Money Matters

With Encore, most of your traveling expenses are already covered. Still, there are some financial items you'll need to consider on your trip.

Spending Money

The amount of spending money you'll need depends on personal habits, but a good rule of thumb is $50 a day. This allows for lunch, snacks, soft drinks, souvenirs, free-time activities and optional excursions not already included in your itinerary, and local transportation during your free time.

“ The amount of spending money you'll need depends on personal habits, but a good rule of thumb is $50 a day. ”

Tips

As Encore travelers, your tips are already included! There is no need to tip your tour manager, driver or waitstaff for group dinners as Encore has already taken care of that for you.

Credit Cards & ATM Cards

• You may obtain cash with your credit card or local bank card at ATM machines. ATMs generally give a wholesale exchange rate—as much as 5% better than banks. You may want to check with your bank to review their fees for withdrawals from international ATMs.
• If you plan on using your bank card to withdraw cash overseas, make sure to contact your bank a few days or weeks before you travel. They can apply a travel approval note on your account that specifies the countries you're visiting and the dates you're traveling. This will help prevent your bank from putting a hold on your account for “suspicious activity.” If you have a Bank of America account, learn about the Global ATM Alliance.
• Most big department stores and restaurants in major cities will take U.S. credit cards, and these cards give you the best exchange rate.
• Be sure to memorize your 4-digit PIN (personal identification number) to use your bank card. Plus, check with your bank or credit card issuer to make sure your card is compatible with international ATMs. If you don't already have a PIN number for your credit card, you'll have to call to get one.
• If a logo for PLUS or CIRRUS is on the back of your credit card or bank card, you can probably use the card for cash at ATMs. These are the major money networks overseas. Call either PLUS (1-800-843-7587) or CIRRUS (1-800-424-7787) for ATM locations around the world.
• Please note: ATM cards may not work in Japan. Participants should bring cash and exchange on arrival or bring local currency.

Foreign Currency

• The Euro—the single currency of the European Monetary Union—began circulation on January 1, 2002. The Euro has replaced the national currencies for a host of countries. For a full list, please visit the website of the European Commission.
• For more information about currency rates, visit xe.com.
• Foreign countries don't exchange coins, either U.S. or foreign. Generally, only banknotes are convertible. Leftover foreign coins in your pocket are good souvenirs for family and friends.
• The rate changing back to dollars will not be as favorable as changing into foreign currency, so try to avoid having large amounts of foreign cash left over at the end of your trip.

“ The rate changing back to dollars will not be as favorable as changing into foreign currency, so try to avoid having large amounts of foreign cash left over at the end of your trip. ”

Taking Care of Your Valuables

• Your common sense will take you a long way.
• Keep your money, passport and other valuables in a hotel safe when available.
• Use a money belt or neck pouch for carrying money. Strap purses and cameras diagonally across, not over, your shoulder and preferably under your clothing.
• It is a good idea to leave expensive cameras, fancy sound equipment and jewelry at home.
• In the event that valuables are lost, you must have a police report to be covered by the Ultimate Protection Plan and the Comprehensive Protection Plan.