![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Sep 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
|
|
Cash or Plastic - Currency - Europe to Asia?
Hi
I hope this is in the right place.
OK, planning a trip next April and have quite a stash already saved. I will be doing Europe, then east via Russia(or south and Iran) and onwards to Pakistan, the Silk Road bits to Singapore.
I was thinking of taking US dollars with me, because the exchange rate is quite good now, but I would have to buy notes and then carry them.
Is this a silly idea, or should I just wait until I travel and carry plastic, like I did in the Americas and just cash out at ATMs.
I will definitely take some dollars, for those 'special' moments, but I was thinking of quite a bit, which is a security risk
For those who have traveled this route, what is needed along the way, any advice would be welcome
Thanks in advance
TravellingStrom
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Sep 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
|
|
Hi TS,
In general, in regards to carrying cash, safest idea is to not carry much. Not much benefit, a lot more risk. Bank cards and credit cards to access cash along the route are fine with some back up cash for emergencies. When planning on riding through more remote regions, carry enough to get you through to next town with banking services.
If your motivation is to lock in the strong $AUD, you can open a USD denominated account at many banks. Or even a Euro denominated one for that matter. Some free (and therefore to be taken with a grain of salt) F/X advice, I would just leave it in AUD as your relative interest rates are ~5% and you would earn almost nothing on USD accounts and therefore you will be that far ahead when it comes to compensating for future negative currency fluctuations but still allow for upside if there are fluctuations in your favour.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Sep 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: in the saddle
Posts: 297
|
|
Euro
...been checking advisability of same for next year, evidently almost everyone is predicting the Euro to drop below 1.20 to the dollar by spring...or worse.
Zig
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Sep 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
|
|
OK thanks for that, it reinforces a few things I have read since.
I would like to lock in some dollars especially for the far east countries, but it is all a gamble playing with currencies
I will look into the Travellex card again,
Cheers
TS
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Sep 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TravellingStrom
Is this a silly idea, or should I just wait until I travel and carry plastic, like I did in the Americas and just cash out at ATMs.
|
If you go to Iran, this might not work. But on the upside, it´s quite cheap to travel there, so unless you stay for a very long time, not really a problem to even carry the cash with you (though it´s always a risk).
We probably carried enough money to get us from Turkey all the way to India... so I don´t actually remember, how this was in Pakistan - maybe someone knows?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Sep 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
|
|
OK, thanks again, I have come to a decision, take a mediochre amount stashed away for those 'special' days and the rest using plastic, if I get dollars now with Travellex, I can lock in the exchange rate and take pot luck on the Euro.
Cheers for all the responses
TS
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Sep 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: in the saddle
Posts: 297
|
|
or wait for the new Greek money
Looks like they might capitulate and withdraw from the Euro...ouch !
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
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.
|
|
|