I was employed by a hotel for a while. I have to admit I learned so much about money. How to carry it and what is important when traveling. Most of all I learned all the different types of wallets.
I know you are probably laughing at me. However, it is one thing I am still not completely savvy about. Wallets as they are called. Electronic, business, or physical there is a whole new verity that comes into reality each year.
As I spent my time checking in people and checking out people I was blessed with many people who travel constantly for business. Some of them I would call friends, mainly they were thee ones who came in for business, once or twice a month. Hotels call them the regulars. They are the bread and butter, so to speak of the hotel industry. In this electronic world with electronic wallets, keys, doors, windows and the fast pace of life. Travelers still don't trust just one method of carrying their money.
Old school hotels you would check in fill out a form that included your license plate number, your personal address and you'd pay cash. Today, most people do this over internet. Regulars have an account with the chain of hotel of choice and get prizes and rewards for their stay. Therefore, you can have a food treat when you register or check in or you can just take the points. The points equal free nights stay at other hotels around the world. Keys of yesteryear are now consider a plastic card with a microchip that can open the room door. It is always advised that you don't keep these next to your phone. I still don't totally understand how they work, what I do understand is they create a conflict with one another. I also can explain some hotels have virtual keys, where you check in with an app. You have to look it up within your membership and upon check in. Virtual check in or e-check in means that you are arriving and would like the hotel company to know. Once that is done your credit card will be charge are there are no refunds. You will still have to present identification upon check in. This saves time at check in. It is purely a customer preference. However, in talking with them this is what I found out.
Wallet Tips While Traveling
1. Shop for pricing online before making your reservation. The company price isn't always the best however if your company is paying for it, they can bill them directly saving you the hassle of having to put your credit card information on the reservation. You can always call the number on the membership card and negotiate the price. Be sure to take a screenshot of the price you where quote. In case you have to prove it.
2. When traveling it is best to be secure. We use to carry a thing called "Traveler's Checks". It is advice to carry more than one form of payment. Cash, Check, Credit card.
3. My travelers informed me that not all places accept Apple Pay, AndroidPay, or PayPal. It is always best to carry more than a virtual credit card.
3. Don't take all your credit cards. I had one gentleman who was carrying all his credit cards with him and he had so many that when he lost one, he had to trace back every place he visited and which credit card he used where. Complicated for sure. It took him most of the night trying to figure it out. The next morning he had an early morning business meeting and he was exhausted, frustrated, tried and not in the best of mood. Success knocks in many ways. Overall he did the best he could. It took a lot out of him. The thing is the check in person can't help you with the details of tracing your steps, we can only do so much. Keep your travel credit cards to a minimum and know the balance.
4. Keep your wallet organized. I can't say this enough. I like the next person enjoy the luxury of a computerized world. However, depending on your business you might need to have personal paper receipts. There companies or app like Concur where you can take a photo of the receipt and file it away. However, I am still a believer in paper receipts only because they work when the battery on the computer or phone run out. I recommend having a place to place your receipts in your wallet at the end of the day one can US Mail them to your business or US Mail to your house. All hotels offer US Postal service pick up. I did check Concur and it seems to be a very useful tool for those who travel. Don't want to US Mail then, place them in a pocket in your luggage after each day. Make it a habit.
5. Before your trip, verify what company uses what? Not all business take American Express, or debit cards, others might take only American Express, while still others only take Master Card and Visa. It really is the personal choice of the business. Hotels in the US I believe will take all of them. What I did find out. some take cash and others are credit card only.
6. When shopping for a wallet. Be practical. Think of what you need and what you will use each pocket for. Make sure it has a place for your passport, paper money and change. Card slots enough for the credit cards you need and small enough to keep save on your being. What one man sees as a wallet another might see as a cash register. Be safe and happy travels.
Disclaimer: Please see disclaimer in the contact area. I was not paid to endorse any company listed here. It is my opinion based on several conversations from people I met in and research. My opinion are subject to change. Click on the link if you want more information about the companies mentioned.
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