5 Crazy Ways to Hide Money While Traveling! 💸

[@NoraDunn]

Here are some products designed as everyday items that will hide cash while you travel: 🎀 Hair scrunchies: amzn.to/42lTQi1 📕 Paper book safe: amzn.to/4008XMG 💄 Lipstick: amzn.to/3JOQFYW 🧻 Tissue and gum packs: amzn.to/3LAIhxM 🧴 Sunscreen: amzn.to/40hOjHn 👩‍🦰 Hairbrush: amzn.to/3FAoJ8Q 💧 Water bottle: amzn.to/3THMq53 🧴 Deodorant: amzn.to/42rs1ow 💵 Money belt: amzn.to/3THMq53 💰 Money sock: amzn.to/3ZYj1FV 🧣 Infinity scarf: amzn.to/3JOozgz ALSO MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: 📱 Kindle e-reader: amzn.to/3ZYI8sh 🦷 Eco friendly floss with a handy stainless steel container: amzn.to/3Lws1xH

[@pamelaf.2776]

I put a stack of cash in between layers of wipes. I dry out the wipes first, then put the cash in between the layers, then put the entire stack into the plastic package the wipes came in. I use the travel wipes because they are a thinner package. Then I make sure to buy a couple extra packages of wipes to stack in between the secret money stash. They are a perfect size for cash because you don't even have to fold them to fit.

[@NoraDunn]

Fantastic tip, Pamela! Thanks for sharing!

[@NoraDunn]

@julieeee1111 LOL - true!

[@NYBrandywineTree]

Awesome….great idea! Next time I travel I’ll do that!

[@kevinadams9468]

New meaning of clean cash...

[@thomashughes_teh]

I misplaced $140.00 three years ago. I think I just remembered where I stashed it.

[@NoraDunn]

😂

[@lillianbarker4292]

You really saved me when I went to Mexico last spring and lost my phone. I had all the flights and reservations printed and tucked away in my suitcase. You’re my go to travel advisor. ❤

[@NoraDunn]

Woohoo! I'm so glad you averted disaster! Thanks for coming back and letting me know. You made my day :-)

[@Miek610]

(1) Underneath deodorant applicator. "Solid" Screw out deodorants, once partially used, can be fully screwed out and bills and small jewelry can be stored under the screw applicator. I've used this for bills many times, but never for Jewelry. But I think if wrapped in tissue, it should work. Just need to keep the jewelry from jingling when moved. (2) Popping the bristles out of a brush for cash storage might be a pain and might ruin a good brush. Amazon and other retailers sell hair brushes with storage in the handle. Or even tape lint rollers with storage in the barrel. (3) I've found keeping cash folded up in a box of condoms works well.

[@NoraDunn]

I actually put some links to specially designed hair brushes for stashing cash in the description. I found a ton of cool things once I went down that rabbit hole, including lint rollers and more.

[@damselinadress2069]

I hide cash in my bra (they sell pouches that attach to the bra as well). I also hide money in the luggage inside a flat maxi pad along with my toiletries when leave the hotel.

[@NoraDunn]

Great strategies!

[@leapintothewild]

I’d just asked Nora about a bra pouch - so it works for you, not uncomfortable? I’d also wondered about slipping cash in the cup - you know, the soft bras that have a slit for the removable pad. Just realizing boobs can be useful for travel… 😂)

[@formeremployee326]

@@leapintothewild Of COURSE boobs are useful in travel. I don’t think I’d worry about removing a bra stash for security/TSA. If there is a little metal, you could claim underwire.

[@leapintothewild]

@@formeremployee326 😁

[@AnneMB955]

I use one of those when I go for a walk. Add my house keys so I don’t need to carry them. Very handy. 🇦🇺

[@marj1510]

I have stashed stuff in my house that took months to remember where I stashed it, the last stash I found when looking for an unrelated thing 😂 so ill be taking “notes” when I travel

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha - they're great (re)discoveries when they happen, but terrible losses at first!

[@NYBrandywineTree]

I hid money in my secretary’s desk when the hurricane hit and I had stacks of cash. Luckily, she was not only my secretary, but one of my best friends and she gave me back the $30,000.

[@clairedesrosiers7398]

I would use big plaster… 2 -3 bills fold in( the square one’s) Stick it where not visible..on the skin( pretend blister or what) Change your plaster … when ever you like, bring a bunch .. 😊

[@NoraDunn]

Interesting strategy! Thanks Claire!

