Travel Stuff: Money

Money is one of the most important things when we travel. If we run out of money, the travel is done.

Now people have a lot of ways to get money.

1. Cash

"Cash" is the real currency. When you decide to travel, you can exchange your money to the currency of your destinations. Also you can exchange when you arrive at your destinations. However, if you bring as cash, the fee is normally expensive when you exchange. Normally, banks charge 3~10% or more.

2. Traveler's Check

Some credit card companies such as Visa, Master, and American Express issue "Traveler's Check." You can buy it also at banks in your country. It's secure than cash. You need your signature when you use it. You can exchange it at most of local banks in your destinations. If you loose it, you can receive the replacement at banks. The exchange rate between your currency and destination's currency also better than cash.

3. Debit Card / Travel Money

"Debit Card" and "Travel Money" are similar. If your card has Visa, Master, Amex etc, international brand marks, mostly, you can use it worldwide. You can withdraw money at ATM locations also. The common of these two cards is you need to charge cash before you travel. You can't exceed more than the balance. The currency exchange rates are a little bad with fees. (In some countries, debit cards are only for the domestic markets. Please check you can use or not before you travel.)

4. Credit Card

"Credit Card" is the best way to bring. You can use this like ID in some countries. You can pay after you traveled. Normally, it has a lot of special features including the insurances, airport services, discounts etc. You can pay as you like with it all the way of your travel. You can also withdraw money at ATM locations. However, it naturally has a limitation for your use, you can't use more than it. (The exchange rate depends on the issuers with their fees.)

For Debit Card, Travel Money, and Credit card, in some case, banks or issuers limit the day use. If you need to change the limitations, contact your bank or issuers as soon before you start traveling.

Recently, people can use online banking on the Internet. You may transfer your money into your card. The conditions of money are different from countries. Please check before you travels, and find out the best way to get started.

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If you are a student, you can get a lot of student discounts in your destinations. Even nightclubs, they have special discounts such as "college night," "Student Night," and "Free Admission." If you are a student, you should have "ISIC Card," and your student ID everywhere you go. They are very helpful to reduce travel costs!

Here is one song that a lot of night clubs play in the United States.

"Starships" by Nicki Minaj (2012)

In some nightclubs, people can't pay by card. You need to bring some cash. Then please take care of your wallet. Also if you have a smartphone with electrical currencies, also please take care. If you loose it, you may need complicated ways between the bank or issuer in your country and you. Normally, your hotel or hostel has a locker. Or the reception may keep your precious things.

(If you are a student who tries working holiday in countries, banks in your destination have student or working holiday features. Please ask them and select the best way for your life.)