Here in Sweden tipping is very uncommon. Sometimes at a restaurant you may adjust to pay an even amount like 200 instead of 192. Taxis do not expect tips. Nor do hairdressers. People are paid living wages instead.
I love your comment about not overdoing it while bargaining on a price. Like you say, most of us won't miss that little bit extra we pay for something, but it could make a positive difference for the seller. Being a little generous makes good karma and great memories. Cheers.
Oh my gosh Megan, one time my niece and I were shopping in Cancun and this local guy who owned a shop kept pushing his wares. I think it was shades (eyewear) and he wanted 20 usd. My niece was just joshing and said "nope, 1 dollar! The guy then said 4 and she said 1 dollar and he said 2 - and we still walked away. But yes, to your point, bargain hard. They look to tourists as easy money but you just walk away and they may change their price a lot. Word to the wise - use Transferwise. Thanks for such a great tip! Finally, sorry to hear about the exhorbitant ATM fees. They are crooks. At least we can learn from your experience. Thanks for sharing
I never bargain. If I do the exchange in my head and it sounds fair I just pay. It’s not worth the hassle or headache I don’t feel like I won nor do I feel great for getting something cheaper. I am sure I have been ripped off plenty of times so I always calculate rip off money in my travel budget. I just want to enjoy myself. Note: I paid in yen the equivalent of 100 usd for coffee in Tokyo and the barista ran after me to give me back my money. I thought I paid 10 usd. In Tokyo you will get your money back.
Generally here in European countries tipping is gratefully accepted but not expected so no one will run after you if you don't bother or forget. For example here in the UK 10% is considered quite generous and 2 -5% is the norm if at all. Currently there is a growing attitude against tipping people for simply doing their jobs and also because it is felt that this only perpetuates the low wage culture in many catering and hospitality establishments.
Great tips. To save ATM fees see if your bank has a Global ATM Alliance with banks in the countries you are visiting. I used this in Europe and made cash withdrawals in Euro's with a good exchange rate and no ATM fees, my debit card worked fine for this. You can also get a travel credit card with no exchange fees but these may be more a premium product
I'm a US/UK dual national who has been living and working in the Bahamas for the past 7 years. The exchange rate in the Bahamian to US dollar is 1:1 and the currencies are used here interchangeably. Thus it doesn't matter whether you pay in American or Bahamian dollars as both will cost the same. I recommend bringing US dollars with you in the Bahamas as American dollars will be more useful after your visit to the Bahamas is over.
That is good if your local bank doesn't gouge you. I recently ordered euros from my bank. The exchange on the internet was $1.04 per euro and my bank charged me $1.12. On my next trip I just took enough US Dollars for my overseas spending in Istanbul and went to a cash exchange place there (NOT in the airport) and got as many euros as I wanted for $1.05
Over here in Brazil tipping is expected and usualy at 10%. It is very common to the bill you receive in an restaurant or bar to already include the suggested 10% tip. Although completly optional, it is common sense to pay those 10%, if you wish to be well served next time you return to that place 😅. It is ok to just pay the bill and the tip together in a single transaction, when paying with debt/credit card (in Argentina I was told to pay the flat bill with debt/credit card, and give the tip in cash, directly to whoever attended your table)
In New Zealand there is no tipping expected at all . Small tips are appreciated but you will still get the same honest and excellent customer service whether tip is given or not .
Korea, China, HK, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines all have way better exchange rates locally for USD. Just exchange $100 USD before departing then wait until you leave the destination airport and ask hotel employees where to exchange money.
I am from the USA, so I use my Charles Schwab account to pull money out of the ATM. The charged ATM fee is reimbursed to me at the end of the month. Also have transferred large sums of money from my account and only paid a $25 flat Fee. Wise might be cheaper for smaller sums. I don’t know if Canada has something similar available to them as Charles Schwab? Another thing is I got a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees. Many of those cc’s such as from airlines, hotels, and Costco offer you benefits back for their use.
Hello Megan, I’m Canadian 15% is in Québec …each province does have it’s own taxes … all different rate…to add up to invoice! I like your good content, full of good ideas 😊
Hi thank you for the video .I do get confused with tipping overseas we don’t tip here unless we want to .Lately I have been asked if I would like to add a tip at restaurants.👍🇦🇺
Here in Italy tipping is not a common practice, you do it only if you think the service was really good. You do however pay a fee called "coperto", when you eat at a restaurant, which i usually from 1 to 3 euros per person.
