5.3 ATM, Credit Card, Currency

Contact your bank to ensure that your ATM card and credit card will work abroad, and whether there are additional fees. It may be necessary to notify your bank that you'll be using your cards abroad to avoid having them locked for security. 

Consider carrying some U.S. and local currency, especially on the days that you are entering and departing from various destinations. It is important never to carry large quantities of cash.

Investigate exchange rates between U.S. dollars and the currency used by your host country. Googling "exchange rates" calls up a convenient currency conversion tool.