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Show H OW TO SAVE WHILE SPENDING C. Jtrorat Homeward bound, however, the crew would prefer being tipped in greenbacks they I ts said that "money talks." If you want every want dollars to spend in the States. One of the safest, most practical ways to carry single one of your vacation dollars to speak up loud and clear, here are some your funds is in some form of traveler's check sold by tourist agencies, banks, and express them out. ideas on how to First of all, if you're bound for foreign lands, companies. These checks cost from 75 cents id $1 per $100, are readily negotiable arid practically you can cut corners by buying some of their currency before you leave the States, since there foolproof against loss. Banks also sell letters of credit. These generally sometimes is an advantageous difference between are used to safeguard larger amounts and are less the' exchange rates here and abroad. flexible, than traveler's checks because they can Banks, large travel agencies, and financial exchanges will sell you foreign moneys at rates be drawn on only at certain specified banks. If you think tipping is a problem in this counwhich often are better than the official ones. But every country has its own rules on how much try wait till you go traveling! As in America, taxi of its currency you may bring in or take out, so drivers will expect at least 10 percent of the be guided accordingly. "total; and waiters about 15 percent (sometimes this is already figured in as a service charge). But Besides being a way to save while spending, buying foreign currency in advance will' help, to in some areas, hotels will tack on an extra 20 smooth your way across international borders. percent for services we are used to enjoying at Almost immediately on arriving in a country, no extra cost like hot water. And there may be youH need some "coin of the realrh," for porters, other surprises. In general, it's a good idea to thrash out prices cab drivers, bellhops, and waiters. Incidentally, if you're traveling by sea, you clearly in advance so you won't be shocked later should be able to pay shipboard expenses in the to learn of hidden "extras." Overtipping can be currency of the country from which the vessel as bad as undertipping; try to find out what local operates. This, too, can represent a worthwhile customs are before you do either. And aboard ship by K. saving. i . . - . family Weekly, June i, MSI you'd be surprised how half the tip in advance will improve the service! As for the things you Siry to bring home, try to get a sales slip for every item. Pack these things together, if possible, and keep a list of purchases. Then you'll be cleared through Customs with the least confusion and cost. The law exempts you from taxation on $500 worth of purchases for your own use if you are abroad at least 12 days and declare them properly on arrival home. The exemption drops to $200 if you are away less than 12 days. A new rule makes it possible for you to send home gifts without cutting into your own tax-frtotal. Under this regulation, gift parcels may be so long as individual shipped home duty-frpackages aren't worth more than $10 and don't contain tobacco, alcoholic beverages; or perfumes containing alcohol. Such parcels should be marked 'Tourist Purchase Gift Valued Under $10." Of course, the way you spend your cash is your own affair. But don't forget that those queer-lookisheets of wallpaper and those odd little coins are just as much money as our own. Wisely spent, your money will buy not just a wonderful holiday, but a trunkful of memories that will pay satisfying dividends for years! ee ee ng |