[@jpnphom5470]

in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam some sellers will not accept roll-up bills or wrinkled USD bills

[@NoraDunn]

Good point!

[@cltinturkey]

In India and Pakistan they always want crisp, new bills and give you absolutely nasty bills as change. YUCK!

[@elnamayberry]

In Cuba, we were asked many times by staff for new bills in exchange for crumpled or damaged bills that their banks wouldn't accept. It seems to be a common issue so a hiding place that keeps bills flat would be ideal.

[@deepsouthNZ]

Inside a tampon tube! Would that then be cash flow?

[@NoraDunn]

😂

[@rapunzelz5520]

Blood money???? Ewwww

[@dianeechlin6416]

You'd be in the red...

[@tpkyterooluebeck9224]

Yes, sounds silly, but it really will work due to the ick factor! Plus, any criminal can steal every single bag you have and leave you with only nothing around your neck or on your shoulder or in your hand. This is why the ick method. I highly recommend hiding a backup credit card and backup cash in a plastic bag that was folded and put inside of a pad-napkin, on the bottom side, on the other side of the sticky layer that you wear in your panties and actually wear it! No one wants an icky pad, so they aren't going to look here. I would also bring extra plastic bags and pads so you can switch this out daily, once in a private area where no one can know what you are doing. By the way, the keeping it in your shoes or sock, will not work in all cases, because cops and criminals both know to look there. Some will even find the bra pouch, because they know about that spot too. But, the ick factor will keep them from wanting to look down there, in that thing.

[@NoraDunn]

Wow - that's intense! I must admit, I don't plan contingencies so far as to be frisked so aggressively that underclothes pouches will be taken off me. I go on the assumption that most thefts are crimes of opportunity and what will be stolen will only be what's easy to steal (eg: it's in my pocket). If I'm in a situation where I'm being stripped down, it's over anyway. I can't plan for that kind of stuff and feel good about leaving the house every day.

[@hlw1306]

the scariest single female traveler story I heard on you tube 3 years ago or so was in Rome. The woman was wearing a money belt. She was going to board the train by a big plaza. 3 bigger than her men cocooned her body with theirs. In daylight, police in sight. They roughed her up, shook her, groped her every spot under clothes for valuables and got away with it. She went right to the police who were very nonchalant. They just said to report it at the police station.

[@hlw1306]

Adult Depends?

[@tpkyterooluebeck9224]

@@hlw1306 Yes, sometimes crooked police are in the force working with the criminals. Unfortunately, that was too often the case in one Italian town that the Mayor, who as a new Mayor, cleaned up. He got people arrested and did what it took to take the city back. I forget who he was and which city, but I have great respect for him! This was back a few years ago.

[@tpkyterooluebeck9224]

@@hlw1306 Yes, that would work.

[@xaviotesharris891]

That book idea would work for large bills even if you don't go all Shawshank with it. Ten hundred-dollar bills between different pages are not going to bulk it out enough to notice.

[@NoraDunn]

"Even if you don't go all Shawshank with it"... ha ha!

[@NYBrandywineTree]

It’s also great for when you want to give somebody money without telling them. I did that to my friend. I sent him $$$$ inside of a book. I told him it’s a great book. Just read up the page 8. On page 8 was the first hundred $ bill… after he got the book. I asked him if he started to read it. He said no I will. I said don’t procrastinate…. this book will change your life.

[@thegeneral123]

I use a Pacsafe X15 exomesh bag with a good quality padlock. Sure, someone with enough effort can pick the lock or use snips to gain access to the bag. However it's secured in my hotel room. The cleaning staff are looking for loose cash etc where a couple or three bills can be taken without being noticed. Or someone passing and the door is open and walks in and wants to grab something of value in 20-30 seconds. So my valuables go in there.

[@NoraDunn]

Good one! I do something similar.

[@SuperDflower]

But where do you attach this safe to in the room? It has a cable and the lock. And also, it’s obvious that it’s some kind of bag that has some thing valuable in it or you wouldn’t lock it that way. Could they not just cut the cable?

[@mrnmrn1628]

​@@SuperDflower Pacsafe is a brand of AntiTheft travel backpacks & accessories.

[@annethall]

It is easy to forget where you hide money sometimes. I take a picture with my phone.

[@NoraDunn]

Interesting!

[@TikkaMasalaa1]

or make app note not just dont label it Hidden cash!!!

[@NYBrandywineTree]

Truth… my secretary, found a few stacks that I hid in her office desk… I’m so glad she was honest and gave me back the 30 grand

[@davesaunders7080]

The multiple location idea is good, without forgetting all the spots. I use room safes if they have them or money belts if not while in transit.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice!

