Heading off to a country like India is most people’s idea of a dream holiday, but even if you’re willing to spend a little extra to go further afield than usual, you still want to make the most of your money. Here are five tips that’ll help you keep a little bit of extra cash in your pocket.

Currency Exchange

Sometimes, getting cash out of an ATM is the cheapest way to get money – though you have to be careful with security around ATMs. Make sure that you also have a reserve of local currency with you. Some high street currency exchange companies don’t offer good rates on the less common currencies, so it’s worth taking a look at a specialist like Currencies Direct.

Buy Local

Certain parts of the world are designed exclusively for tourists, and you can be sure that you’ll pay more for just about everything. However, keep an eye out for the genuinely local markets and you could get a bargain. Cast a quick eye over what other people are doing – if it seems they’re haggling, then you haggle too – if not, just go with the price quoted.

Go With the Flow

Some countries have a more “cash in hand” culture than our own (that is to say, you have to put your cash in their hands to get anywhere). If you’re heading across a regional border, sometimes it’s worth paying the ‘Departure Fee’ because even though it might not be strictly necessary, if you happen to come back through the same crossing, and the guard remembers you, your ‘Return Fee’ will be significant.

Pay More for Travel Insurance

Insurance is a pain, because you never feel like the money you’re shelling out is actually going on your holiday, but it is. The best thing to do is to head to Defaqto, look at their 5 star travel insurance policies, and get the cheapest one, that way you’re guaranteed fantastic coverage at good value, and should anything go wrong, it’ll all be covered for you.

Keep Your Finances Safe

The easiest way of saving money on holiday anywhere is simply not to lose it. Don’t flash your cash about, have a safety pocket preferably under your clothes where you keep your cash, and if you have something like a mobile phone with you, don’t get it out in public. 99% of thieves will go for easy targets, so make sure that you’re not one.