Currency Exchange Tips

It's been sometimes when I last posted on the blog due to work related priorities but now I'm back. We've been researching the currency market since we'll be travelling soon. Exchange rate is currently great to buy Japanese Yen (JPY). The last time 1 AUD can get over 100 YEN was back in 2008, so we've bought ourselves some YEN via Travelex using Cash Passport card. Keeping it handy when we feel like travelling back to Japan. Cash Passport card works like a debit card but you load your cash into the card before you travel.

One should compare the exchange rates, processing fees when looking for such a card but so far Travelex's card beats the banks' travel card by having no card processing fees (ordered online), no ATM withdrawal fees and better exchange rate.

It will still be wise to exchange at least some cash so that one doesn't have to look for an ATM the first thing on arrival to the destination to pay for food (where card is not accepted), taxi or train.

Saving on Air Ticket

Recently we just bought air tickets to Malaysia and Bali; and yes, we've definitely saved on our air tickets! We've saved AUD $700 on the tickets from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur compared to normal retail ticket price. That's AUD $700 we can spend on shopping and dining while we're at our destination. How did we do it you ask?

Answer: Budget airline.

Malaysia airlines: Approximately $2200 for 2 including tax.

Airasia X (Malaysian own budget airline): Approximately $1500 for 2 including tax.

Other tips on saving on air tickets are:

1. Use websites that let you compare ticket prices such as Webjet. There are plenty of others too.
2. Search budget airlines online - they are sometimes not listed in the comparison websites.
3. Wait for sale or special offer. There are always special offers and sale, budget airlines or retail airlines. Subscribe to their newsletters so that you don't miss out on those great deals! I have bought a domestic $1 ticket + airport tax and service charges one-way ticket few years back during a promotion by one of the budget airlines.

Note:

1. If taking budget airlines, make sure you read the terms and conditions. Some airlines will not replace your ticket if there are last minute cancellation or will not let you board if you check in late (very strict rules). We always check in online and get to the airport early.
2. We also make sure we leave plenty of time for transits (eg. many hours) if we travel internationally on budget airlines. (Somehow budget airlines are more prone to delays and do not offer luggage transfer for connecting flights - you will need to collect your luggages and recheck in.)
3. In addition, make sure you buy enough check-in luggage allowance and pre-book meals and drinks onboard as everything is 'optional' on a budget airline.
4. Budget airlines may not be suitable for people with mobility problems as many budget airlines do not hire ramps to the plane and you may have to walk a long distance including walking up stairs to board the plane - always check with the airlines regarding these issues.

The Real Hustle: The WiFi Scam

While travelling it is so easy to connect to a wifi to check your email or check your banking or credit card accounts. But is it safe? Even login into a paid wifi portal may not be what it seems. Please be extra careful when using free or paid wifi internet, you may not know who is watching you and stealing your details.

The Real Hustle: The Booster Bag Scam

Although this has nothing to do with savings while travelling, I thought I'll share something useful for travellers. It will definitely save one a lot of headache and heartache if one is aware of such a scam and not keep bags unattended while travelling.