[@BPe-ie9je]

I just read a not so good blip on room safes, fyi. May want to research

[@llwil2003]

Always afraid I would forget to get the passport out of the safe. It is always on me when I leave the room.

[@BPe-ie9je]

@@llwil2003 Hey Linda, I just read, multiple people in hotel (employees) have access to all the safes.

[@NoraDunn]

@@llwil2003 I saw a colleague suggest putting something else in the safe that you absolutely won't forget - like a shoe!

[@conniepagel6813]

I hode my money while in the hotel inside the travel pillow since it had a removable cover.

[@NoraDunn]

Great hiding spot, Connie!

[@ellenclary]

If you still have film canisters that you haven't tossed yet, they can be really handy to stash small things in.

[@NoraDunn]

Great tip, Ellen!

[@troigrl]

I’ve had my real film stolen in checked luggage a long time ago. Lost memories 😢

[@1984GOrwell]

Young thieves never seen film cameras nor films. A film canister, to them, is sure to look like a stash for something valuable.

[@JuneRaeder-MacKinnon]

As a senior who forgets often. I pretty much have to use converntional places to stash cash. I use a money belt, then if staying on land hide it places people would look, but always in a something I have to take with me. I mostly do cruises, so not really a concern with money. I do use their safe and since the cabins are tracked via key card, I'm pretty protected.

[@NoraDunn]

It is definitely easier on cruises, where things are pretty cashless on board.

[@kevinadams9468]

Pro Tip: don't conceal any money BEFORE arriving at your destination, or you may discover the ultimate hiding place (the infamous 'prison wallet') while confined in a local jail for smuggling. Any thing hidden (money, gold, jewelry) can be considered smuggling either leaving or entering a country. BE CAREFUL.

[@NoraDunn]

Wow - thanks for the cautionary advice!

[@samewalt6486]

I've been told that the safest place for cash is on your person. I always wear pants with a belt. The belt has a zipper compartment on the back where I keep a fair amount of cash and copies of my passport and visa. The belt looks like an ordinary belt and has a plastic buckle and I can wear it through airport security. I could lose my bag, my wallet, my cards and still manage. I keep large bills and some small bills.

[@NoraDunn]

Great strategy!

[@NYBrandywineTree]

Where did you get that belt? That’s a perfect idea.

[@samewalt6486]

@@NYBrandywineTree Online, it's made by Pacsafe.

[@leapintothewild]

haha I’d leave that bar of soap in the shower and keep traveling! My fear about secret spaces is that I’d forget there’s money and throw the thing away!The one place I do use is under the paper liner in an Altoids mint tin, so I guess anything works as long as you make it a consistent habit so you don’t toss it! 😂 I’m too hot natured for money belts, but wondered about the little pouch that hangs from a bra - any feedback on that?

[@NoraDunn]

I think the bra pouch is a good idea but you can’t use it while flying (or rather you’d have to visit a toilet before to take it off before clearing security) since airport security would be a problem with it on.

[@leapintothewild]

@@NoraDunn Never thought of that - thanks!! This was a fun video ❤

[@denise3587]

The one I bought was really small

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

@@NoraDunn Many years ago my grandmother told me to put money (a bill) in my bra and that worked for me until a few years ago when I got scanned and pulled aside to be scanned again in a room with two security guards, both women, thankfully. Still, it was upsetting. I remained calm, but it put a damper on my wanting to fly again.

[@NoraDunn]

@@lyndavonkanel8603 I'm sorry you found the extra security distressing.

[@ehRalph]

Use a magazine or an old advertising brochure and a glue stick to package cash between a couple inside pages. Wrinkled, smudged, stained or inked bill aren’t great for international travel. One (not that bad) bill from my wallet was rejected recently. Most of our travel cash is crisp and flat with a recent printing date.

[@NoraDunn]

Great tip - thanks!

[@getreadyforthelamb]

I was living in Albania it was 1997 during Anarchy, I was visiting friends in Athens Greece and was going to meet my husband in Corfu for a business meeting later. I was on a metro tram train in Athens when I was robbed. I had enough money in my shoe to get me all the way to Athens by bus and ferry. Once there we got to the ATM to get cash out when I met my husband.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm sorry that happened to you! Glad you had that stash in your shoe. Whew! (BTW I was just in Albania, and I suspect it has changed a lot. I loved it!)

