Every country and region is different - be money and spending smart around the globe!

Japan

• Most banks accept travellers cheques - rather than carrying lots of cash.
  

• Accommodation is super expensive and many places only accept cash!

• Surprisingly, there are not many ATMs in Japan, so be prepared.

• You can buy a rail pass which gives you access to all the main railways, for as many rides as you like, within a certain period. Buy one before you leave the country! But beware - Japanese trains are super punctual, so make sure you get there ahead of time.

• Premium brand factory outlets: Check out these huge premium brand factory outlet centers all over Japan, run by Chelsea Outlets (these guys are big in US too).
  

UK

• Mini cabs are unlicensed cabs that are much cheaper than licensed ones. If you're with 4 others it will work out cheaper to split the cost of one of these cabs rather than paying your individual fares. Calculate!

• Instead of saving for months and months in Australia (in Australian dollars) - it can be quicker just to get a paid job in the UK as soon as you arrive and earn POUNDS!
  

Europe

• Buy Eurail pass before going overseas.

• Barter, barter, barter!

• Italy: Always have your coffee standing rather than seated. It saves you heaps!
  

• More Italy: Don't eat at restaurants that are in a big square or piazza, they are usually the tourist traps with low quality food and exorbitant prices! Walk down the side streets away from the piazza and you'll find the places locals go.
  

South East Asia

• Many shop/stall owners operate by the 'you try, you buy' policy.

US

• You really do have to tip (10% is the standard). Waiters will yell if you don't.

• New York: Forget the Statue of Liberty - Woodbury Common is a favourite NY experience. It's an hour north of NYC. Catch the bus from the Port Authority bus terminal. Woodbury Common is amazing: an entire fake town made of factory outlets of the world premium brands - Nike, D&G, Timberland, Zegna, Fendi, and about 100 more. And each store is huge. In the middle of the "town" is a building that looks like a church - but has the ATMs and information desk. We intended to visit for a morning but spent the day, leaving on the last bus with 10 bags each. We calculated we "saved" our airfare in one day.  Even better Woodbury is part of the Chelsea Premium Outlets chain, with similar centers all over the USA.

Argentina

• Visiting Buenos Aires? Loose change is the key - currently there is a mysterious shortage of coins. Really! The buses only take 1 peso coins. Shop keepers will ask you for correct change -say you dont have it and you'll be bale to stock up with coins. Black market guys will sell you 9 pesos for.. 10 pesos. Do Argy a favour - when you fly out -please leave your coins behind.