What card to take abroad when travelling?

NiftyDigits

Mr_Wang wrote: »

Can't believe you mentioned Fair Fx..... That's like lighting touch paper these days

...But then, Fair Fx has never let me down either

Fairfx?! Fairfx?! It's the Fairfx Anywhere.

I have one too. Don't use it for travel though.

Obviously_the_best

Gloomendoom wrote: »

OTB, that's just OTT

Like Bob said, there's no such thing as overkill when it comes to cards.

Doshwaster

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

Like Bob said, there's no such thing as overkill when it comes to cards.

When it comes to cards, I would say that it is more important where you keep them than just the number you have. It doesn't help having 9 pieces of plastic if they are all in the same wallet when it is lost or nicked.

Bob_the_Saver

Doshwaster wrote: »

When it comes to cards, I would say that it is more important where you keep them than just the number you have. It doesn't help having 9 pieces of plastic if they are all in the same wallet when it is lost or nicked.

Hide some away from the others,

This can help,

http://beatboredom.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/vaseline.jpg

Doshwaster

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

Hide some away from the others,

This can help,

http://beatboredom.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/vaseline.jpg

I've never gone that far (though I suppose it would add new meaning to the phrase "I'd like to make a withdrawal") but I do hide at least 2 cards - I find dirty clothes to be a good place as I doubt any thief would be brave enough to go digging through my smelly socks and pants...

Bob_the_Saver

Doshwaster wrote: »

I've never gone that far (though I suppose it would add new meaning to the phrase "I'd like to make a withdrawal") but I do hide at least 2 cards - I find dirty clothes to be a good place as I doubt any thief would be brave enough to go digging through my smelly socks and pants...

Smelly socks have an added benefit in hot places,

http://www.theverge.com/2013/6/5/4398028/malaria-mosquitoes-infected-smelly-feet

My idea still sounds more fun.

jasper2176

I have found that the N & P Gold account is very good and use the debit card to withdraw cash in USA with no loading charges.Can also be used for purchases in shops & restaurants as the Americans treat it as a credit card but is processed by N& P as a debit. [Google N&P for details]

beeg0d

For the Japan portion theres a few questions that need answering to give you a good answer. How long will you bee there? where about in Japan are you going? are you staying in a large "western" hotel or a small local one?

The reason for these questions is Japan is a largly cash society. Its not unuasual for the average Japeneese person to walk around with several hundread £ in cash at a time. Theres 2 types of ATM machines 1 that requires 6 digit pins (so UK cards simply wont work) and the other most commonly found in 7-11's and post offices (yūbinkyoku) will work with standard visa/mastercard. Some of the less westernized area's of japan it can bee 50+miles to the nearest 4 pin ATM (though in heaverlly tourist areas like Tokyo you will have no problem finding them).

It should also bee pointed out that in Japan (even in places like Tokyo) many shops/restruants simply dont take cards of any sourt so you should always bee prepared to pay cash when out and about.

In short if your only going for a few days take Cash. If your staying in a western hotel for a prolonged time traverllers cheques can prove usefull (as the hotel can change them for you) or if your in a tourist area the hotel staff should bee able to point you to your nearest western ATM.
If your staying off the beaton track in a "local" hotel then bring enouigh cash for your entire trip (i know this gose against the usual advise for travellers but Japan is an unusual country).

I visist japan every couple of years for 2-3 weeks at a time and ALWAYS simply bring cash for the entire trip (never used plastic once while out there).

Doshwaster

beeg0d wrote: »

I visist japan every couple of years for 2-3 weeks at a time and ALWAYS simply bring cash for the entire trip (never used plastic once while out there).

I've never been to Japan but most of Asia is the same. Apart from bookings at mid-to-top range hotels, it's cash all of the way.