Travel money for the holidays

12 June 2012 - Travel, Money

People will soon be packing their suitcases for the holidays again. The luggage needs to include clothes and toiletry, but also appropriate means of payment should not be forgotten. On the one hand, these are the popular plastic cards. On the other hand, cash is also a must – but not large sums of the country’s currency, as cash is usually not insured against theft or loss. Carrying a small amount on you is sufficient in order to be able to make payments if needed. Especially taxi drivers, porters and lavatory attendants usually want to see cash.

The Maestro card or Postcard should also join you on the journey. These cards ensure the supply of cash. Withdrawal at ATMs is much cheaper with these cards than with the credit card. Withdrawal with Maestro card or Postcard costs approximately CHF 5.00. Significantly higher fees are no rarity with the credit card. Postfinance customers with a deposit of more than CHF 25,000 who decide on the “Plus“ set can even withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide for free.

What many people do not know: cashless payments can be made with the Maestro card in shops, restaurants and hotels. A basic rule: only use the Maestro card for cashless payment amounts from CHF 150.00. The credit card - or cash - is cheaper for smaller amounts. With the credit card, fees are about 2 percent of the purchase amount. This means that the costs rise with the purchase amount. Another advantage of the credit card: usually credit card providers quickly provide a replacement in the case of theft or loss. This is more difficult with the Maestro card.

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