When I was in Kiev, I paid the rent on an apartment I found via Dobovo using dollars. It was within 2% of the official exchange rate and I had just arrived in Ukraine. Well worth it.
Hey Megan great tips as always I'll probably travel mostly at home except for to the US and maybe Japan if only once. I prefer Cruises because its all managed.
@@PortableProfessional yeah i think I am. Not wearing a mask though. Might do domestic ones first though why have the die hard Cruisers you know give cruises a pass?
Yes very much so, mainly only done when you have had really good service. Or there is tipping jar whereby you throw your excess change, should imagine that’s not done so much these days as the less handling the better for Covid, hence we all use tap or swipe.
Hi Megan, Thank You Very Much for Your Really Cool and Humble Down to Earth Videos, I have Learned So Much From Your Straight Forward and Honest Discussion about So Many Important Subjects and Topics. I Plan to Visit Central Europe Between the Last Week of December and the First Week of January 2023, I Plan to Spend New Year's in The City of Royal Beauty and Music 🎵 Vienna. On the Subject of Currency, I am Systemically Purchasing the Currency that I will Need From My Bank. Thank You for Your Excellent Advice and Observations During Your Wonderful and Exciting Travels. Thank You for Being So Caring and So Beautiful in All that You are Doing to Help All of Us Who Love You And Your Videos. By the Way, We All Love Your Little Puppy 🐶, So Adorable. Take Care and All The Best To You, Your Puppy 🐶, and Your Family, Respectfully And Sincerely, Ray Spoon Of Gardena.
I’ve been loving your travel tips, but need to correct you regarding Bahamian currency. Our dollar is, and has been on par with USD…it’s dollar for dollar and you can pay in USD or BSD. The only issue which may arise is that depending on the amount of change received and where you’re making your purchase, you may not get all your change in USD. If you are near the end of your trip and end up with a lot of BSD you may end up heading home with it.
Enjoyed the heads up on these things. Most I already knew, but appreciate the info about Wise. Also people may want to keep in the mind process at the ATM. I was told to never let the local ATM do the conversion, but let your home bank do it because it ends up being cheaper. (I assume that's across the board application)
Megan, could you explain how Canadians can receive cash backs on purchases. And also how to use these apps properly. I either have been using the wrong ones or I have been using them in a wrong way because somehow it just doesn't work for me. Would using a VPN work better to receive cash back?
Don't forget to get your first transfer of up to 500 GBP fee-free using Wise here: wi.se/portableprofessional
On a foreign trip, if you had to choose between Charles Schwab card that reimburses ATM fees or a Wise travel card, which one would you use and why?
Here in Sweden tipping is very uncommon. Sometimes at a restaurant you may adjust to pay an even amount like 200 instead of 192. Taxis do not expect tips. Nor do hairdressers. People are paid living wages instead.
I love your comment about not overdoing it while bargaining on a price. Like you say, most of us won't miss that little bit extra we pay for something, but it could make a positive difference for the seller. Being a little generous makes good karma and great memories. Cheers.
Oh my gosh Megan, one time my niece and I were shopping in Cancun and this local guy who owned a shop kept pushing his wares. I think it was shades (eyewear) and he wanted 20 usd. My niece was just joshing and said "nope, 1 dollar! The guy then said 4 and she said 1 dollar and he said 2 - and we still walked away. But yes, to your point, bargain hard. They look to tourists as easy money but you just walk away and they may change their price a lot. Word to the wise - use Transferwise. Thanks for such a great tip! Finally, sorry to hear about the exhorbitant ATM fees. They are crooks. At least we can learn from your experience. Thanks for sharing
Whoa, 20 down to 2! Perfect case study of what I was talking about- thank you for sharing. That's wild.
Another is to decline the currency conversion rate offered at the ATM.
I never bargain. If I do the exchange in my head and it sounds fair I just pay. It’s not worth the hassle or headache I don’t feel like I won nor do I feel great for getting something cheaper. I am sure I have been ripped off plenty of times so I always calculate rip off money in my travel budget. I just want to enjoy myself. Note: I paid in yen the equivalent of 100 usd for coffee in Tokyo and the barista ran after me to give me back my money. I thought I paid 10 usd. In Tokyo you will get your money back.
Generally here in European countries tipping is gratefully accepted but not expected so no one will run after you if you don't bother or forget. For example here in the UK 10% is considered quite generous and 2 -5% is the norm if at all.
