Recommended Travel Hacking Essentials
Essential Currency/Banking Apps:
This free offline app updates rates when you go online, you can add as many currencies as you like so they all convert at the same time.
Top Tips:
- If you've reserved accommodation or an activity online in advance but it's pay a the property on the day, always enter the amount it said online and check the price in the local currency yourself... depending on the country some places may try to overcharge you by asking you to pay in local currency, hoping you won't notice.
- If paying by card, always choose to pay in the countries local currency rather than $/£/€ otherwise the conversation rates will be dictated by their bank which is usually a worse exchange rate than your travel banking card.
For me World Remit has been a lifesaver -not only is it quick, efficient and cheap for cross boarder transactions worldwide. This is the only app I have found to easily transfer money within moments to local banks and vendors in developing nations.
E.g. many African countries now run on Mpesa or similar mobile text services or phone apps (instead of fully fledged bank accounts) even large companies in Kenya are operating only via Mpesa now... while I was there this made things difficult at times, until I found this app.
If you want to, you can use promo code: REFERUY7KRSFBBCPS to get £5 when you make your first transfer of £50 or more.
Best Travel Bank Cards:
For the best foreign exchange and transaction rates:
Why I Always Travel with Both:
- I save my normal credit card for emergencies, then use the Wise and Revolute cards interchangeably depending on the lowest fees/exchange rates. This means if one card won't let a transaction go through, I've got the other, while my money stays safely at home in my usual bank and I simply top up as I go via the apps, rather than having large sums of money sitting in either account. This limits risk incase one gets stolen or hit by ATM fraud (which is common in many developing countries). I particularly like that Revolute's App has disposable digital cards as well, so even if your physical card goes MIA or you feel a transaction is risky, you have a safe backup straight away on your phone. Revolute also offers travel insurance with a pro account which might be worth it in itself!
Essential General Apps:
Essential Things I Always Pack alongside the normal list:
- Drybag
- Waterpoof sim/SD card hard case
- Small PVC packable rain poncho
- Zip ties (4+)
- Small padlocks x3
- Lifestraw packable waterbottle
- Carabiners x2
- Packing Cubes
I'll be adding more hot tips and suggestions as time goes by, so save this guide for easy reference in the future!
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