Options
ATM Availabilty for TD gratuity?
Off on this tour in a couple of weeks. I usually tip the TD using local currency. Does anyone know if there is an ATM at the Four Seasons, Bali? If not, is there a convenient time on the tour to get cash? Thanks!
0
Comments
Our tour director was American and did not live in Bali. If I recall correctly there was an ATM in the town, but you would need a taxi to get there. Are you saying you don’t want to carry the money around with you from the beginning of the tour. I know our TD regularly went back to US, and ran some of the Africa tours too. I guess you could try seeing if Tauck will tell you in advance who the TD might be as you are a long time customer. They have told me a couple of times.
More bad advice from the professionals working with Tauck monitoring this forum.
NEVER use an overseas ATM unless it is a TRUE emergency. Went with A&K on a private journey two weeks ago. Did not follow the wonderful A&K advice that USD will suffice.
The BBVA ATM ate my ATM card and double charged me twice. Luckily being an AXP Centurion, AXP, Bof A and A&K all sprung into action and resolved the situation within 24 hours.
NEVER TRUST these Tauck professionals unless you have met them in person!!!
Depends what you consider local cash. There's plenty of time and easy to use an ATM in Singapore.
We rarely use ATM’s when on vacation and we usually tip in dollars. One time in Vietnam, we needed some money, we asked the TD where the nearest one was, and he insisted on coming with us, it was right by the hotel. We have toured with him three times now.
Henry I’m so relieved you were on a private journey with A and K, for obvious reasons.
A simple google search will provide you with loads of information about how to safely use ATMs abroad. You can start with advice from another "professional" Rick Steves
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/cash-machine-atm-tips
But I guess Henry will think Tauck is paying him too.
Never had trouble using ATM's abroad, sometimes in the airport, preferably in banks. I forgot I'm on Tauck's payroll.
Another tip, if you can find an ATM and it’s next to a bank, if the bank is open, they can help you if the card gets eaten
Gladys has your check been late? Mine has been. By at least 10 years....
Ladies, I get one every month😂
Thanks, British and Sam for your input. I probably could get local currency at one of the airports while waiting for one of the connecting flights, but to be safe, I'll probably just bring $ for the tip.
Since this got into a discussion on ATMs, I'll add my 2 cents (
). In over 20 trips abroad, I've never had a problem with ATMs. My bank reimburses ATM fees and converts foreign currency at the wholesale rate, so it's the cheapest way to get local currency. Never had a problem finding a bank ATM when staying in a city or town. The only issue I've had is when staying at a resort hotel away from a town (the one time this happened I was able to step out and get cash during a lunch stop). Since the final destination on this tour is a resort, I just thought I'd ask.
Anyway, here's my rules for using ATMs:
Only use an ATM with the name of a bank on it. Never use an ATM at a money exchange, they will convert to $ at a bad rate. If the bank ATM offers to convert to $, just say no.
If they have an option, notify your bank in advance of your travel plans. I've been told by my bank that this is unnecessary if you're just using ATMs, but it never hurts (do this for your credit cards, too).
Have your travel partner watch your back when using the ATM.
Ken, I'll add to your advice that when ever possible I use an ATM inside a bank or secure area. If none are available my spouse's job isn't to watch over my shoulder but instead is to turn the opposite way and watch everyone else.
Sorry if I wasn't clear, that's what I meant by "watch your back."
Echoing Ken from Vegas, have traveled extensively overseas both WTH Tauck and privately and almost always will use an ATM for local currency. Agree with the suggestion of using one at or near a bank so that there is help if you need it