Finances Packing List Items & Tips
As in life, having your finances sorted when you travel is one of the most important areas to take care of. Whether you forget something, or lose it, most of the items found in our packing categories can be bought if you have the financial means available. Always check your finances and documents are in order before travelling.
"A budget tells us what we can't afford, but it doesn't keep us from buying it." - William Feather
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." - Epictetus
Packing Items
ATM Debit Card
Check how fees work on your card and which bank is going to work best for you on your trip. Check out ATM withdrawal fees, ATM locations you can use for free, any travel perks like travel insurance etc. Some cards even refund overseas ATM fees.
Cash
Some people like to take cash and potentially convert it to a local currency if required. Note that when travelling between countries, you may need to declare cash amounts you are carrying above a certain limit.
Credit Card
If your bank doesn't lock your card, you can get pretty far with just a credit card and buying everything you need as you go. Having a backup card can be a good idea. Check how your fees work (like withdrawal fees, cash advance fees, etc) and what is the best card available to avoid fees and get the best currency conversions.
Travel Money Card
These cards let you put money onto them, but often have poor rates. You might be able to lock in a rate you are happy with and they may have additional benefits that make up for the overhead cost built into the service.
Traveller's Check
These are not as popular as they once were, but they have certain advantages like being able to be replaced quickly, unlike cash.