Best Places To Withdraw Cash Overseas

Armed with five currencies in our arsenal, my friends and I decided to go to an Indochina trip. We foresaw great expenditures ahead! This is why we decided to divide the expenses throughout the months leading up to our trip. Our airline tickets and accommodations were all taken cared of. However, there were hidden expenses that we overlooked. This burnout my cash.

Now, I turned to the local ATM to replenish my funds. My friends, on the other hand, used credit cards and exchanged their American dollars. Which of us got the better deal? Well, this has been an ongoing debate ever since.

MONEY REMITTANCES

Say that you have an emergency and you do not carry extra cash or plastic cards. How will you solve the immediate situation? For starters, you may have someone from home wire money to you.

Within a day, you can get money from well-known international companies such as Western Union or MoneyGram. These two charge variable fees depending on how much money you are sending, how the recipient will access the money, and where it will be sent. The most economical price entails the slowest service.

The only downside is that remittance fees can run from 1 to more than 10 percent! Generally speaking, faster services entail more expensive fees.

CREDIT CARDS

What will you when your hotel bills skyrocketed without warning? You may consider using credit cards for large purchases like this. I am referring to airline tickets, car rentals, and fancy meals too.

The most attractive advantage to using credit cards while traveling overseas is that purchases are exchanged at the interbank exchange rate. Usually, this is the best rate you can get for a currency exchange. While most credit card issuers ask for conversion fees, these fees are usually lower than what you must pay in currency exchange counters. Furthermore, there are a few cards that do not charge for foreign transactions!

The only downside is the idea of paying hefty late payment charges when the credit card bill arrives earlier than you. So, make advance payment arrangements.

DEBIT AND ATM CARDS

Debit card was my weapon of choice when we went to Thailand. It is a quick way to get cash exchanged in the local currency. I stress on its convenience as major cities and airports have ATMs available everywhere. Moreover, you will get the same interbank exchange rate when you withdraw with your debit or ATM card as you do with your credit card.

The only downside is that you will be charged a service or conversion fee for every withdrawal you make. Fortunately for me, there are several UOB ATMs in Thailand!

JUST A RECAP!!!

Image Credits:pixabay.com

The best ways to exchange currency include using your credit, debit, or ATM cards. As much as possible, use your financial institution’s ATMs to get lesser conversion fees. Before leaving for your travels, ensure that you have your money exchanged in at least two different currencies. When you are back home, see if your bank will buy back your foreign currencies.

Source: smartertravel.com

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Ninja Ways To Earn Money While Vacationing

Taking a much-deserved vacation is supposed to be relaxing. However, traveling on a tight budget can reduce the excitement. It does not matter if you get paid vacation leaves! Planning for a trip is an expensive undertaking. Money should be placed in a practical position whereby you can still pay for your bills when you come back home. Earning money while on a vacation can be a simple solution to your financial woes.

Ninjas are warriors known for their speedy and sneaky attacks. Much like a ninja, you may earn money in the fastest way possible by following these tips.

SELL YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

The Internet has a plethora of websites that buy and sell stock images from public users. Fotolia is one of the websites where you can make money by selling your digital photographs. Simply upload your best photos for the approval of the website’s administrators. Once your photos have been approved, it will be added to the marketplace where individuals or businesses can buy them.

You earn royalties which can vary from a few cents to a couple of dollars every time your photos are downloaded. Please be warned that Fotolia is closing on November 2019. Use it will you still can!

CLEAN YOUR CLOSET

While I was packing for my Bangkok getaway, I noticed how much clothes I should clear out. I remember the sleeveless tops and jeans that I no longer wear. Instead of tossing these, I can donate or sell some on Carousell. Carousell is an app that will enable you to connect to many local buyers. It can provide you a venue to negotiate with your potential buyer to get the best deal.

You will not have to worry about it while you are away. When you come back, you will be able to cash in on all of your offers and send all of your items.

