If you arrive on the weekend or during a holiday, banks may be closed. Therefore, it's a good idea to have some cash on you upon arrival. Whether you do this before you leave or at the airport upon arrival is up to you.
Whether in US dollars or foreign currency, travelers cheques may be an option for you. For more information, please visit American Express online.
Withdrawing money overseas using your existing ATM card can be very convenient. However, most US banks charge an international transaction fee. Please consult with your bank for the most accurate ATM fees and to make sure your PIN will work abroad.
Purchasing items or services with a credit card guarantees that you will receive the best exchange rate. Please note that Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express overseas. Let your credit card company know your travel dates and ask for a phone number to access if your cards are lost or stolen.
We suggest that you bring approximately $5,000-$6,000 with you. Remember that some countries have a higher cost of living than others, so not everyone will need this much money. Keep in mind that you want to budget enough money to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
It should be an amount small enough that if it is lost or stolen it won't ruin your trip. You never know when you'll be in a bind!
