Even if our trip is all-inclusive, we know that a beautiful scarf or leather bag in the local market can be very tempting. Below are the currencies to use and how widely accepted debit and credit cards are by vendors on each tour:
| Tour | Currency | Are Debit & Credit Cards Accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt & the Nile | Egyptian Pound – EGP
ATMs, banks and currency exchange shops are all places where you can acquire Egyptian pounds. The best bang for your buck tends to come from withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs (and it also allows you to travel with less cash on you!). ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. All ATMs and banks have large signs indicating which credit and debit cards they accept. |
Credit and debit cards in urban centers
VISA and MasterCard are accepted in certain stores and restaurants in urban centres and in major hotels. |
| Authentic Thailand & Phuket | Thai Baht – THB
ATMs, banks and currency exchange shops are all places where you can acquire Thai Baht. The best bang for your buck tends to come from withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs (and it also allows you to travel with less cash on you!). ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. All ATMs and banks have large signs indicating which credit and debit cards they accept. If you intend on shopping or buying snacks, it is a good idea to keep some cash on hand as many small stores and restaurants tend to prefer cash transactions. |
Credit and debit cards in urban centers
An increasing number of outlets accept VISA and MasterCard; however, it is wise to carry cash outside of major towns and cities. |
| Colours of Morocco | Moroccan Dirham – MAD Travellers cannot obtain or exchange dirhams outside of Morocco. You can also bring some $US with you to exchange for MAD. Cash is king: since it is illegal to take unused dirhams outside of Morocco, we recommend that you convert enough money for half of your trip, and top-up your pocket money for the 2nd half. Before returning home to Canada, you can exchange your remaining dirhams at the airport exchange counter, with proof of your initial currency purchase. |
Credit and debit cards in urban centers
VISA and MasterCard are accepted in certain stores and restaurants in urban centres and in major hotels. |
| Enchanting Portugal | Euro – EUR
ATMs, banks and currency exchange shops are all places where you can acquire Euros. The best bang for your buck tends to come from withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs (and it also allows you to travel with less cash on you!). ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. All ATMs and banks have large signs indicating which credit and debit cards they accept. If you intend on shopping or buying snacks, it is a good idea to keep some cash on hand as many small stores and restaurants tend to prefer cash transactions. |
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere
It is possible to travel in Portugal almost entirely on credit and debit cards. Almost all stores and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted card at ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs. |
| Grand Tour of Ireland | Republic of Ireland: Euro – EUR Northern Irelands: Pound Sterling – GBP ATMs, banks and currency exchange shops are all places where you can acquire Euros or Pounds. The best bang for your buck tends to come from withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs (and it also allows you to travel with less cash on you!). ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. All ATMs and banks have large signs indicating which credit and debit cards they accept. |
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere
It is possible to travel in Ireland almost entirely on credit and debit cards. Almost all stores and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted card at ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs. |
| Iconic Greece & the Cyclades | Euro – EUR
ATMs, banks and currency exchange shops are all places where you can acquire Euros. The best bang for your buck tends to come from withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs (and it also allows you to travel with less cash on you!). ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. All ATMs and banks have large signs indicating which credit and debit cards they accept. If you intend on shopping or buying snacks, it is a good idea to keep some cash on hand as many small stores and restaurants tend to prefer cash transactions. |
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere
It is possible to travel in Greece almost entirely on credit and debit cards. Almost all stores and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted card at ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs. |
| Peru & Mystical Machu Picchu | Peruvian Nuevo Sol – PEN
ATMs, banks and currency exchange shops are all places where you can acquire Nuevo sols. The best bang for your buck tends to come from withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs in banks (and it also allows you to travel with less cash on you!). ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. All ATMs and banks have large signs If you plan on bringing cash with you to change into PEN, $US is the primary foreign currency accepted in major cities. Your Group Guru can help you with sporadic bankstops throughout the tour. |
Credit and debit cards are accepted in major centers
Large retailers and restaurants in Peru accept credit and debit cards, however, cash is king in markets and small stores. Visa is the most widely accepted card at ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs. |
