DELICIOUS
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REDDITBe smart on your vacation or business trip and you won’t have to budget for a loss. Here are 7 tips that came to mind for being smart & safe while traveling. As I wrap up my trip in China these tips definitely come in handy!
1) Once you arrive at your vacation or business trip destination exchange your currency. Usually the airport will be the best place. Many times hotels or off site currency exchanges will have much higher exchange rates! This may seem small but doing it once in a larger sum can save you big money. Then, once you exchange, don’t carry it all with you. Use your hotel safe or other safety options. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket 
2) Depending on your destination it may be smart to carry a travel belt. I always feel like a grandpa wearing one (although I did when I was in Kenya) so I usually just move my wallet from my back to my front pocket. It is also a good idea to keep your passport in a very safe (un-theivable) spot.
3) Use small bills when possible. Flashing around your 500 unit bills will make you a sure target. When getting change keep all bills in site otherwise you may get suckered into the, “you gave me a smaller bill”, scam. However, pretending to have only larger bills can help with certain negotiations. Just be aware of your surroundings at all times!
4) Carry only 1 credit card if you can. There is no reason to overexpose yourself. Also, before you leave it’s a good idea to leave a copy of that credit card (and a copy of your passport) with a family member. This way in worse case scenarios a copy can be faxed or email to you.
5) When you pay with your credit card make sure to check 3 things…
a) the amount on the receipt is in fact the correct amount.
b) it is in fact your card (the same that you paid with).
c) you always get a copy of your receipt…even if you don’t normally, this is important when traveling.
6) Be very aware of your surroundings. Ever seen the Bourne Identity? The old fashioned bump and run pick-pocket’er is still very prevalent so check your pockets often and watch out for strangers in close quarters.
7) Be careful what you pack away. If you put valuable in your luggage you’ll have an excruciatingly difficult time getting them back when/if your luggage is lost. Your vacation could turn to a net loss if you lose the wrong piece!
Great post, but I thought that the currency exchanges at the airport always charged the highest rates?
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@Ratenerd I agree, I thought those rates tended to be higher as well. I would recommend exchanging money in the states and arriving with some foreign currency so you don’t have to worry about it right away. Also, hopefully your bank is international like a Citibank where you can exchange. ATM’s have better rates than most places.
My basis for comparison was the rates in the Hong Kong international airport vs. my HK hostel and also the rate in Pudong (Shanghai) International airport and my hotel in downtown Shanghai. It may be better to do it in the States but I’ve not compared those rates. Thanks for pointing this out!
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If you’re going to a place that has ATM’s that may be your best bet. Before you go call your bank and ask what their fees will be. But even with fees most of my ATM withdrawals have been cheaper than exchange places or US banks.
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@Sara I agree, even with the fees you can still be saving money. I am with Citibank and they have international banks, helped me out a lot when I have traveled.