7. B.Y.O.S.
You never know when you’re going to get a case of the munchies, but when sitting idle on a plane or train it’s bound to strike at some point in the journey. They know you’re trapped with limited options, so they can charge an arm and a leg for a bag of chips or a stale granola bar. So, just bring along a few snacks of choice when you’re headed for a trip to save you this annoying gouge.
8. Call Your Credit Card Company Before You Travel Overseas
Many credit card companies slap on sneaky charges when you leave the country, which can get pretty pricey (3 to 5 percent per transaction) if you’re caught unaware. So it’s always a good idea to call your credit card company before you head out of the country to wrap your head around these extra charges. Consumers need to make sure they won’t encounter any surprise expenses waiting to pounce when they pull out their plastic at an overseas ATM, hotel or riverside cafe. If you travel overseas a lot, keep a card with no foreign transaction fees in your wallet to bypass these charges.
9. Exchanging That Money
When you’re staying at a hotel in a foreign country, it’s always important to be aware of exchange rates (and double check your math). Not only can exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis, the mere act of switching a dollar into another form of currency always carries a surcharge. First and foremost, never exchange currency at your hotel. They tend to have the worst rates because they know their convenience will still get them customers. Look around, do a little research, and keep an eye on those fees, because they’ll add up faster than you know.