[@deekshithar354]

In India, you get underwear with a zipper pocket. Very commonly available for men. There are a few options for women as well. Also, people stitch invisible zipper pockets to their pants/shorts/shirts.

[@NoraDunn]

Great tip!

[@NYBrandywineTree]

Inside pockets are key… all major cash inside… have only a little loot in ur regular pockets in case you get robbed.

[@DaveG-qd6ug]

I prefer dirty underwear, chewed up dog toys, or infants, because they are less likely to be stolen along with the money.

[@NoraDunn]

Infants - haha!!

[@rebelmama37]

Chewed up infants? LMAO

[@joyceb5864]

Don't throw away an empty lipstick tube. Wash the tube & use it to store cash. It's doubtful someone would search your make-up.

[@NoraDunn]

Yes!!!

[@maradall]

Sounds like a good idea - but I once had a small make-up purse lifted from my bag at a market in Ecuador. I guess the thieves thought it was a change purse. (But I always carry most of my money in a money belt, and my everyday money stash in a separate small shoulder bag.) I was a bit miffed because the pouch itself was a treasured (though not particularly valuable) souvenir from Japan, and the make-up items were useful and not easy to replace. But I'd rather lose my make-up pouch than my money purse!

[@NoraDunn]

@@maradall Sorry you lost something special to you as well as some hard-to-replace items. Sometimes that can hurt more than losing cash!

[@vidong1704]

There are vests with inside, zippered pockets. One is Scottevest.

[@NoraDunn]

Yes! I feature that vest in another video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2etd2NmqtConK8

[@ckg5937]

They also have skirts, skorts and dresses with zip pockets

[@bzb2932]

I have the Scottevest AND the Scottevest Jacket. When I go someplace cold, I use the jacket for warmth and safety. I keep my passport in the hidden back pockets, one credit card in the front zip pocket for quick retrievals, a decoy wallet with fake credit cards in a cross-body (it is where a thief would expect me to have my wallet). I will incorporate other hiding places seen in this video. Thanks for doing this. I HAVE been mugged before and it's scary. Being informed about this helps the paranoia.

[@loriwitkop1389]

DONT get a wallet case for your phone, too easy for folks to steal money/cards. I use just a plastic cover that is thing but durable. I know, kinda blah, but it's professional looking. I keep a bill between it and the phone. My case is solid so no one knows it's there it just looks like a normal phone. and perhaps even a credit card might also fit, I haven't tried as I'm scared that the phone might ruin any readable features off of the card rendering it useless.

[@NoraDunn]

I like the idea of putting a little something extra between the case and the phone, but only if it's easy enough to remove the case like that. Some cases are pretty difficult to remove/put on.

[@loriwitkop1389]

@@NoraDunn That is why I use this hack for my "emergency" hack.

[@NoraDunn]

@@loriwitkop1389 Ha ha - okay, fair point!

[@morrisyarnell6083]

Hotels have soap, why carry it? E-readers are better than books. Card games are also on iPads. Soggy money in a brush. Cloth belts with zipper sewn on the back work for many bills. Sew a piece cloth on the inside of your pocket that can only be reached if you take your pants off.

[@zunaira1212]

I made a pocket inside my hat and also in my hair tie

[@NoraDunn]

When I was researching for this video, I saw hair scrunchies with hidden pockets and I thought that was a brilliant idea. Does it still work okay when it's in your hair? The hidden cash doesn't make it too stiff?

[@chrislewisking6667]

Thank you for sharing your ideas! Possibly pockets of dirty laundry or inside the shoes you are wearing.

[@NoraDunn]

Great idea!

[@spillthesoymilk]

Very smart ideas thank you for the video 😮❤🎉

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks!

[@AH-ux6kk]

Love your "world" necklace👍

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you!

[@formeremployee326]

Inside your blow dryer- no one would steal that. Inside a food package, dry coffee cup (put your phone in it and carry), in grubby kid or dog toy, squeaky toys are always hollow.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice hiding spots!

[@ckg5937]

If travelling with fido, a spare doggy poop bag. Or if adventuring /hiking the back country in the "poop kit" aka "honey bag". Definitely has ick factor

[@lesleylatham8414]

Like the floss container idea but NOT along the floss you're using.....don't want germs from the money going directly into your mouth. Ew. (Dental career 😁)

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh…good point!! 😳😬

[@billthomas2431]

Under large band aid or athletic wrap...

[@NoraDunn]

Nice one!

