7 Ways to Stick to Your Budget on Vacation

Be an Exchange Expert

You’ll get the best exchange rate at your destination (not at home), and usually at a bank ATM. Foreign banks will have lower exchange rates than commercial exchange counters. Exchange the total amount of money you can spend based on your budget.

Call your bank and credit cards ahead of time to find out their foreign transaction fees—some charge, some don’t. You’ll definitely want to know this ahead of time so you’re not racking up fees at the ATM every day or incurring extra charges every time you swipe. Credit card companies will also freeze your card if you don’t tell them ahead of time you’re heading to another country, or even to a different state (they’ll think someone has stolen your card). A courtesy call to your credit card company will save you from embarrassment in the gift shop.