holiday money - a checklist

See out tips on taking credit cards abroad too.

1. Take half as much stuff and twice as much money, especially if you're going to America (where the clothes are cheap and the quality better than in the UK).
2. It's always a good idea to have a small amount of local currency to use when you arrive. Make sure that this includes some small denomination notes (and, ideally, some coins).
3. With the widespread acceptance of credit cards and the ability to draw cash on debit cards in foreign ATMs, most travellers take some currency, debit and credit cards plus some travellers cheques in case of an emergency.
4. Familiarise yourself with the bank notes and exchange rate before you arrive. Make sure you have a rough idea how much each note is worth.
5. Make yourself a pocket conversion table.
6. Check credit / debit card expiry dates before you travel
7. Once you get to your destination, don't carry all of your forms of payment with you. Leave at least one in the hotel / room safe (along with any travellers cheques receipts) in case anything gets lost or stolen.