 22Likes
 |
|
17 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 1
|
|
|
Do you prefer walking around with cash or card while travelling
Hey there! Do you prefer walking around with cash or card while travelling? I use a card most of the time. Cash is just a security issue.
|
17 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 828
|
|
|
Both is needed today in europe, for travelling purpose.
If you had to choose between, is cash is still the option number 1.
Soon you get more remote, the bars/restaurants dont can process cards, or the unit dont work... For City tripping a card will work well..
Surfy
|
17 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 1
|
|
|
If it's possible, I always prefer to use a bank card as I find it more convenient and I don't need to carry cash, especially coins with me after getting the change. But when you travel, you can find a many places that don't accept cards or require minimum amount of transaction even if in your country they would have accepted without any doubts. Now I keep the main amount of money on the BlackCatCard. That's a great card but still not very popular. The main currency is the euro, no setup and maintenance fees. At home or travelling, paying or withdrawing cash from an Mastercard ATM isn't a problem as well
|
18 Aug 2020
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
|
|
|
Can't we have both..? I use cards for major purchases, but carrying a bit of cash in pocket is always very useful.
As mentioned above, what if you encounter an issue where your card isn't accepted, or just plain doesn't work? I have that happen here occasionally right in my hometown, never mind in a country on the other side of the globe!
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
|
18 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,104
|
|
Nice of Louiz to bring up a subject I’d never given a second thought to 
Those of you with long memories in the U.K. may remember an advert for Access (now MasterCard) way back where the strap line was “Access says more about you than cash ever could”. The implication was that paying by card portrayed you as some kind of sophisticated, well heeled individual. How times have changed. In this track and trace era where your spending habits plug straight into an advertising database I’m much more of the “cash says less about me than Access ever could” persuasion. That is if I can find anyone to take my disease riddled coins.
|
18 Aug 2020
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,052
|
|
Hey Louiz, your first post. 
As for Africa (Sub-Saharan) you need both. In the towns you'll be alright with a credit card, but - even in South Africa - in rural areas many small shops, B&Bs etc. don't have card facilities.
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
|
18 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 309
|
|
Outside of Europe, Canada and the US credit cards have limited utility.
You can get good food and refreshing drinks here (Mexico).....
but these ladies do a cash only business...
Cash only out here at this Guesthouse in Tajikistan....
Aside from that, I recall that my credit card company told me not even to try using my card in Russia- they would deny any charges automatically. Too much fraud at that time.
Bottom line, carry a card and use it when you can, but try to always have local cash on hand.
...................shu
|
18 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 304
|
|
|
Yes - a bit of both - there are places I wouldn't carry much cash, and split my cards to minimise risk of loss (Rio for example). I wouldn't carry a lot of cash in my pocket anywhere, although in some places cards are just not going to work (I used to carry far more cash in Congo than anywhere else I've been). The last time I was in Russia I had no problem with a card, however that was a few years ago. In some parts of Europe cash is now completely unnecessary - we travelled through Denmark a couple of years, had no cash at all, and used cards everywhere.
|
19 Aug 2020
|
 |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Somerset, UK
Posts: 34
|
|
|
I normally carry 100 Euro's in cash (or enough for a hotel room and a meal depending where I am) - otherwise, card is king in all built-up areas. Only if you are in smaller villages do I sometimes struggle with cards
Certainly with Cov-19, I've found stores throughout Europe prefer card - even for smaller value payments.
__________________
"There are no Foreign Lands, It is the Traveller only who is Foreign" - Robert Louis Stevenson
|
19 Aug 2020
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 723
|
|
|
In Europe in a lot of places cards are fine.
But: there are also enough countries, where they don't accept cards in small places, and sometimes they don't work when internet is down for the terminal. happened to me in Italy for one weekend.
I was stuck in a city with no cash till Monday.
Also the card can be swallowed in the ATM, you never know.
Cash for emergency is aways good to be safe.
And in a lot of countries outside Europa you need cash, because there is no way to withdraw money from ATM
|
19 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
|
|
|
Very situation dependent, depending on where you're going, if you'll be in cities or the country, etc.
The one thing I want to point out is that sometimes a place might accept cards, but not the type of card that you have. For instance, after living in Berlin for two years, I was surprised by the number of places that accept Maestro cards, but not credit cards (I was also surprised by the number of places that didn't accept cards at all).
Similarly, riding through rural France on a Sunday several years ago, I was unpleasantly surprised to find that all of the gas stations were closed, and while they could be used with some kind of card, they did not work with Visa/Mastercard/Amex.
On the other hand, you might be surprised to find that all modern gas stations along the major highways in Russia will accept credit cards (just avoid the ones that look like they were built in the 1960s...).
|
25 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 272
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by shu...
Outside of Europe, Canada and the US credit cards have limited utility.
You can get good food and refreshing drinks here (Mexico).....
but these ladies do a cash only business...
Cash only out here at this Guesthouse in Tajikistan....
Aside from that, I recall that my credit card company told me not even to try using my card in Russia- they would deny any charges automatically. Too much fraud at that time.
Bottom line, carry a card and use it when you can, but try to always have local cash on hand.
...................shu |
TJ has only a half dozen of ATMs in the country which take MasterCard and even with Visa the places (hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc) which take credit take local cards.. so it's 90% cash travel.. I had my frame there welded twice and it put me in tight spot  . If you carry cash it's better to have US$, € is rare and is taken as $1=€1. Good thing many guesthouse are $15/night with dinner and breakfast.
As for Russia interesting.. I had issue crossing into Azerbaijan had to call credit card to have them enable but not russia.. it is better to call card in advance before border. And don't cross border on empty tank made that mistake twice LoL.
Last edited by cyclopathic; 25 Aug 2020 at 12:30.
|
30 Aug 2020
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Wrexham, UK
Posts: 25
|
|
|
I'm in the UK and depending where I go I take a mixture of cash in US$ and/or €, plus a couple of credit cards, one visa and one mastercard. One of the cards is from Starling Bank and has the facility of locking/unlocking the card if lost by using their app on your mobile phone. Also they don’t add fees or charges when you use your card overseas. It’s also free to withdraw cash from ATMs outside the UK. The final back up is a Paypal account which is handy for transfering large amounts while overseas instead of carrying cash. These days you are spoilt for choice compared to when I first started traveling in the 1960's, when the choice was travelers cheques and/or cash, and you were limited to how much you could take out of the UK to around £50 and it was written in the back of your passport!
|
1 Sep 2020
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
Posts: 464
|
|
|
When walking
When walking around, I prefer cash.
Not even a wallet.
No cards.
Safer. If i get robbed, they steal whatever cash I have in the pocket.
And a minor amount of cash can easily be replaced.
=
I learned from the locals in South America.
:> Have enough cash in your pocket for what you plan to do.
Leave the rest in a safer place.
=
|
27 Oct 2020
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
|
|
|
I carry both.
I'd rather lose cash than card.
I carry several cards (both debit and credit).
I also have means to pay by phone.
I keep a nice stash of cash, and withdraw as I go along.
I try to use cash when I venture far and long.
I don't put all my eggs in one basket.
Card fraud happens all over the world, but more in some places than others.
My GF had her card skimmed in croatia, and a few hours later it was attempted used in Brazil (copied)
Having my card blocked or lost can be really bad.
Do what the locals do...
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
