Carrying cash at tourist destination

[Maikalal Jaikishan]

I used to do all that, just gave up, I use my primary DC and withdraw from ATM, too much hassle in loading and all.
Also, unloading is really, I mean, really bad Ex rate.

Good point. I guess the banks make a killing at the unloading stage.

 

[indraneal89]

I used to do all that, just gave up, I use my primary DC and withdraw from ATM, too much hassle in loading and all.
Also, unloading is really, I mean, really bad Ex rate.

I guess debit cards are more convenient but using forex gives me more piece of mind. Certain places like Bali have a lot of issues with card skimming.

I've personally not faced any issues with loading (I simply login and pay using my credit card to load forex). I also don't really unload since I load only as much as I would need and if anything is leftover I just keep it for the next trip

 

[aayusharyan]

Certain places like Bali have a lot of issues with card skimming.

Forex cards can be skimmed also, what’s the advantage here?

 

[indraneal89]

Forex cards can be skimmed also, what’s the advantage here?

I don't usually load more than I am going to withdraw so there's nothing to lose 🙂

 

[aayusharyan]

I don't usually load more than I am going to withdraw so there's nothing to lose 🙂

Ahhh like that, yeah in that case it works for you. For me unfortunately, I kind of travel frequently, so won't be that effective.

 

[aviator0123]

Depends on the card I guess

1. I use the HDFC multicurrency forex card with the following charges
2. HDFC Debit cards will incur an ATM fee of around 110-125 Rs + taxes + 3.5% forex markup (Ref: Debit Card Charges )

I prefer to use the forex card for safety reasons however as the withdrawal is limited to how much money I load which means I can load how much I need before the ATM withdrawal so even if the card is compromised somehow there's little to nothing I have to lose. I can also load currency well in advance and be protected from forex fluctuations.

Can someone tell me FOREX fee of BUSINESS REGALIA and REGALIA GOLD credit card ?
I am confused with this image
Is it 2% or 3.5% ???
Is it recommended to use the above cards for forex as per their REWARD RATE

 

[aryanmahajan2506]

You could carry some petty cash for emergencies. The best way to acquire cash according to me would be arranging from local merchants. This would reduce the extra charges and would be authentic as well.