Never carry your card with you at night. These rules are most important in large cities such as Madrid, Paris, Rome, Moscow, or San Jos . Students will receive detailed information about safety and money in the PATA orientation notebook 4-6 weeks before departure. Keep in mind that these rates are paid to those exchanging cash in the United states, not including service fees. Rates for ATM cash withdrawals and credit card purchases are more favorable abroad.
Some students spend all their travel funds during the first week and a half of their trip.
Others return to the USA with money to spare. Here are some hints to help you wisely budget your money while abroad. Hit the grocery store before getting on the train, bus, or airplane. There will be food available on the road, but it is always more expensive than a bottle of water and sandwich supplies from the market. Avoid eating out when you are staying with your host family.