It’s good to carry a good supply of cash. It’s true that much of the world accepts credit cards these days, but as soon as you leave the airport and travel off the beaten path it is much more efficient to use the local currency, especially for taxis and cafes. To be safe about it use a money belt or carry your wallet in your front pocket if you feel the need to do so. Depending on where you are, opportunities to get cash may be limited and it is much better to have more than you need then it is to find yourself begging for money on a street corner in Bangkok to cover a cab ride. On top of the fact that it is often more efficient, using the local currency helps you gain an understanding of the culture, as well as enabling you to blend in more to the local environment. You can take funds in a mix of travelers check and cash. Make a note of your travelers check numbers before you leave and give it to someone you trust or put it online in your computer as well. Just take one credit card – there is always a risk of losing a wallet or purse or having one stolen, and only having one company to contact to flag activity is much easier to contact one card company to cancel and notify than several – this I know from a member who travelled with several cards and spent several months canceling cards and finding out charges were being made on cards she forgot she even had. Once you pick the card you want to take, call them ahead of time to let them know you are going to be traveling and that you want to be sure your purchases are not tagged as fraudulent because they are out of the country. It is great that your company has security issues like international expenses flagging built in, but not so great when you need to make an emergency purchase of some sort and it won’t work. Then make sure the number to cancel that card is in a safe place (online or with a friend that is easily contacted is best), just in case it is lost or stolen you have the number handy to call and stop allowed activity.
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