Try to take Visa rather than MasterCard. We found that it was more readily accepted. Also take Euros rather than US dollars and have some smaller denominations for emergencies. We carried a combination of Credit Cards, travelers Cheques and Cash. Travellers Cheques actually have quite limited use though as they can prove quite difficult to change. But they are a safe way to carry some of your money for just in case.
I carried about 600 euros with me at all times. In a combination of $ and euro and travelers cheques but just take euro for west Africa. I would say take about 150 euro in travelers cheques and 300 to 400 in euros cash.
Split it all up into 2 or 3 different locations and only use it when you need to. Draw from ATM machines whenever you are near one and don’t rely on the one in the next capital city working. I guess it’s down to personal preference and experience at the end of the day but hopefully that’s some help to you!
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Africa Trip web journal
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