[@Deem57]

Last trip I carried cash inside the back wall of a pocket of a zip-up jacket I wore. I used stick on velcro all around the pocket to attach the pocket to the inside of the jacket. The velcro didn't show and any pick pocket would make a lot of noise trying to rip open the pocket, even if he was able to figure out there was a pocket behind the pocket. Plus the front of the pocket had a zipper, which would be somewhat of a nuisance for a pickpocket to get into, I suppose. 😁

[@NoraDunn]

Great call on the velcro!

[@MykaylaStargirl]

Ive always been advised to keep a few bills under your insole

[@Riodoesart145]

Please suggest something how to keep mobile safe from pickpockets

[@NoraDunn]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWeWk3enn56qrZY

[@macorey54]

I sew a pocket in my bras to hold money, credit cards and even passport.

[@NoraDunn]

Great strategy!

[@ckg5937]

You can also use the slot in a padded bra or a mastectomy bra.

[@lillianbarker4292]

My bras are too small for a passport 😂

[@BPe-ie9je]

Do the metal strips on USA bills show up on scanners ?

[@NoraDunn]

Nope.

[@yorgunsamuray]

I had this dictionary shaped safe. Though it was obvious when you look at it from close, but was kinda a distraction.

[@NoraDunn]

Good to know! I always wondered.

[@shaynesparkes8740]

I take a travel screwdriver, to be honest i unscrew the light switch on the wall and stash the money in there and tighten it back up. Sneaky , easy to hide and No one the wiser You’re most welcome

[@NoraDunn]

Wow! Super interesting strategy, Shayne!

[@adrianburns548]

Absolute BEST one yet! Thank you!

[@JuliaShonka]

Great discussion! I am going to go with the money belt to keep all of my money on my person. But some of these tips are intriguing enough that I might try one. :-)

[@NoraDunn]

Sweet! Which hiding spot most intrigues you?

[@JuliaShonka]

@@NoraDunn I think the hairbrush is a cool idea. Especially if it has a lot of hair in it... I think it could look grungy enough that a thief wouldn't touch it. :-0

[@NoraDunn]

@@JuliaShonka Bingo! ha

[@debbywoolbright7953]

A mint container. Like the one that ice breakers comes in. Haven’t tried this, but I just had my last mint after watching the video.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha! Time to try it!

[@margaretgrear5589]

Soo im not the only one who forget were iv hid money aw that make me feel soo much better thanks

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha!

[@TikkaMasalaa1]

Thats called family inheritance, at a later date. My mom left just ME, 120$!!

[@moreyladini7708]

Chris Rock also recommended hiding money in a book...

[@NoraDunn]

Well if it's good enough for Chris... 😉

[@lillianbarker4292]

I’ve heard Ice T say it too. I believe it’s an old racial slur but it’s really universal, especially in these political times: “If you want to hide something put it in a book “.

[@edgauthier4773]

I take a photo on my phone of my hiding spots.

[@NoraDunn]

Hopefully nobody finds your phone! ;-)

[@denise3587]

Inside the mini pad package

[@NoraDunn]

Nice!

[@barbarabeck1174]

A few bills in a pair of socks, folded into itself.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice hiding spot, Barbara!

[@chrisrobinson3980]

Seems like I've read, somewhere, that money is one of the dirtiest things we handle. For that reason, I'm not sure whether it's a good idea to put it in with dental floss (though using the empty floss container does sound brilliant!)

[@NoraDunn]

Yeah. I misspoke about putting it inside a floss container that is being used....unless the money can stick to the edges and not touch the floss itself. (Even so...)

[@ckg5937]

Money is filthy stuff. Used to work in FX and my hands would be black after a couple of transactions.

[@vgfika102]

Give me your opinion about travelers checks, once in a club in Oxford I get robbed but the thieves didn’t take them.

[@NoraDunn]

I don't believe travelers checks are a thing any more.

[@ckg5937]

Hmm bills in soap..money cleaning/laundering

[@NoraDunn]

😂

[@user-ld1jv6yu1j]

Or they just take the the whole bag. Rifling takes time.

[@jnbovee]

Get a package of butt wipes, empty most of it out. And stuff a Ziploc bag in there with some cash. No one wants to open a used package of butt wipes.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha! Good one.

[@paulafitz532]

Thank you

[@MK-cc5ve]

Always in the bra. (Unlikely a pick pocket will try to put a hand there.)

[@NoraDunn]

True!

[@ckg5937]

Or if they try, your teeth can bite them

[@JamesKing2understandinglife]

Hide it in the toe of a second pair of shoes.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice!

