At Travel FX, we love hearing from our customers about their travel experiences, especially when they provide valuable insights and lessons learned. Recently, Michelle, a regular Travel FX customer, shared her story with us about her two-week holiday to South Carolina, USA with her family. Her experience highlights the importance of carrying cash when traveling, even in a world that increasingly relies on digital payments.
Michelle meticulously planned her family’s trip, ensuring she had ordered enough US Dollars from Travel FX to cover small expenses like snacks, souvenirs, and transportation. Confident in her preparation, she decided to use her debit card for larger expenses such as meals and hotel bills. However, what she hadn’t anticipated were the hidden costs associated with using her card.
Upon arrival, Michelle and her family eagerly explored the vibrant food scene of the USA. It was during their first restaurant visit that she encountered an unexpected expense: a compulsory credit card fee. Many restaurants they visited added this fee, and it was not insignificant. In one photo she shared, a restaurant imposed a 3.94% charge for using a credit card.
Michelle reflected, “I thought I had prepared and budgeted carefully. I was expecting and prepared to pay tips of around 20% for each meal, but a credit card charge wasn’t something I’d heard of. This added an additional expense to my holiday… and left a bitter taste after each meal (excuse the pun!).”
This experience shows us that while digital banking and card payments are convenient, cash remains king, especially when traveling. Michelle found that these extra fees accumulated quickly, especially when dining out three times a day with her family. “Three meals a day for a family and credit card charges on most of those meals really added up. I’ll definitely not rely on my card and take more cash with us next time. At least when you have physical cash you know exactly what you are spending,” she noted.
“I thought I had prepared and budgeted carefully. I was expecting and prepared to pay tips of around 20% for each meal, but a credit card charge wasn’t something I’d heard of. This added an additional expense to my holiday… and left a bitter taste after each meal (excuse the pun!).”
Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder of the benefits of carrying cash while traveling. Cash ensures transparency and control over your spending, avoiding those unexpected and unwelcome charges that can throw your budget off balance. At Travel FX, we understand the importance of having access to your funds without hidden fees. That’s why we offer market-leading rates and the convenience of ordering your travel cash online, with delivery straight to your door.
With our 5-star Trustpilot rating, you can trust Travel FX to provide you with the best service and value for your money. So, next time you’re planning a trip, take a page from Michelle’s book and remember to carry sufficient cash. It’s a small step that can save you from big surprises and help you enjoy your travels to the fullest.
Travel smart, carry cash, and make the most of your adventures with Travel FX!
*Customer name changed for privacy.
