that most bank representatives and officers are cluesless about policy. As of this writing, we know of two banks whose debit or credit cards do not involve foreign currency surcharges. These are HSBC Bank USA and CapitalOne. This of course, is subject to change.
Travel Links
Currency Converter.
You can view an exchange rate, based on interbank market rates between over 160 currencies, for any day since 1 January 1990 through yesterday. The Currency Converter is updated daily at 06:00 PM EST. Before that time, the exchange rates are based on all available price points from the previous day.
World Electric Guide.
This site is invaluable if you're thiking of using your electrical appliances in another country. It includes a table describing electrical systems worldwide, illustrations of electrical plugs you may run across, advice on using your computer and other general advice that you may find helpful as a world traveler.
SeatGuru
Check the configuration of the aircraft you will be flying. SeatGuru has a listing of almost all airline companies, showing you the selection of equipment used by that airline, such as a Boeing 747 or Airbus 302, etc... It will show you the configuration of the aircraft locating toilets, exits, and galleys in each cabin. It will show you which seats are less desireable because there is no leg room or because they are in front of the toilets, galleys and such.
Country Codes
If you can ignore the multiple flashing advertisements for "cheap" calling cards and services, this site will enable you to easily find the International country and city (area) codes used for long distance calling from one country to another.
WorldClimate
A site containing over 85,000 records of world climate data (historical weather averages) from a wide range of sources for those who are interested in a rough idea of what the weather might be like at in any given month.
U.S. Department of State
International travel information for U.S. citizens.
Please be advised that the following links to specific pages at the U.S. Department of State web site are subject to constant revision.
Passport information for U.S. citizens
Visa information for foreign citizens.
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