Travel abroad requires extra care with money

Follow these tips to ensure your cash will be safe while you're on an international trip

When traveling internationally there are many things to consider in preparation for your trip. One of the most important is how to handle your money. The following tips were learned from my own personal experience, as well as the experience of our agents, and our clients. I hope you find them helpful.

Arrange funds in a variety of forms to take with you. Have cash in local currency for the first few days, especially if you arrive on a Friday or weekend.

Consider taking traveler's checks in the currency of the country you are visiting.

When ordering traveler's checks, get advice on the most appropriate currency for the country you are visiting and take sensible denominations. Make sure a record of the serial numbers on the checks is kept separate from the traveler's checks themselves and keep a record of where you cash them.

Do make sure you have sufficient funds available on your credit card. Check that you have adequately paid down your outstanding balance and, if necessary, increased your credit limit. Memorize the PIN for your credit card and make a note of telephone numbers you will need in case it is stolen or lost. Don't carry more cash than you need.

Wear a discreet money belt under a sweatshirt or jacket. If you are traveling as a couple or in a group, split the money between you. Do the same with credit cards.

Let one person carry the cash and the other the credit cards.

Credit card fraud is widespread. If you are paying with a credit card, keep an eye on the transaction and keep all the receipts.

Don't give your card number on the telephone unless you are booking with an established organization that you trust.

Check commission charges on traveler's checks; they can be high.

It may be wise to cash more of them at a time to avoid transaction fees and commissions.

Change money only at banks or official bureau-of-change booths (airports are generally expensive). It is worthwhile to compare exchange rates and commission charges, so check at different outlets. Make sure to determine if you have been given the right amount of local currency before leaving.

Be vigilant when using cash machines, with even greater care than you usually take at home. Be aware of those who may be watching you withdraw cash.

Change foreign currency back into U.S. dollars at banks or bureau-of-change booths when departing the country. You will get better rates and they will accept your foreign coins as well as paper money.

If, in spite of all your planning, you find yourself strapped for cash, try getting a cash advance on your credit card. Local numbers for credit card companies are listed in the local phone books.

Check before your departure to see if there is a Western Union number in the country you will be visiting. Money can be wired from home.

Handbag snatchers prey on everyone, especially tourists. Make sure all of your cash and valuables are secure on your person, and watch out for curbside snatchers.

Pickpockets, too, are common. Watch out for people trying to distract you they may be after your cash. Don't sling bags behind your back where you can't see them.

Use the hotel safe, if available.

Don't wear expensive jewelry or leave belongings, such as cameras, exposed, especially at cafe tables.

If you have money tips to share that you don't see listed here, please contact me and I will add them to my list.

Safe travels.

(Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.)