Because automatic teller machines now exist in many countries, credit and debit cards are rapidly taking the place of traveler's checks. There are many advantages to these cards, including immediate replacement and 24-hour access to ATMs, although you might be charged a small fee, depending on your bank. Your online or paper statement will tell you how much your credit or debit card companies charge when you use out-of-network ATMs and whether you will be charged foreign transaction fees.
The Visa Travel Money Card and prepaid travel MasterCard work just like debit cards. You can withdraw money from ATMs and buy things in places where MasterCards or Visa cards are accepted.
Always carry some emergency cash, in case of unforeseen problems with the cards you carry. Cash also is good for tipping at restaurants, hotels and the like. Andrew Burke, the author of "Iran," says traveler's checks and credit cards are useless in Iran because ATMs can be used only with locally issued bankcards.
If your money is stolen, international money transfers could be the only way to get money from home. Research how international money transfers work in the country you are visiting before you leave.