SIGN-UP FOR REWARDS

Before jetting off to your dream destination, consider making an appointment to your nearest credit card issuer. Sign-up for travel-driven credit cards to reap its benefits. Some cards, like Citi PremierMiles Visa Credit Card,
will give you sign-up bonuses and points for every travel (e.g., 2 Citi Miles per S$1 on overseas travels).

Continue using said card to accumulate more points leading up to a better cash back experience. Who knows? Your next trip might be free!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

There are many ways to earn money with little to no effort at all. Do your research and stick to what you are good at. Have fun on your exciting trip!

Source: popsugar

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How To Fuel Up Your Money After Vacation

With a burnout heart, my friends and I decided to go on a week-long vacation to Bangkok. We have been working so hard for the past months that our bodies craved for a break. There is nothing wrong with giving yourself a reward from time to time. We all need and deserve it.

However, you may hit a financial iceberg when you go overboard. This happens to many Singaporeans who are on a vacation. They think that they can throw caution out of the window and spend like there is no tomorrow!

During our trip, we maximized each day by going to several tourist attractions from day to night. We spent more money than our perceived expenses. After our week-long sabbatical, I decided to fuel up my funds.

STEP # 1 – EXAMINE THE DAMAGE

As with everything, the first step is awareness. Find how much your vacation has cost you. Accept the fact that you cannot undo the expenses you have drained while you were on a vacation. You cannot bring back the time you bought a new sarong to comply with the temple’s dress code! While you cannot take back the S$200 you spent in a posh bar, you must still know how much you spent during your trip.

Ask yourself the following questions:

a. How much did I spend on a daily basis?
b. How much is my credit card bill?
c. Can I afford to pay in full?
d. When will my next paycheck arrive?
e. Will I need to take some money from my emergency fund?

You may not realize how overwhelming your financial state is while you were on a vacation. So, now is the time to see the total damage. Knowing where you stand financially can help you to recover with ease.

STEP # 2 – TAKE NECESSARY ACTION

After identifying the financial holes, it is time to take action. Rewrite your budget in accordance to your current financial situation. Allot a portion of your funds to repayment of your credit card bills or lost savings. Make things easier by downloading budgeting apps such as Mint.

During the recovery period, you must do your best to tone down your spending. Eliminate or cut down optional expenses for the next few months. Dine out less and take fewer trips to the shopping malls. Minimize your spending by steering away from temptations! Do not worry about bending down as your financial diet will not last forever.

You may also earn money by taking up a part-time job. Get extra money without sacrificing your main source of income.

STEP # 3 – LEARN FROM MISTAKES

You have learned your lesson by facing its consequences. The next time you go on a vacation, you will know better. Use what you have learned to strategize your itinerary. Perhaps you can dwell on experiences rather than buying too many souvenirs for your family. In Bangkok alone, souvenirs start at S$5. Besides, these souvenirs may end up as clutter in someone else’s home. Do not get me started with the overpriced food in tourist spots!

Before going on a vacation, you can start writing down a budget that will include your expenses and a cushion (i.e., emergency funds). I remember when we were shocked by the S$215 boat ride in the Floating Market. I had to withdrew more money on that day. Providing a travel cushion can prevent this. Stick to the budget as much as you can!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

There are many ways to fuel up your overused wallet such as creating a new budget or eliminating optional expenses. Follow these tips to recover financially from your vacation splurge! Ensure that going overboard does not happen again.

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The Best Credit Cards for Frequent Travellers

Many of us are ignorant about how much side benefits our daily spending can reward us because of the many complicated terms and conditions that come with signing on a credit card. But trust me, once you’ve figured out the one (or multiple) card that fits your lifestyle, you’ll wish you had started using them earlier.

Unless you are impossibly rich or are covered by your company, hardly any one of us would be willing to pay over $10,000 for a First Class seat for what may be a few hundred dollars’ worth of flight ticket.

But what if you had the opportunity of enjoying First Class without having to fork out actual money?

That is why accruing air miles on your credit cards is the way to go.

Your next question would then be: what are some of the most travel-friendly credit cards to use to convert as many dollars into air miles?

If you’re a serial traveller, or have a dream to be one, this is going to be one post that will help you re-evaluate your credit card spending with these points below.

