When planning your trip, visit a currency exchange bureau to get $100 worth of currency for the countries you're visiting. That way you won't have to worry about how to pay for the bus or taxi when you arrive at your destination.

ATM's are readily available in most countries, easy to use, and offer excellent exchange rates superior to banks or hotels. Traveler's checks are almost a thing of the past. Make sure to find out what fees your bank charges for an ATM withdrawal overseas.

Use a major credit card or debit card whenever possible, because the exchange rate is usually better, and you will have a record of what you spent and where. However, be aware that credit card services in other parts of the world do not always check credit limits before approving a charge, like businesses do in the U.S. Keep an eye on your balance so you don't come home to a hornet's nest of penalty fees.

Always keep some cash on hand, as you may not find ATM's or banks readily available when you need them. Hide away some bills in your suitcase. Don't carry all your money and credit cards in one place in case that bag is lost or stolen.

Pack a list of your credit card numbers, and the phone numbers to report a missing card (remember that most 800 numbers don't work abroad and get the direct line). And better yet, follow Lisa's tip from The Grand Tour issue, and email yourself this info with a scanned copy of your passport. Then you can go to any Internet café and retrieve your missing data.