What is the best form of payment for travelers to take with them on vacation? Coins and bills should not be missing when putting together the means of payment, because the drink at the bar and the tip for the porter are still paid in cash. But a means of payment alone is not enough for a trip.
If high amounts like the hotel bill are due, the credit card helps. "It is not advisable to rely solely on one means of payment," the German Travel Association (DRV) gave the tip.
Every pickpocket thinks so. Every 23 seconds a German traveler abroad becomes the victim of a theft. Therefore, carrying cash should be kept to a minimum. What the euro is worth at the other end of the world is revealed by currency converters, which are very helpful on the go as an app on the iPhone.
And where is the best place to exchange my money? In countries outside the EU with a "soft" currency, the local exchange rate is usually cheaper. This means countries with fluctuating value stability such as Cuba. If you have a "hard" currency with a stable exchange rate, such as the British pound, it is advisable to exchange it before leaving Germany. If possible, the foreign currency should be issued in the travel destination, as the return exchange at German banks is only possible under unfavorable conditions or not at all.
The "plastic money" offers a far higher level of security. The 8.5 x 4.3 cm large credit cards make everyday travel much easier. When used within the European Union, there are no fees. In addition, no deposit is required when renting a rental car. You also save yourself complicated budget calculations - as long as the account is covered. If lost, the card can be blocked against misuse by telephone. The toll-free number for the central blocking station (Tel. 116 116) therefore belongs in the address book of every mobile phone.
Emergency call centers if you lose your card Maestro/EC card: Tel. 49 1805 - 021 021 Credit card: Tel. 49 116 116
On the other hand, there is an annual fee and the conversion commission for foreign currencies of a maximum of two percent. Withdrawing money with a credit card from an ATM is also becoming more expensive. Banks usually collect a fee of between two and four percent.
The most popular are Visa and Eurocard credit cards. American Express is only accepted in better restaurants and hotels abroad. Attention: Due to the increasing misuse of cards, cashiers abroad increasingly want to see a photo ID.
Some banks, such as DBK and Hansetic Bank, issue credit cards that you can use to withdraw cash abroad free of charge.
It is cheaper to withdraw money with the widespread Giro card, the successor to the EC card. The 900,000 machines worldwide can be recognized by the Maestro or Cirrus sign (similar to the Maestro sign with two circles) and are not just limited to Europe.
Even in the USA, South Africa and Thailand, ATMs even spit out dollar, rand and baht banknotes after entering the PIN.
The easiest way is mobile payment, which is more common in many holiday countries than here. All that is needed is a smartphone with an NFC interface, a stored digital card and the option of making contactless payments at the checkout, which is indicated by a wave symbol.
The best-known apps for mobile payments are Apple and Google Pay. It should be remembered that the international limit was activated before departure and roaming charges may apply when using it in non-EU countries.
One of the fewer and fewer traveler's checks is one of the financial cushions on the go. They are accepted by hotels, shops and restaurants as an equivalent means of payment and, unlike cash, are replaced if lost. The most common traveler's checks are available in various currencies and denominations from major banks, savings banks and travel agencies. They must be purchased prior to travel for a fee of one percent of the value.
The Sparcard from the Postbank remains a German specialty. With this credit card, cash can be withdrawn free of charge at all Postbank ATMs in Germany. However, since February 2021, a fee of 5.99 euros has been charged abroad for withdrawals from ATMs with the Visa symbol.
If you put everything on one card on holiday, you can quickly end up penniless. A technical malfunction at the ATM, loss or theft suddenly renders the vacationer immobile. Therefore keep your cards and bills in different places if possible - not everything in one purse or handbag.
Also read:
- Send suitcases: How your holiday luggage arrives at your destination before you - and how much it costs
- Verdi on the airport chaos: "The system is pretty ramshackle"
- Airport chaos: Which countries have prepared for the summer - and which haven't