[@Elle-kr8od]

Why not just carry extra cash and a back-up credit card in an under-your-clothing money belt or neck pouch, or--for women---a bra pouch?

[@NoraDunn]

Thing is, I don’t wear those every single day when I travel- only on travel days.

[@Elle-kr8od]

@@NoraDunn ah!

[@MsShevl]

I have a money belt but I’m afraid to wear it under dresses- which is the majority of my wardrobe. I’m paranoid that the closure will break and the belt will fall. 😢

[@Elle-kr8od]

@@MsShevl Maybe a neck pouch or bra pouch might be more comfortable for you.

[@NoraDunn]

@@MsShevl Hmm....interesting. That could be awkward! ha ha

[@LorraineKrueger-o3b]

What if your book goes through the xray at the airport, then what?

[@NoraDunn]

That's fine. Assuming it's in your carry on bag, you'll have eyes on it and if the TSA agent wants to go inspect it, you will be there to see them do it.

[@skibbydogg]

Please don't put dirty money in floods you intend to use.

[@NoraDunn]

Good point! I haven't done it before (as I was making this video I thought maybe it would be a good idea, but afterwards I realized it wouldn't be so smart - LOL)

[@NYBrandywineTree]

I’ve traveled all over the world with hash… I put it in the string of my sunglasses in the back. It just looks like a button that’s attached to the string. All of my friends Tell me it’s ingenious..

[@NoraDunn]

Wow that's gutsy.

[@nawan2348]

I will follow my mother style, hide the money in my bra.😊

[@NoraDunn]

That works! Though in hot climates, it gets a bit sweaty....

[@sandrablake2362]

I want to know where to buy a lovely white/cream bag that you had all those electronics packed in??

[@NoraDunn]

It's a snappy looking bag, isn't it! :-) You can get one here: peak-design.pxf.io/qnernq

[@prabhavenkatesh7931]

Wondering whether it is worth traveling to Europe at all.

[@NoraDunn]

It depends on what you want! I'm in Europe and LOVING it at the moment.

[@judithcrone5869]

No riskier than other places

[@lillianbarker4292]

I think Europe is very safe. It’s just fun to think of hiding places. With ATMs everywhere you don’t need much cash. And of course it’s best not to be too flashy or wear expensive jewelry.

[@davidslowhand5172]

Some of the hiding places mentioned in the comments (bras, underpants, socks, shoes & vests) explain why some notes have that peculiar pungent smell to them.

[@felicityartemis8621]

How much U.S. currency should one travel to Europe with? Everyone I know has a different opinion. Some say none, and some say $1,000. I need more opinions on this.

[@cltinturkey]

I take between $200 and 400 (depends on trip length) in crisp $20 bills. I also take a $5 and five $1 bills for U.S. airports. Several times I've bargained at a craft show or small business and pay all or part of my bill with dollars if I'm nearing the end of a trip. Dollars also saved me at a train station in Portugal where the station money change was MUCH cheaper than an ATM. You don't need a ton of cash, but $200-400 should see you through for a few days.

[@NoraDunn]

@CLT - I'm curious: how did you know the station money exchange counter was cheaper than the ATM? I've always been under the impression the ATM is the best rate because it's the bank rate....as long as you don't let the ATM itself do the conversion (at which point the sky is the limit).

[@NoraDunn]

Felicity - It's not a bad idea to have some USD in cash, but I would never bring $1000 with me. Especially in Europe where that isn't even the currency! If you want to travel to Europe with anything, bring Euros. You can order them from your bank and pick it up before you go.

[@cltinturkey]

@@NoraDunn I checked three different bank ATMs about a mile from the station. In all cases I was not letting the ATM do the conversion. ALL had a fee of 11.5% on top of whatever I withdrew. I cancelled all three before any withdrawal. I had enough cash to get to the next town, so I headed on to the station. I asked at the station money exchange, and they had a 5% fee. I've always thought ATMs were the cheapest, but that wasn't true in three different cities I tried in Portugal. For once, the station money exchange was cheaper.

[@NoraDunn]

@@cltinturkey Thanks for sharing your experience! Remember: money changers have two different ways of getting money: 1) Their "commission" or fee 2) The exchange rate they use - which can be whatever they want it to be, so they can mark it up that way. That's how those "fee-free" exchange counters make their money.

[@marionmarino1616]

Sorry, theses don’t seem so great.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! Right??

[@reg11756]

Don't take TWO MINUTES to get to the tips.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@richiesubron5003]

You talk too much than action

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

Your corny jokes and attempts at puns are rather annoying