Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Mar 2008
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
What currency to use?

I'm sure I saw a post relating to this a few months ago, but can't seem to find it...

We are starting to count down the weeks now for our trip and one of the thinbgs to start thinking about is currency, which one/or a few different ones and how much of it.

Our starting point is Vladivostok and then heading west through Mongolia and the Stans.

Is there anyone with recent experience of those areas in terms of best currency (or maybe not so recent experience) to take/use ie Euro, US dollar or GBP etc.

The other thing we can't decide on is how much currency to carry with us. We are travelling in a 4x4, and we have a safe bolted in, so can store it there.

My initial thoughts were in the region of equivalent US $1500 or so...:confused1::confused1:

Is this too much/little?? We will obviously be using cards where ever possible, so it will be small day to day things maybe but more than likely emergency money.

The main question though, which currency???
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
currency

Pumbaa,

For currency and type of Credit cards in Africa check my web site link. There is other usefull info too.


exploreafrica.web-log.nl: 30-Tips & Tricks (in English)

Cheers,

Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Mar 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Which currency - depends on waht purpose.

For your trip ... Remember each time you change the type of money you loose something .. no point in changing OZie money into US money then UK money .. may as well go direct from OZ to UK money.

Emergency money .. that would be for ? If small things like a taxi to the next town .. well local currency or US .. all most anyone knows the rough exchange rate from their currency into the USD. For larger things you'll be near a bank any way.

Enjoy the ice cream .. it is very good in Russia.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Mar 2008
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337
Russia ... 'Stans....

In 2002 situation was ... only US$....no credit cards...hard currency ... no travelers check... if willing to pay huge amounts of transaction expenses, western union (quite available in big cities) ...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Mar 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
In all big cities Barnaul included, you can withdraw money out of an ATM machine using a Visa debit card...NOT Visa electron or Mastercard as readily.

I would open an online bank account and then use the ATM/debit card they give you to withdraw money as you go along. You can then withdraw the money as you need, AND not get hit with too bad of a rate.

Carry 1000 $/Euro in small notes as spare...ditch the safe...
tuck those notes into a smart place.

You WILL be asked to declare foreign curreny on you when you cross borders...no need to carry anything that will raise attention.

HTH
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 38
in Russia and most of the stans euros work just as well as dollars these days.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
currency converter kiwiron TRAVEL Hints and Tips 1 14 Oct 2007 10:02
Which foreign currency in Sudan? gvdaa sub-Saharan Africa 6 10 Dec 2006 21:13
Currency ın Asıa andylaurence West and South Asia 3 18 Aug 2006 17:54
travelling currency maja sub-Saharan Africa 5 17 Aug 2005 16:03
Currency in Morrocco bayonet Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 1 9 May 2002 04:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:19.