Bang I have been travelling for the last 1-2 years and have used from Dollars, Roubles, Dinars, Euros and all Writing a few tnhgis I had put to use apart from Credit Cards1. Traveller's Cheques :: These are the most simplest and very usefull instrument available in Euros and Dollars and convertible to any local currency anywhere in the world. But you shouldnt try to BUY stuff with these TCs. Because TCs quote "lower" exchange rate compared to $$/Euros. The best way is to locate a Money Exchange company near to where u stay (Never use the Hotle Exchange office, NEVER). Go there and convert the TCs to $$/Euros OR to the local currency. Sometimes in many countries many shops offer "discounts" if you pay them in Dollars. (wink)2. Travellers Debit Cards :: These work much like the debit cards u get issued from ur bank. But the difference is they are not linked to your account but issued only for your travel. Though you might not be able to use these cards for taxi rides or candies, you can withdraw from an ATM or in a bank. But remember many banks charge if you withdraw Dollars instead of local currency. Similar to the cash in hand, the money is taken from the card ONLY when u pay for it.3. Debit Cards :: Just like you use these cards here in your country you will swipe em in the shops and malls. But there is a CATCH. Most banks charge an additional "Foreign Transaction" charge so if a stuff is worth $10 you will end up paying $10.55 or $11 depending on the bank. This mode of cash is a costly one for travellers. In this too the money is taken ONLY when you Swipe the card at the shop or in the ATM.4. Credit Cards :: The most easiest and not-so-pinching-now kinda payment. Where you use the card now, have fun, come back home, then after 30 days u get to pay the money!!! So if you are short on cash when u travel, but REALLY need that DeBeers diamond brooche, swipe that card baby Hubby can pay it next month (wink). But again there is a catch. Most banks charge 2.5% of the transaction amount as FX(Foreign Exchange) charge and ALSO the exchange rate is the HIGHEST for the currency in which u have paid. If you use Credit Card, ensure you pay it in Dollars and not in local currency. Ask the shop dude, he will know.Hope this helps. If you need anymore information you can always buzz me or drop a line to me..:Fishie:.

Troy . Today you'd be hard-pressed to find a youthful areveltr, organic or otherwise, not equipped with a mobile phone, mp3 player, and digital camera (and perhaps a laptop computer); these would be the self-absorbed gits who sprawl across the aisles in the airports on their gigantic Eddie Bauer knapsacks, monopolizing all the power outlets as they recharge their equipment. I imagine the competition for power outlets in hostels must be rather fierce these days.