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Planning a travel? Payment methods accepted abroad.

What means of payment will I be able to use abroad? That is a question that many travelers are asking themselves. Cash, traveler’s checks, credit card, checks, all payments are not accepted, and some of them incur fees.

Let’s take a look at the different payment methods available.

Pay by check when abroad.

mobile phone methodLet’s start with the least useful payment method. In Europe and other countries, bank checks are less and less used in favor of credit cards. Trust me you won’t be able to finish your checkbook abroad!

Generally speaking, if a merchant has to accept payment by check from you, it will be in the Eurozone. However, many people reject them for some reasons. Some just refuse checks issued in a foreign language. Others are concerned that a check may be in bad shape so they won’t be able to claim the transaction. In this case, the bank will charge them a fee, and it will be challenging for them to turn against a distant tourist.

But, on the other hand, it is also entirely possible for your bank to charge you a fee, which will vary from bank to bank. Paying abroad free of charge with a check seems complicated.

Pay abroad with a traveler’s check.

The alternative to the check, abroad, is the traveler’s check or traveler’s check. Foreign merchants more often accept this means of payment. This check is issued by your bank or exchange office.

The disadvantage is that is the fixed amount, so you won’t be able to pay for any purchase. Also, if you can determine the currency according to the country you are traveling to, the traveler check is not available in all world currencies.

On the other hand, the traveler’s check is a secure, nominative payment, which can be refunded to you in case of loss. It is also possible to exchange it for cash when abroad. Payments with a traveler’s check can, therefore, be a good solution in certain situations. It’s a great way to withdraw money without a credit card.

Pay abroad using a credit card.

preparing for a trip abroadAs mentioned above, credit cards are the preferred means of payment for Europeans. But is it possible to pay abroad without a charge with a credit card? Yes, in the Euro-zone. The currency being the same as in Europe, payments abroad by credit card are free of charge.

Withdrawals, again, are free of charge up to a certain number, which varies from bank to bank. To avoid withdrawal charges with your credit card, it is, therefore, advisable to withdraw a little more each time. On the other hand, outside the Euro-zone, bank card fees will vary according to the banks and will be charged at the time of your payment or withdrawal.

Cash payment abroad

In many countries, cash payments are very simple because everyone accepts them. Outside the Euro-zone, once again, cash payments are welcome, but you will have to consider exchange rates to pay in the local currency.

Please note, however, that some currencies must be exchanged before your return from your holiday if you do not wish to lose your cash, such as in Vietnam where currencies are only convertible on the spot. And if you are short of money, you can ask your relatives to make a transfer abroad using an international payment processor.

Paying with Bitcoins

Some international services already accept payments in Bitcoins, such as Expedia, Overstock, Square, Braintree, Dell, some ISPs, Zynga, and others. More and more websites go further by accepting only bitcoin payments. PayPal also recently announced a partnership with three Bitcoin payment systems. Many countries are opening up to this new technology, and despite the extreme volatility, this could be a good option for you. More on Bitcoin here https://sites.google.com/view/crypto-monnaies

By |December 11th, 2017|Categories: Europe, Other Destinations|Comments Off on Planning a travel? Payment methods accepted abroad.

Been there done that: Obscure sightseeing in Paris

As one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is a must for any traveller and young backpacker. Be it a long weekend, a stop on a European jaunt or an extended stay to soak up all the cultural attractions of this buzzing city – there is something for literally everyone in the French capital.

Most people stop by and do the Instagram-friendly sights of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysee, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Montmartre and Pigalle area. And of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re pushed for time, there are plenty of options for tour buses and sightseeing cruises all reasonably priced and offering a similar product.

But if you want to dig deeper, Paris has some amazing off the beaten track sights that will earn you extra cool points.

1. City of the Macabre – A must see the Catacombs/Les Catacombes de Paris. This hellish spectacle in the 14eme arrondissement is a series of tunnels lined with bones and skulls, allegedly the final resting place of 6 million people! A short Metro ride from Tour Montparnasse or Le Jardin du Luxembourg this will most definitely make your Instagram pictures stand out!
Keeping with the grisly theme the Cimitiere de Montmartre is worth a visit as is the Cimitiere de Chiens (pet cemetery) which as a bit of an excursion in Asnières-sur-Seine, around 20 minutes from central Paris.

streetart building paris streets2. Crazy street art – The Parisiennes love their art so much they’ve littered the streets with it! Alongside the ubiquitous graffiti are seen all over the city, there is also some fascinating sculpture dotted around the city. From the giant thumb in La Defense to the Les Enfants du Monde (children of the world) in Parc Bercy, there is bizarre, interesting and thought provoking art all over the place. Keep an eye out for street art by Invader and Obey as well. Who needs the Louvre?

3. More art than you can shake a brush at – One of Paris’s newest art scene arrivals is Fondation Louis Vuitton. The building alone is worth the trip, looking like some bizarre arrival from outer space has set down in the heart of Bois de Boulogne. If you don’t want to make the trip to the periphery of the city then, of course, there is always the world famous Louvre, the Pompidou Centre and the Musée de Orsay to keep you amused.

4. Faire du shopping? – Had enough art and sightseeing? For some truly Parisienne retail therapy skip the tourist trap of Champs Elysee and head instead to Rue du Charonne near Bastille. Independent, vintage and designer all jostle for your attention and money here. If you prefer your shopping with a view, then Canal St Martin is lined with high street staples and independent stores alongside a beautiful canal setting. Perfect for people watching over a Vin Blanc in between shops.

5. Mangez bien! – When it comes to refuelling the French obviously have a big reputation for food and drink. Some areas have a very distinct flavour such as the Marais, historically a Jewish area, which has a huge choice of falafel and middle eastern type cuisine. The trendy areas of Bastille, Oberkampf and Republique, are strewn with a massive selection of cool bars and restaurants – from classic French to Japanese and Argentinian- follow your nose for street food or try Astier just off Ave de Republique.

Many tourists will find themselves around Montmartre at some point, the favourite haunt of artists and hellraisers. There are also many excellent choices here for food and drink – try Le Bouclard for modern French food at reasonable prices (and maybe some celeb spotting).
As a general rule, most arrondissements (areas) will have a cluster of great authentic restaurants. If in doubt try and avoid restaurants with multi-lingual menu’s at the front, especially those around the main sights.

strolling through the busy streets of paris is the best way to visit the city

 

 

By |April 6th, 2016|Categories: Europe|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Been there done that: Obscure sightseeing in Paris
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