I give you a breakdown below on the best credit cards to get the best (miles) bang for your buck with the least limitations.

  1. Citibank PremierMiles Visa Card

With a Citibank PremierMiles Visa Card, earn 10 mpd for booking hotels online on Kaligo. What this card trumps over the other credit cards is that you don’t have to pay in foreign currency, there is no limit on spending per month, and you certainly don’t have to fully prepay your reservation online – that means you can cancel your hotel reservations anytime without incurring any charges!

Apart from hotel bookings, earn 2.4 Citi miles per S$1 overseas spend in foreign currency and 1.2 Citi miles per S$1 local spend.

1 Citi Mile = 1 Mile with KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, Royal Orchid Plus and etc.

For new customers – Get 30,000 bonus miles with an annual fee payment of $192.60 and when you spend a minimum of $7,500 within the first 3 months.

Find out more perks about this card here.

  1. DBS Woman’s World Card

Earn 4 miles per dollar when you purchase air tickets online. Unlike other credit cards, this card doesn’t limit you to certain carriers you book with and there is no minimum monthly spending. The only drawback is that you can only spend $2K a month.

  1. UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card

An easy go-to card for everyday spending. Earn 4 miles per dollar each time you pay with Paywave/ Samsung Pay/ Apple Pay/ Google Pay on the go. The only limit is that you can only spend up to $1000 per calendar month, except where SMART$ are issued.

  1. BOC Elite Miles World MasterCard

Earn 5 miles per dollar on your overseas currency transactions. There is no minimum or maximum spending, so this is one convenient card you can carry around while travelling and not have to worry about using to shop overseas!

Learn more about these credit cards now!

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Make easy cashless payment in Thailand with Singtel Dash

Singtel Dash is now accepted in Thailand, Singaporeans’ favourite holiday destination!

Thanks to VIA, the new cross-border payment alliance, you can continue to make easy cashless payment in Thailand with your mobile phone!

Forget queuing at money changers or fumbling with multiple currencies. Just tap or scan with your phone while you eat and shop away! Enjoy the convenience of paying in Singapore dollars at highly competitive exchange rates, and view both Thai Baht and Singapore dollars just before you make payment — no fear of additional fees or charges!

Simply Simply look out for the VIA logo at thousands of participating retail and F&B stores in popular shopping destinations like JJ Mall, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Central World and more. Visit https://www.viaconnects.com for more details.

Download and sign up for a free Singtel Dash account via the App Store or Google Play Store now!

Available for a limited period only, check out these exciting deals when you pay by Dash!

  • 10% Cashback1 for all your spends in Thailand (promotion ends 31 December 2018).
  • ReadyRoam 1GB 30 days Thailand at only $5 (U.P. $12)2 for Singtel postpaid mobile users (promotion ends 31 October 2018. SMS ‘1’ to 727840 for instant activation).
  • 63% OFF3 Etiqa Travel Insurance for Thailand (promotion ends 31 December 2018. Enter promo code DASH2THAI upon checkout).
  • 8% OFF4 on IUIGA’s travel & outdoor items (promotion ends 30 November 2018. Enter promo code DASH8 upon checkout).


1Promotion is valid till 31 December 2018. 10% Cashback is capped at $5 per customer. Full payment must be made with Dash QR Code payment through VIA or Dash Visa Virtual Account through Visa payWave. Terms and conditions apply.
2Promotion is valid till 31 October 2018. The 30-day plan is valid upon activation and non-refundable once commenced. Auto renewal will apply upon exceeding the 1GB quota within the 30-day validity period (per local time). Terms and conditions apply.
3Promotion is valid till 31 December 2018. Promo code must be entered at point of purchase on Etiqa’s website. Promo code DASH2THAI is only applicable for travel insurance for Thailand. Full payment must be made with Dash Visa Virtual Account. Terms and conditions apply.
4Promotion is valid till 30 November 2018. No minimum spend required. Promo codes are applicable for all products under Travel & Outdoor except luggage. Full payment must be made with Dash Visa Virtual Account. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit www.dash.com.sg/deals for more information.

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