Avoid Hidden Extras in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is warmed by an inviting ancient charm and sunshine that favours its perfect beaches. But if you step into the sun unprepared, you can get burnt. Just like if you’re unprepared for certain costs or scams overseas. We want you to get the most out of the money you’ve saved for your holiday. So our travelling team has put together a few tips on avoiding hidden extras in the southeast region of Asia.

1. Using Cash
Cash is your go-to in most situations in Southeast Asia. Unless you’re in Singapore, ATMs are hard to come by. And many places, like street stalls, won’t accept the card in your wallet – that means no scorpion snack for little Steve unless you’ve got cash.

2. Using a Card
Although using a card is less common, it’s always a travel necessity. The Multi-currency Cash Passport lets you load up to 9 currencies – this goes a long way with the many countries in the region. It’s also prepaid, meaning you’re paying an exchange rate you’ve already locked in+ and won’t get any foul surprises. Plus, it's not linked to your bank... at all!
Surcharges are everywhere, like the standard 3% credit card surcharge that businesses in Vietnam charge. So try and pay in the local currency whenever you can, or at least stay money wise (maybe you don’t need 10 silk suits; 6 will be plenty).

3. Tipping
Be careful with tipping. In pretty much every country in this region there aren’t any expectations around tipping. So watch out for scammers – some of them target tourists, who often don’t realise that tipping is optional here.

Damn Scams
On that note, there are quite a few scams to look out for when travelling through Southeast Asia. The first takes place when you’re fresh off the plane. In this situation, you’re most vulnerable because:
• You’re in a terrific mood
• You’re the most naïve about the country you’ll ever be
• You have a dorky travel wallet packed with millions of a currency you don’t fully understand.
In this scenario, someone may seem nice carrying your bags to a taxi, but they will expect payment for the service you didn’t ask for. And who knows what to give them – will 1,000 Thai baht do?
Throughout your trip, other frauds and thieves may make a move. This could be the common ‘three card trick’ scam in Indonesia or pickpockets in the crowded markets of Malaysia. Keep your cash and possessions close and secure, and be wary that some people (only some) want to fool you out of your money.

4. A Haggle a Day…
The first price a vendor says may sound high, but you’re not really expected to pay that much. Bargaining is as common in Southeast Asia as Aussie surfers on a Balinese beach. But don’t just jump in; test the waters first by listening to and watching how other people (especially locals – if you can understand them) pay for certain items and what they haggle the price down to.

5. Transport
Transport throughout Southeast Asia is mostly cheap and easy. After all, there are 640 million people who need to get around. But there are some unfriendly costs you may have to fork out if you’re not paying attention.  Taxis are very common and reasonably cheap. Just make sure they don’t try and rip you off. There are cases where a driver will purposefully use their meter incorrectly. You can either watch out for this or negotiate a price before you start the trip. Or take a tuk-tuk – they’re always fun.

For more travel tips and information on making the most of your money in Southeast Asia, contact one of our experts.

This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you.  We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. The Multi-currency Cash Passport is an unsecured debt security issued by Travelex Card Services Limited, a member of the Travelex Group. Multi-currency Cash Passport is not guaranteed by any member of the Travelex Group or any other entity. Before you make a decision to acquire a Multi-currency Cash Passport card, we recommend you to read the Multi-currency Cash Passport prospectus which is available free of charge from www.cashpassport.co.nz. MasterCard® and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. Before you load or reload foreign currencies onto the MCCP, please check www.cashpassport.co.nz for the latest currencies supported. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. +The prevailing exchange rate is locked in for the initial load value only. Subsequent card reloads will be processed at the then prevailing exchange rate on the day of the reload transaction.