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Money Matters
Trouble Abroad
Have A
In recent months, the press has been littered
with stories concerning British holidaymakers
flouting local laws and customs
whilst abroad. Every year many Brits land
themselves in hot water simply because they
didn’t do their homework before jetting off to
warmer climates. This year, the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office are trying to prevent
holiday-makers ruining their break with a
huge fine, or even worse, a prison sentence,
and are urging people to visit their website
before they travel.
If you’re lucky enough to be heading abroad
this summer, avoid making a holiday faux pas
with Aspire’s handy guide to local customs
and laws...
Before You Go
If possible, book all or part of your
holiday on a credit card. By doing
this, you’ll have the added protection
of Section 75 of the Consumer Credit
Act, which makes the card company
jointly liable if anything goes wrong
with your holiday. Section 75 covers
purchases from £100 to £30,000, but
you only need to place a percentage
of the total value on your credit card
to be covered by Section 75 at the
full cost.
However, you need to ensure that
the company billing you is the same
company you’re buying through, as
if payment goes through a sister
company, you might not be covered.
Don’t Forget
As soon as you book your holiday, it’s
a good idea to buy travel insurance;
make sure your insurance covers you
Happy Holiday
Everyone loves going on holiday, but after saving all year in order to jet off to
sunnier climes, it’s vital that you ensure your money is safe, not only as you
book but also once you get there. So, if you’re one of the lucky few who are
off abroad this summer, this is essential reading…
if you have to cancel the holiday for
any reason.
Spending Money
Many people don’t think about the
numerous options open to them when
it comes to their holiday spending
money. There are five main ways to
carry your hard-earned dosh – cash,
credit and debit cards, pre-pay
currency card, or traveller’s cheques,
all of which have different pros and
cons; it all depends on what YOU
want…
Cash – the most common form of
holiday spending money allows you
to know the exact exchange rate, so
you know how much everything costs.
However, if the cash is stolen, or lost,
it’s gone! Worryingly, crime is rise
all over the world as the recession
tightens its grip.
There are many places to get your
foreign cash from; the bureau de
change at the airport is convenient,
but might not necessarily give you the
best rate – for competitive rates, try
the Post Office (who take very little
commission) or the Internet.
Debit Card – This is the ideal solution
if you don’t want to carry a large
amount of cash; you can take your
debit card abroad and withdraw
money as and when you need it from
cash machines. This used to be pricey,
but things have changed; when I was
in Spain last summer, it actually cost
me less to withdraw money over
there than it did when I found myself
short of cash in Scarborough, so had
to resort to a mobile ATM (also often
seen in newsagents and nightclubs).
However, the downside to this method
is you don’t actually know what the
exchange rate is, meaning your cash
might not be worth as much.
Credit Card – Again, using your
credit card abroad will give you
added protection under Section 75
of the Consumer Credit Act, however,
check first as card companies are not
by Laura Merry
legally obliged to offer protection
outside of the UK.
Don’t be tempted to use your credit
card to withdraw cash though as
not only will you be charged for the
withdrawal, the interest charged on
cash withdrawals is usually high.
Traveller’s Cheques – Unfortunately,
Traveller’s Cheques are becoming
harder to cash; however, if they are
stolen or lost, they can quickly be
replaced.
Pre-Pay Currency Card – These
little-known cards allow you to reap
the advantages of using cash, as well
as the advantages of a debit card.
They work like gift cards; you put
an amount on the card and then use
it to pay for items, or make cash
withdrawals – the key is that you can
only spend the amount on the card,
meaning you can’t go over budget.
Also, it can be easily replaced if lost,
stolen, or damaged.
So, wherever you’re off to this
summer, make sure your hard-earned
cash is safe!
Keeping Out of
Trouble Abroad
Barbados – It is an offence to wear camouflage clothing whilst in Barbados,
even for children.
China – When finishing a meal, do not leave your chopsticks in your bowl,
this signifies an offering to the dead and is offensive to the Chinese. Instead,
place them flat on the table next to your bowl.
Egypt – It is important to dress modestly when visiting traditional areas with
mosques and markets, especially for women – remember to cover your
upper arms and legs. It’s also offensive to show the soles of your feet. Whilst
public displays of affection may be accepted in tourist resorts, they are likely
to cause offence in other areas. Drinking alcohol anywhere other than a
licensed bar is not permitted.
Greece – Heavy fines and prison sentences are imposed on anyone who
behaves indecently in public. This includes flashing and mooning, so it
might be a good idea to keep your alcohol consumption under control whilst
holidaying in Greece.
Indonesia – It is illegal to gamble.
Japan – Although socially acceptable in Britain, blowing your nose in public
in Japan is considered highly offensive. Japan also has strict anti-stimulant
drug laws and therefore the use, or even possession, of items such a Vicks
inhaler is banned and could land you in trouble.
Madagascar – It is considered a taboo – or fady – to point with an
outstretched finger.
Maldives – Topless sunbathing and nudism, even on resort islands, are
prohibited. Same sex relationships are against the law in the Maldives and
anyone convicted faces large fines and lengthy prison sentences.
Morocco – It is a punishable offence to have sex outside of marriage in
Morocco and several Brits were arrested for this type of offence during 2007.
Same sex couples should also be aware that homosexuality is illegal.
Singapore – It is against the law to chew gum in Singapore.
Slovenia – Anyone visiting this country must register with the local police
within three days of arriving. Most hotels and guest houses automatically
register you on arrival, however if you are on a self-catering holiday, or
visiting relatives, you will need to register yourself.
Spain – The consumption of alcohol on the street is banned in some areas
of Spain and doing so could land you with a fine.
Turkey – Surprisingly, the use of metal detectors is against the law in Turkey.
A smoking ban is also currently being put in place. Smoking is now banned
on all public transport, stadiums and playgrounds, whilst a ban in bars and
restaurants will come into effect during July 2009. Although not against the
law, keeping your hands in your pockets is disrespectful, as is sitting with
your legs crossed.
United Arab Emirates – Women are encouraged to dress modestly, covering
the tops of arms and legs. Be aware that behaviour you take for granted at
home may not be tolerated in other countries; public displays of affection,
including kissing, could lead to you being arrested and imprisoned. Having
sex outside of marriage is also illegal. Obscene acts, such as swearing or
making rude gestures, are considered an offence and if prosecuted, you
could face up to six months in prison. It is also an offence to drink or appear
to be drunk in public.
General things to remember...
• Most countries require foreign visitors to carry ID with them at all times
so it’s a good idea to carry your passport, or at least a copy of it, wherever
you go.
• Jay walking is against the law in many foreign countries.
• Be careful where you are taking photographs. Many countries forbid
anyone from photographing anything that is potentially sensitive, including
military buildings, government offices and even police cars and airports.
By Sarah Ross
Seychelles – It is an offence, even for children, to wear any camouflage • Remember that good manners are always appreciated, no matter what
clothing. Topless sunbathing is usually tolerated, but it’s usually best to
country you are visiting.
check with your tour guide. Homosexuality is also illegal in the Seychelles.
26 ASPIRE
For more information visit www.fco.gov.uk
ASPIRE 27