It’s never smart to carry a lot of cash around, and it’s even less smart if you’re a tourist. As a tourist, you’re usually not as focused on personal safety as you would be at home. Pickpockets and other bad guys know how to take advantage of that.

It’s a good idea to carry a credit card for emergencies. Be aware, though, of two credit card drawbacks. The first one is the same one they have at home: it’s too easy to use them. You will make unplanned purchases on vacation; everyone does. If you’re using a credit card for these purchases, though, be realistic about how much you will be able to pay on the card when you get home. Otherwise, you may be paying the interest on that hula girl desk lamp long after you realize it’s the tackiest thing you have ever seen, let alone bought.

The other credit card drawback is that you can’t be sure how much you’re spending if you are shopping in a foreign country, especially in an out-of-the-way place. You will be billed at the exchange rate on the day the purchase is posted, not necessarily the day you made the purchase. Depending on how much you’re spending and how variable the exchange rate is, this could add up to a good bit more than you expected to pay.

If you have an ATM card with an extensive access network, your ATM card may be a good backup, too. When relying on your ATM card, make sure you are positive that you will have access to ATMs you can use at your destination. You’ll also want to find out what the ATM access fees will be.

Traveler’s checks are a great way to carry money on vacation. They’re easy to spend and easy to
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budget, like cash. Unlike cash, they can be replaced if they’re lost or stolen. Credit unions often offer inexpensive or even free traveler’s checks. Ask at your credit union about traveler’s checks before you go. If you don’t belong to a credit union, click on the CU magnifying glass for one near you.