What is the best way/form to carry my money ie cheque/credit card/cash?
Do most people in Asian countries speak English?
What type of currency should I carry?
Should I bring travellers cheques?
Can we use Interac cards there?
For a cheap flight, should I book now or wait until the last minute to get a cheap sell-off?
I'm not a student. Can I still go to Travel CUTS?
Are there restrictions on what I can bring back from Asia?
Will I have any problem if I wear leather clothing or accessories in India?

Do most people in Asian countries speak English?
Although English is the most requently taught foreign language, it would be arrogant to assume that everyone you encounter while travelling speaks it fluently - if at all. While you may find a large number of people in urban centres or tourist areas who do speak English, the further you travel from either of these areas, the more you'll find that English isn't spoken.

What type of currency should I carry?
ATM cards can provide a more favorable exchange rate by up to 3 to 5%. Use major credit cards as an alternative for large purchases to get a good exchange rate. Be aware, though, that many major credit cards add a surcharge on foreign purchases. Carry a reasonable amount of cash (either in U.S. dollars or the local currency) plus an ATM card and a major credit card. It's worth noting that you're oftentimes likely to find more favourable exchange rates if you wait until you're actually in each particular country to buy local currency in substantial denominations.

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Should I bring travellers cheques?
The advantage is they are safe if you lose them. It's worth considering the surcharges and exchanges however, and if you'll be someplace that convenient enough to cash them.

Can we use Interac cards there?
Yes, Interac is the way too go now a days, but you should visit your bank branch before leaving to make sure your card will be recognizable to the foreign bank. Local credit union banks are not!

For a cheap flight, should I book now or wait until the last minute to get a cheap sell-off?
It depends on what you're buying. For flexible student tickets in Canada and overseas, prices are usually determined by the date of departure, not the date of booking. Remember, students finish exams and restart classes at the same time... and there's only so many flights. Usually the earlier you book, the better. For packages to sun destinations, if you're willing to take what's left at the last minute, a sell-off may be the cheapest. For South East Asia, a non-changeable, non-refundable charter ticket may be the cheapest. A charter ticket is best booked early, because although sell-offs sometimes happen, you can rarely find the dates you want.

I'm not a student. Can I still go to Travel CUTS?
Of course! We have all the airfares, seat sales and land products that are available at other travel agencies. The difference is we also have some special products too, including student and youth deals and specific promotions with tour companies. If you're not a student, you won't be able to buy the student products, like an ISIC or a Student Class™ airfare, but we can help find your best travel plan with airfares, tours, language schools, bus or rail passes, insurance... whatever you need!

Are there restrictions on what I can bring back from Asia?
There is an export ban on certain art/antique pieces - particularly Buddha images, Bodhisattva images or fragments thereof. Other pieces may require an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation.

Will I have any problem if I wear leather clothing or accessories in India?
No - not at all. Although India does revere cows as Holy, it doesn't mean leather is not worn. In fact most young Indians now wear leather jackets, trousers and gloves.

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