How to avoid getting ripped off over currency when you’re on holiday abroad
Tourists are often ripped off when they're on holiday because they aren't familiar with the foreign currency in their wallet
BRITS can often be ripped off when they’re on holiday abroad.
But there are ways to protect yourself from getting conned out of money when you’re away.
Consumer rights advocate Michelle Couch-Friedman is executive director at the
She advises that tourists should familiarise themselves with foreign currency when they reach their holiday destination.
Michelle said: “Take time to look at the notes that you’ve got out so that you can really get to know them.
“It’s all too easy to hand over, for example, a 1,000 note instead of a 100 when abroad if you’re not familiar with the colours and look of the country’s notes.”
It's also worth knowing what currency you need before you travel.
Indeed, as many as one in 10 UK travellers take the wrong currency abroad according to research by travel insurance specialists Holidaysafe.co.uk.
Those visiting Turkey, Bulgaria or Czech Republic, for example, don't always realise the euro isn't used there.
While away, Michelle also advises downloading a currency app such so that you can easily work out the exchange rate and how much you are paying for items, especially for larger bills.
Michelle said: “I often hear from tourists who come back from a holiday saying, ‘I thought I paid £10 for this, but actually, I paid £100” because [they] got confused by the exchange rate."
Sun Online Travel previously spoke to Michelle to find out if you want to claim money back for a delayed or cancelled flight.
The best thing you can do is to know your rights when it comes to speaking to an airline about a problem that’s taken place.
Michelle recommends quoting EC261, the part of EU law that means customers will get a refund of €250 to €600 for flights that are delayed more than two hours.
She said: “Make sure that you know your rights when it comes to flights being delayed or cancelled."
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She continued: “It’s a good idea to read these rules over before you call an airline so that you know when you’re entitled to.”
Michelle also advised that passengers keep their cool when contacting a carrier – although it can be easy to get wound up.
Sun Online Travel previously revealed a popular scam that's tricking tourists in Spain - and is one to watch out for if you're a driver.