Currently there is a growing attitude against tipping people for simply doing their jobs and also because it is felt that this only perpetuates the low wage culture in many catering and hospitality establishments.
Great tips. To save ATM fees see if your bank has a Global ATM Alliance with banks in the countries you are visiting. I used this in Europe and made cash withdrawals in Euro's with a good exchange rate and no ATM fees, my debit card worked fine for this. You can also get a travel credit card with no exchange fees but these may be more a premium product
Thanks for sharing, Dave! Asking your bank about alliances & partners is so key. Saves a ton!
I'm a US/UK dual national who has been living and working in the Bahamas for the past 7 years. The exchange rate in the Bahamian to US dollar is 1:1 and the currencies are used here interchangeably. Thus it doesn't matter whether you pay in American or Bahamian dollars as both will cost the same. I recommend bringing US dollars with you in the Bahamas as American dollars will be more useful after your visit to the Bahamas is over.
I agree that the best is to get your foreign currency "at home" before leaving. That way you don't have to take a risk at an ATM.
That is good if your local bank doesn't gouge you. I recently ordered euros from my bank. The exchange on the internet was $1.04 per euro and my bank charged me $1.12. On my next trip I just took enough US Dollars for my overseas spending in Istanbul and went to a cash exchange place there (NOT in the airport) and got as many euros as I wanted for $1.05
Love the doggy!
Love your Doggo!🥰
Love your dog♥️♥️
Thanks for the tips. I'll look into Wise. We haven't tried that yet. 🌺 Heidi
Your welcome! Glad it was helpful!
On the French side of St Martin FWI, some places will take dollars to Euro 1 to 1.
Over here in Brazil tipping is expected and usualy at 10%. It is very common to the bill you receive in an restaurant or bar to already include the suggested 10% tip. Although completly optional, it is common sense to pay those 10%, if you wish to be well served next time you return to that place 😅.
It is ok to just pay the bill and the tip together in a single transaction, when paying with debt/credit card (in Argentina I was told to pay the flat bill with debt/credit card, and give the tip in cash, directly to whoever attended your table)
Thank you, great tips. Beautiful and charming doggie 🥰
In New Zealand there is no tipping expected at all . Small tips are appreciated but you will still get the same honest and excellent customer service whether tip is given or not .
Great video and I love your dog! 🙂
Good advice and your dog is sooooo cute!!
There is no tipping in Hong Kong, except in a taxi you commonly round up a few dollars to an even amount. (1 HK dollar equals US 13 cents)
Interesting! Great having you on the channel!
Korea, China, HK, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines all have way better exchange rates locally for USD. Just exchange $100 USD before departing then wait until you leave the destination airport and ask hotel employees where to exchange money.
Oh, so you're in Canada! That's even better!
Your doggie is just precious!
The service charge on a bill doesn’t always go to the server. I always ask the server.
Thanks!
Just going through a splurge of your vids as my hols draw closer. All very useful. Cheers :)
I'm in the US and we are definitely a tipping country. Our restaurant staff do not making a living wage.
I haven't been notified about your videos for some reason. Great job on your videos and your subscriber count is way up!
I am from the USA, so I use my Charles Schwab account to pull money out of the ATM. The charged ATM fee is reimbursed to me at the end of the month. Also have transferred large sums of money from my account and only paid a $25 flat Fee. Wise might be cheaper for smaller sums. I don’t know if Canada has something similar available to them as Charles Schwab? Another thing is I got a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees. Many of those cc’s such as from airlines, hotels, and Costco offer you benefits back for their use.
Wise is fabulous!! Great customer service 🎉
As for unlocking your ATM and Credit Cards (and FB, emails accounts), I changed my contract phone to a Google Voice number.
There’s that cute Puppy. Thanks for the video. I went to Belize last year and it was nice that they used the USD as the basis for their money.
i did that once, overpay learnt a valuable lesson there.
Your pup is so cute
Hello Megan, I’m Canadian 15% is in Québec …each province does have it’s own taxes … all different rate…to add up to invoice!
I like your good content, full of good ideas 😊
Really appreciate these great money tips. Thanks!
Visa Direct costs about $12.95 (they charge you in the currency you're sending) super helpful in a pinch.
Hi thank you for the video .I do get confused with tipping overseas we don’t tip here unless we want to .Lately I have been asked if I would like to add a tip at restaurants.👍🇦🇺
Don't do it. I never have and never will.
