Plan where you’ll exchange currency ahead of time.
If you’re traveling abroad, getting money for things that can’t be paid for by credit card can be a challenge. It also can single you out for robbery if thieves are scouting out fresh meat.
To avoid this mishap, make a plan before you leave the United States. “Find out ahead of time where you’ll exchange money,” St. John says. “For example, when I was in Ireland, I changed some money at the airport -- but not enough. And their banks aren’t open all the time. I couldn’t do anything because no one would take American money.”
St. John says that the best way to do this is to plan your itinerary based on where you’re going to go. Google money exchanges and figure out what the approximate exchange amount is for that sum of money. This will keep you from getting ripped off.
Watch it with ATMs.
Sure, ATMs can be convenient. But they also can be a female traveler’s worst nightmare. That’s because thieves linger near ATMs to prey on solo female travelers.
To protect yourself from potential disaster, go to ATMs located inside banks. This increases your level of visibility. Be aware of your surroundings before and after you make a withdrawal.