Getting to grips with your money when travelling will make a big difference to the kind of trip you have and how long you can afford to stay away.

In most countries, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much cheaper things are than at home. Beware though - some countries are so cheap they lull you into a sense of feeling so well off that you stop bothering to budget at all and end up spending more than you would than at home !

Depending on the style of trip you are on, you can also manage your money more easily if you book and pay for things before you go like, accommodation, and bus passes. This can even apply if you don’t know when you will be in each place as they can be booked on an ‘open dated’ basis.

Here are some issues to consider:

Online banking
An online banking facility is a great way to keep up to date with your account on home shores. You can check your balance, see what’s coming in and going out, and transfer money if you need to.

Bill payments whilst you’re away
Unfortunately, bills don’t have any respect for the fact you’re taking a break and travelling the world. If things need to be paid whilst you’re out of the country, try to organise direct debits before you leave.

Cash
A small selection of $1, $5 and $10 US dollar bills will always be handy as emergency money anywhere in the world. Especially handy if you run out of local currency, can’t find an ATM, on public holidays etc.
It is also advisable to arrive at your destination with some local currency - this will reduce airport stress levels!

If you haven’t organised this or are going to a country such as India or Tanzania or Cuba, where money can’t be obtained outside their borders, don’t worry, there will almost always be a bank or bureau de change open on arrival. If not or if you can’t face joining in the scrum, you always have your emergency $ bills.

Don’t keep all of your cash in one place. In most developing countries pulling

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