Frommer's Scotland 8th Edition - To Parent Directory

MONEY 27Tips Small ChangeWhen you change money, ask for some small bills or loose change. Pettycash will come in handy for tipping and public transportation. Considerkeeping the change separate from your larger bills so that it’s readilyaccessible and you’ll be less of a target for theft.with dangerously large amounts ofcash. They were as reliable as currency,but, unlike cash, could be replaced iflost or stolen.These days, traveler’s checks are lessnecessary because most cities have 24-hour ATMs that allow you to withdrawsmall amounts of cash as needed.However, keep in mind that you willlikely be charged an ATM withdrawalfee if the bank is not your own, so ifyou’re withdrawing money every day,you might be better off with traveler’schecks—provided that you don’t mindshowing identification every time youwant to cash one.You can get traveler’s checks atalmost any bank. American Expressoffers denominations of $20, $50,$100, $500, and (for cardholdersonly) $1,000. You’ll pay a servicecharge ranging from 1% to 4%. Youcan also get American Express traveler’schecks over the phone by calling& 800/221-7282; Amex gold andplatinum cardholders who use thisnumber are exempt from the 1% fee.Visa offers traveler’s checks atCitibank locations nationwide, as wellas at several other banks. The servicecharge ranges between 1.5% and 2%;checks come in denominations of $20,$50, $100, $500, and $1,000. Call& 800/732-1322 for information.AAA members can obtain Visa checkswithout a fee at most AAA offices or bycalling & 866/339-3378. Master-Card also offers traveler’s checks. Call& 800/223-9920 for a location nearyou.Foreign currency traveler’s checksare useful if you’re traveling to onecountry, or to the euro zone; they’reaccepted at locations such as bed-andbreakfastswhere dollar checks may notbe, and they minimize the amount ofmath you have to do at your destination.American Express offers checksin Australian dollars, Canadian dollars,British pounds, euros, and Japaneseyen. Visa checks come in Australian,Canadian, British, and Euro versions;MasterCard offers those four plus yenand South African rands.If you choose to carry traveler’schecks, be sure to keep a record oftheir serial numbers separate fromyour checks in the event that they arestolen or lost. You’ll get a refund fasterif you know the numbers.CREDIT CARDSCredit cards are a safe way to carrymoney, they provide a convenientrecord of all your expenses, and theygenerally offer good exchange rates.You can also withdraw cash advancesfrom your credit cards at banks orATMs, provided you know your PIN.If you’ve forgotten yours, or didn’teven know you had one, call the numberon the back of your credit cardand ask the bank to send it to you. Itusually takes 5 to 7 business days,though some banks will provide thenumber over the phone if you tellthem your mother’s maiden name orsome other personal information.Your credit card company will likelycharge a commission (1% or 2%) onevery foreign purchase you make, butdon’t sweat this small stuff; for mostpurchases, you’ll still get the best deal