| Prague, Krakow, Budapest & Vienna | Prague: Czech Koruna – CZK Krakow: Polish Zloty – PLN Budapest: Hungarian Forint – HUF Vienna: Euro – EUR ATMs, banks and currency exchange shops are all places where you can acquire these currencies. The best bang for your buck tends to come from withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs (and it also allows you to travel with less cash on you!). ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. All ATMs and banks have large signs indicating which credit and debit cards they accept. If you intend on shopping or buying snacks, it is a good idea to keep some cash on hand as many small stores and restaurants tend to prefer cash transactions. |
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere
It is possible to travel Prague, Krakow, Budapest & Vienna almost entirely on credit and debit cards. Almost all stores and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted card at ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs. |
| South Africa & Victoria Falls Tour | South Africa: South African Rand – ZAR
VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted in major stores and restaurants. We have a bank-stop planned during our first day in South Africa so you can use your debit/credit card to withdraw local currency. Note that your bank may charge an international withdrawal fee when withdrawing money abroad (approximately $5-fee per withdrawal, in addition to any margin on the exchange rate that they may charge). Speak to your bank for specifics regarding their fees and to ensure that your If you plan on bringing cash with you to change into ZAR, both $CAD and $US are accepted at currency exchange desks in major cities. Be prepared to present your passport when converting foreign currency into ZAR. Zimbabwe: South African Rand – ZAR & US Dollar – USD While in Zimbabwe, you can use both the ZAR and $US when shopping. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase Zimbabwean dollars as they are virtually worthless ($1 US = 362 ZWD). |
South Africa
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in South Africa. American Express and Diners Club are not as commonly accepted.
Zimbabwe American Express, VISA and Diners Club are widely accepted (unfortunately, MasterCard is not!). |
| Sicily & Southern Italy
& |
Euro – EUR
ATMs, banks and currency exchange shops are all places where you can acquire Euros. The best bang for your buck tends to come from withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs (and it also allows you to travel with less cash on you!). ATMs abound in all but the smaller towns. All ATMs and banks have large signs indicating which credit and debit cards they accept. If you intend on shopping or buying snacks, it is a good idea to keep some cash on hand as many small stores and restaurants tend to prefer cash transactions. |
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere
It is possible to travel Italy almost entirely on credit and debit cards. Almost all stores and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted card at ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs. |
| Treasures of Croatia & the Balkans | Bosnia & Herzegovina: Convertible Mark – BAM/KM Croatia, Montenegro & Slovenia: Euro – EUR We have a bank-stop planned during our first day in Bosnia & Herzegovina so you can use your debit/credit card to withdraw local currency. Since this tour covers countries that use 2 different currencies, it is a good idea to withdraw smaller amounts, so you are not stuck with a lot of a specific currency (this is especially true for the Convertible Mark). |
Credit and debit cards are accepted in major centers
Large retailers and restaurants in Croatia & the Balkans accept credit and debit cards, however, cash is king in markets and small stores. Visa is the most widely accepted card at ATMs, followed by MasterCard. Other cards, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also accepted by many ATMs. |
| Vietnam & Angkor Wat | Vietnam: Vietnamese Dông – VND
If you plan on bringing cash with you to change into VND, it is best to bring $US with you (as it is more widely accepted for exchanges). Cambodia: Cambodian Riel – KHR Although the local currency is the Cambodian Riel, locals prefer transacting in $US. Credit cards are now more widely accepted in major outlets (such as upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants catering to visitors). There are ATMs in Siem Reap. It is always best to carry cash in small denominations. |
Credit and debit cards are accepted in major centers
An increasing number of outlets accept VISA and MasterCard; however, it is wise to carry cash outside of major towns and cities. |
Pro tips for spending money abroad:
- We have a bank-stop planned during our first day of each tour so you can use your debit/credit card to withdraw local currency.
- Note that your bank may charge an international withdrawal fee when withdrawing money abroad (typically a $5 fee per withdrawal). Speak to your bank for specifics regarding their fees and to ensure that your debit/credit cards are accepted in each country.
- Traveller’s cheques are seldomly accepted, it is best to leave them at home
- Avoid exchanging too much money at the airport or your hotel if you can – their fees are much higher than other venues
- When exchanging currency, don’t get too taken in by talk of commission-free exchange or zero fees – everyone needs to make a living – you are paying these fees whether overtly or hidden
- Make sure your debit/credit card has a 4-digit PIN. Longer PIN numbers may not be accepted by certain terminals
- Make a note of the emergency numbers on the back of your credit cards in case you lose them
- Always choose to be charged in local currency
