Adventure Traveling Guide

Although it’s not required in all countries to rent a car, getting an international driving permit isn’t a bad idea. It provides a familiar and recognizable form of identification if you’re stopped by the police. Permits are available for $15 from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Check insurance coverage and age restrictions before reserving a car abroad. Some credit card companies do not offer insurance for rentals in some countries, such as Jamaica and Italy. While international rental car companies may impose restrictions on older drivers. Also, some options common in the United States, such as unlimited mileage, are […]

If you’re renting in another country, find out if you can choose between prepaying in U.S. dollars or paying in the local currency, then compare the two rates. Remember that if you opt for the local currency, then pay with a U.S. credit card, you may be charged a conversion fee.

Consider booking through a foreign car rental company when travelling abroad. Not only can you find better deals, but you can help support the local economy. Try DanDooley (which specializes in Ireland) or TigerCarRental (37 countries, including many in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East). You may even get a broader selection to choose […]

Travelers Checks
Cons Cont:
Fees: You have to pay to get traveler’s checks, so you might as well opt for credit cards and pay the conversion charge. 
The “tourist” label: Traveler’s checks scream “tourist”, which is something to avoid.
In the end, it’s probably best to opt for a little cash to pay for the smaller things, and rely […]

Traveler’s Checks
Pro:
Security: The great advantage of traveler’s checks is that they are refundable if lost or stolen; but with the widespread use of credit cards, traveler’s checks have no real advantage over plastic.
Cons:
Not universally accepted: If you’re in a third-world country, or even slightly more developed nations, you may have to cash them. […]

Debit Cont.
Cons:
Big Fees: ATM fees abroad can be exorbitant; $7 is the current rate in Costa Rica. For this reason, try to pull out the maximum amount allowed. Cash advances from you credit card can incur the same heavy fees.
Be sure to budget for these ATM fees before you go. Some banks don’t […]

Debit
Pros:
Convenience: It’s the easiest way to get local currency.
Cheap: Some banks may not charge a fee if you use one of their ATMs abroad. Example: Bank of America allows customers to withdraw money sans fees at a Global ATM Alliance branch; members include British bank Barclays, Germany’s Deutsche Bank and Canada’s Scotiabank.
The Cons soon to […]