Here in Italy tipping is not a common practice, you do it only if you think the service was really good. You do however pay a fee called "coperto", when you eat at a restaurant, which i usually from 1 to 3 euros per person.
great stuff as always teef!
From Kuwait. Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
Such great info. Many thx!
Glad it was helpful! My pleasure!
When I was in Kiev, I paid the rent on an apartment I found via Dobovo using dollars. It was within 2% of the official exchange rate and I had just arrived in Ukraine. Well worth it.
I always call my bank and my credit cards before I leave home!
On a foreign trip, if you had to choose between Charles Schwab card that reimburses ATM fees or a Wise travel card, which one would you use and why?
Australia no tipping,unless exceptional service
Hey Megan great tips as always I'll probably travel mostly at home except for to the US and maybe Japan if only once. I prefer Cruises because its all managed.
Still up for the cruising in 2022? I know a lot of die hard cruisers that have sworn off of them!
@@PortableProfessional yeah i think I am. Not wearing a mask though. Might do domestic ones first though why have the die hard Cruisers you know give cruises a pass?
@@PortableProfessional perhaps it's the vaccine regimes they are not happy about.
Yo!love it. enjoing footage!!brother! ;))
Glad you enjoyed!
Wow....Beautiful dog
That DOG!!!! ❤️
In Brazil the service tax in restaurants is 10% , included in the bill. Although it is stated as voluntary, no one refuses to pay.
Unless the service was really terrible and you DEFINITELY would never return to that place in your life 😁
In Australia tipping is optional. Thanks for your great insights. Fabulous dog!
Yes very much so, mainly only done when you have had really good service.
Or there is tipping jar whereby you throw your excess change, should imagine that’s not done so much these days as the less handling the better for Covid, hence we all use tap or swipe.
Hi Megan, Thank You Very Much for Your Really Cool and Humble Down to Earth Videos, I have Learned So Much From Your Straight Forward and Honest Discussion about So Many Important Subjects and Topics. I Plan to Visit Central Europe Between the Last Week of December and the First Week of January 2023, I Plan to Spend New Year's in The City of Royal Beauty and Music 🎵 Vienna. On the Subject of Currency, I am Systemically Purchasing the Currency that I will Need From My Bank. Thank You for Your Excellent Advice and Observations During Your Wonderful and Exciting Travels. Thank You for Being So Caring and So Beautiful in All that You are Doing to Help All of Us Who Love You And Your Videos. By the Way, We All Love Your Little Puppy 🐶, So Adorable. Take Care and All The Best To You, Your Puppy 🐶, and Your Family, Respectfully And Sincerely, Ray Spoon Of Gardena.
I am from belgium and tipping is optional you can do it but you don't have to
I’ve been loving your travel tips, but need to correct you regarding Bahamian currency. Our dollar is, and has been on par with USD…it’s dollar for dollar and you can pay in USD or BSD. The only issue which may arise is that depending on the amount of change received and where you’re making your purchase, you may not get all your change in USD. If you are near the end of your trip and end up with a lot of BSD you may end up heading home with it.
Enjoyed the heads up on these things. Most I already knew, but appreciate the info about Wise. Also people may want to keep in the mind process at the ATM. I was told to never let the local ATM do the conversion, but let your home bank do it because it ends up being cheaper. (I assume that's across the board application)
I'm bringing a bunch of local cash on my next long trip to Mexico.
Chasing down ATMs and paying fees got really old
Thank you
Megan, could you explain how Canadians can receive cash backs on purchases. And also how to use these apps properly. I either have been using the wrong ones or I have been using them in a wrong way because somehow it just doesn't work for me.
Would using a VPN work better to receive cash back?
I'm trying a CBA Travel Card.
In England, nobody tips in pubs.
I so love you doggie
USA , tipping expected
NZ - no tipping here.
Tipping is not part of Australian culture.
Maybe it is but unfortunately, Wise has some bad reviews. Why do you think some people have all these problems with Wise?
in belgium you do not have to tip
Don’t you think using credit card is wiser?
Who's paying 20% tip in Canada? I may just round my bill to the nearest dollar.
México 10% 🙂
Hello🌸🌼
Buying stuff during vacations in local currency will help a traverler abroad return home with money remaining in his pocket.
🐶😍
Thanks for watching, Tammy!
theres no tipping at all in japan!
Really?! Hope to get there one day.
NO Money Bill 🏫🚸