Hi,

I'm leaving on my RTW trip in 2 weeks. I'm heading from the UK to California first for a few weeks then onto the Cooks and the Fiji for a month or two and then to NZ and Sydney for 6/7 months before finally working our way back through asia to the UK.

I would like to know what the best thing to do is with regards to money. I'm not sure in what currency I should take it and how much to start off with. Should I take Travellers cheques and in what currency. I have an international Debit card so I can easily withdraw cash from ATMs but I really could do with some expert advice.

Thanks

Cheers

Paolo,

When are you going to be in Cali? I land in LA on 3 Nov so if you're up for checking some Californian women with a few beers let me know@ racingben@hotmail.com

I'm staying near Hermosa Beach for a while, planning on doing a bit of surfing.

Ben

Looks like Paolo has already left on his trip... But for the benefit of others with the same concerns, I'll point out that ATMs are very common these days -- especially at the kinds of destinations Paolo mentions. Even in developing countries, big cities will usually have ATMs (there are exceptions, like Burma or Syria or Mongolia -- so check on ATM availability for specific countries before you get strung out on backup cash). And speaking of backup cash, U.S. dollars seem to work everywhere. Bring $500-$1000 in travelers checks, and use them only when you need to (keep check #'s in your web-based email account for easy access). Then bring $200 or so in cash (a mix of big and small denominations) for those places that only change U.S. dollars. Naturally, the amounts I mention are just an example, and will vary depending on how long you'll be on the road. But my main point is that ATMs have really simplified the money-changing game worldwide. Just check on ATM availability (through your guidebook, or ask recent travelers via discussion boards) as you go from country to country, so you don't get stranded without a cash machine.

http://vagabonding.net

I agree that ATM's are the way to go but do you know which bank to use for no or low fees when you make a withdrawal out of the country? I just got dinged $15 for a $10 withdrawal in Mexico - A high out of country ATM fee and then a money conversion fee. I was not a happy camper this week when i discovered it. Who do you use for round the world withdrawals?

Thanks! Beth

Wow, this thread is back from the dead!

Mustard, Bank of America has several partner banks that will let you withdraw for free, including one in Mexico, germany, UK, aus/NZ, China.

Heres the list
http://bankofamerica.via.infonow.net/locator/atmbranch/ListLoadAction.do

Sorry for digging up the dead. I found this post on this page
http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/209091657/m/11100132216
and sorta forgot I wasn't on the main forum... my bad. (*spanks herself*)

I was about to answer the question, but I see this thread is really old. Hehe.