Do you have any tips on exchanging money in out of the way destinations, especially North Africa

asks Howard Piercy

A.��The best way to avoid running out of local currency is to exchange money at a bank or travel terminal, e.g, an airport or train station, before you move on to any remote destination. These exchange outlets are more likely to have a uniform (government applied) exchange rate. Do not, however, exchange all your money at once as it could be lost or stolen. It is best to exchange small amounts regularly if possible. This applies to all North African countries. In Morocco for example, The Moroccan Bank of Foreign Exchange - in theory - opens its exchange booths at the time of each arrival and departure of boats and planes if these are outside normal working hours.

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Q.� Are there any restrictions on how much money you can take into a country

A.��Many developing nations will have a limit on how much currency you can bring into their country this is often to encourage exchange within that country, rather than in your home country as sterling and dollars are often in high demand.

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In Algeria for example, the system is quite complicated. All foreign currencies and travellers cheques must be declared in writing (on a special form) in duplicate on entering the country. One copy is retained by the traveller on which every exchange transaction has to be recorded and handed back on departure.�It can sometimes be difficult explaining�if insufficient amounts of money have been exchanged, because you have purchased local currency on the black market.� This is often a lot easier to do, but also illegal.

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Q.� How easy is it to cash travellers cheques

A.��In banks it should be easy if you remember to take your passport with you.�It is worth finding out about local customs too if possible. In Tunisia, for example, banks often do not exchange money on a Monday morning until the exchange rate for the week has been set. Some hotels do not have the facility to exchange travellers cheques and often do so at a less favourable exchange rate. The more expensive your hotel the more likely you are to have have good exchange facilities and it's worth noting that some hotels will only exchange cheques for their own guests.

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Q.� Is it best to use sterling or US dollar travellers cheques

A.��Either are valid in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, but US dollar cheques are generally more popular.

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Q. Is it possible to use foreign cash in North Africa

A.��It is possible, but also officially illegal. The French franc is openly asked for at most ports and airports, and a green-backed US dollar speaks any language.

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Q.� Would you recommend taking travellers cheques. a credit card or cash to North Africa

A.�� A mixture is best. It is wise to take the bulk of your money in travellers cheques as these can be replaced if lost or stolen, but are often more difficult to exchange. Some local cash is good to have as well as a credit card. ATM machines are available in large cities and ports. Money is dispensed in the local currency and the ATM machine allows you to conduct your transaction in English. Credit card purchases are also insured.

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Q.� What is the safest way to carry money

A.� It is best to carry all valuables close to your body, and if you are carrying a lot then it is safe to distribute this in more than one place. Money belts are more secure than handbags and pockets. Hotel safes or deposit boxes are also reliable.

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By Karen Anderson

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