Travel money in South America

diamond_dave

My daughter is travelling through Brazil, Paraguay,Bolivia,Peru and Equador for about 3 months and is uncertain of what travel money to get. Can anyone advise the best solutions? She is thinking of taking a debit card, US dollars, a prepaid card (Caxton FX) and maybe some travellers cheques. Is this overkill? I dont want her to be at risk of being without money. She does not have a credit card at the moment.
Please, any suggestions to stop me worrying sick??
Thanks

benjus

A debit card works well, although in countries like Bolivia don't expect to find any ATMs outside the cities - so withdraw as much cash as you will need when going into remote areas. You can pay by card in supermarkets, upmarket restaurants and hotels, and most tourist-friendly places, but you are sometimes charged extra compared with paying cash. I spent two years in South America about 10 years ago with only debit and credit cards to access funds in the UK, and it all worked out fine. If possible, she should get one of the debit cards that gives free overseas use. A credit card isn't a bad idea too, if she can get one. Taking more than one card is a very good idea, but she shouldn't keep the cards together.

US dollars are definitely the best currency to take if she wants to take some cash from the UK. Make sure the notes are in perfect condition - no tears, even tiny ones. Having some cash on arrival is always a good idea, just in case the airport ATMs aren't working.

Personally I wouldn't bother taking any travellers' cheques for spending purposes. However, for emergency funds, she might consider getting some Sterling travellers' cheques. She should not use these unless an emergency arises, as the exchange rate is likely to be terrible. When she returns to the UK she can cash the unused TCs back to Sterling cash. They will cost about 2% to buy and 2% to cash in at the end of the trip (IIRC) but gives a secure source of emergency money.