Electronic payments have risen in popularity lately. This means people choose to carry less cash with them and pay electronically whenever possible. If you are planning a travelling trip and thinking of carrying limited cash, you must be aware of some travel hacks.
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7 Must-Know Travel Hacks When You Have Limited Cash
1. Book Travel Packages in Advance
Book a travel package well in advance. Most packages include the expenses of food and local travelling in their fees. This way, you won’t need cash for food or commuting since it would already be covered.
You can then use your cash only when it’s absolutely necessary.
2. Keep an Emergency Backup Fund
You can afford to carry less cash when you travel because you can easily pay electronically. However, you must keep an emergency backup fund in the form of a credit line or credit card.
Download personal loan apps on your phone. You can then apply for the loan in advance and get the cash in your app in the form of a credit line. Transfer these funds to your bank account and pay online for anything.
This emergency fund will bail you out in case of sudden and unexpected financial situations.
3. Use Electronic Payment for Shopping and Eating Out
Shopping and trying out new dishes are a part of almost everyone’s travel itinerary. But, don’t use cash for the same.
More and more shops and restaurants accept cashless transactions. You can even call ahead and ask the restaurants if they accept cards. This will help you when you are short on cash or are carrying limited cash.
4. Use Local Transportation
Using cabs will make a serious dent in your budget. Use local transportation like buses and metros for commuting. This will cost a fraction of what cabs might cost, thus minimizing your cash usage.
5. Carry Your Own Water Bottle
Carry your own water bottle when you travel. Fill up the bottle before you leave your hotel and refill it at restaurants when you are out. This way, you won’t have to spend on bottled water. You will save quite a bit as buying water is one of the major travel expenses.
6. Be Prepared for Medical Emergencies
Getting sick while traveling can be a huge bummer. However, not being prepared for medical emergencies will burn a hole in your pocket. It is one of the most common travel issues one faces, but very few are ready for it.
Carry essential medicines that you think you may need – like for fever, flu, or sprains. This way, you won’t find yourself spending on medicines while traveling.
7. Download Mobile Wallet Apps
Numerous cashless payment apps are being used widely – nationally and internationally. Download such apps, and you can easily pay for things electronically without using any cash.
There was a time when you had to carry cash while traveling as shops, restaurants and other vendors took only cash. Times have changed, thanks to electronic and cashless payments. This allows you to carry limited cash and enjoy your trip without worrying about money.
Author bio
Shiv Nanda is a financial analyst who currently lives in Bangalore (refusing to acknowledge the name change) and works with MoneyTap, India’s first app-based credit-line. Shiv is a true finance geek, and his friends love that. They always rely on him for advice on their investment choices, budgeting skills, personal financial matters and when they want to get a loan. He has made it his life’s mission to help and educate people on various financial topics, so email him your questions at shiv@moneytap.com.
