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Vancouver Sun
2 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Experts advise packing lightly on cash when travelling
When was the last time you pulled out cash to pay for something? Many Canadians might have to think long and hard, especially if they're younger. Canada has gradually moved toward becoming a cashless society, with most people paying for purchases with smartphones or credit cards. However, whether or not you should carry cash — and how much — can still be a point of contention when travelling abroad. 'The question shouldn't be whether cash is still worth it, but it's how to use it wisely, especially when every dollar counts,' said Amra Durakovic, a spokesperson for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada Inc. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. She said the decision to carry cash and the amount depends on the destination, purpose of travel and how prepared a traveller wants to be. When Durakovic was travelling to Nicaragua, she knew the airport transfer cost and driver tips would likely be a cash-on-hand situation. For her Morocco trip not too long ago, she said she carried small bills in U.S. dollars when visiting local markets and to pay for taxis. Even if you're going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort, carry some cash for tipping staff, Durakovic suggested. 'We would recommend that you do carry a modest amount in bills, ideally in the currency that's most widely accepted locally,' she said. Durakovic said she personally takes at least US$100 in cash when travelling abroad, mostly in smaller bills. She also emphasized paying gratuities on all-inclusive trips in Canadian dollars ahead of time to avoid exchange rate surprises or finding out there are no ATMs on-site at the resort. Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts and cruises can include gratuities in a daily service charge, allowing travellers to account for tips in their budget ahead of time. Prepaid gratuities are typically broken down per night and per guest. For example, Disney Cruise recommends a prepaid gratuity of between US$16 and US$27.25 per night, per guest. When Nicole Hui was preparing to travel to Japan earlier this year, one of the first things she researched was whether it's a cash-reliant economy. The travel and lifestyle content creator said she brought some cash to cover the initial transit from the airport, meals and tipping. But she took out money she needed after that from an ATM at a Japanese 7-Eleven — with a better exchange rate than what she would have received at Canadian banks. But usually, Hui's go-to is her no-fee credit card. 'If it's a less cash-heavy place, I usually just stick with using (a credit) card, but still bring $100 to $200 of local currency for the trip, just in case it's needed,' Hui said. But experts say exchange rates should be kept top of mind when travelling abroad. 'My issue with cash going abroad is it's really expensive to exchange, depending on where you're going,' said personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi. Choi's turning point was when he travelled to Brazil and Argentina almost a decade ago and faced an exorbitant exchange fee at the bank. Ever since, Choi said he prefers either a no-fee credit or prepaid cards, or he will withdraw money at ATMs abroad, if needed. He advised looking for a travel card that allows charge-free ATM withdrawals, credit cards with no or lower exchange-rate fees or a multi-currency card, such as Wise. He does not recommend exchanging money at the airport. Choi's decision to carry cash and the amount comes down to researching what the acceptable currency is in the country he's visiting. He recalled travelling to the United States earlier this year and not using cash once during his trip. Another downside to getting cash is the leftover local currency you may never use, Choi said. 'Why I tell people to carry less cash is: Back in the day, you would keep exchanging all this money, you'd pay high fees to begin with, and then you're left with these random currencies that you may or may not use,' he said. There's a chance of losing money when exchanging leftover local currency for Canadian dollars, depending on the exchange rate fluctuations. But Choi said he still carries US$50 in local currency that can cover a meal or taxi ride, just in case. 'There are still a lot of stores that only take cash, so you could be in the middle of nowhere or even a country where you don't speak the language,' he said. 'You should always have some kind of backup cash, even if it's U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, or whatever.'
Winnipeg Free Press
3 hours ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Experts advise packing lightly on cash when travelling
When was the last time you pulled out cash to pay for something? Many Canadians might have to think long and hard, especially if they're younger. Canada has gradually moved toward becoming a cashless society, with most people paying for purchases with smartphones or credit cards. However, whether or not you should carry cash — and how much — can still be a point of contention when travelling abroad. 'The question shouldn't be whether cash is still worth it, but it's how to use it wisely, especially when every dollar counts,' said Amra Durakovic, a spokesperson for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada Inc. She said the decision to carry cash and the amount depends on the destination, purpose of travel and how prepared a traveller wants to be. When Durakovic was travelling to Nicaragua, she knew the airport transfer cost and driver tips would likely be a cash-on-hand situation. For her Morocco trip not too long ago, she said she carried small bills in U.S. dollars when visiting local markets and to pay for taxis. Even if you're going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort, carry some cash for tipping staff, Durakovic suggested. 'We would recommend that you do carry a modest amount in bills, ideally in the currency that's most widely accepted locally,' she said. Durakovic said she personally takes at least US$100 in cash when travelling abroad, mostly in smaller bills. She also emphasized paying gratuities on all-inclusive trips in Canadian dollars ahead of time to avoid exchange rate surprises or finding out there are no ATMs on-site at the resort. Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts and cruises can include gratuities in a daily service charge, allowing travellers to account for tips in their budget ahead of time. Prepaid gratuities are typically broken down per night and per guest. For example, Disney Cruise recommends a prepaid gratuity of between US$16 and US$27.25 per night, per guest. When Nicole Hui was preparing to travel to Japan earlier this year, one of the first things she researched was whether it's a cash-reliant economy. The travel and lifestyle content creator said she brought some cash to cover the initial transit from the airport, meals and tipping. But she took out money she needed after that from an ATM at a Japanese 7-Eleven — with a better exchange rate than what she would have received at Canadian banks. But usually, Hui's go-to is her no-fee credit card. 'If it's a less cash-heavy place, I usually just stick with using (a credit) card, but still bring $100 to $200 of local currency for the trip, just in case it's needed,' Hui said. But experts say exchange rates should be kept top of mind when travelling abroad. 'My issue with cash going abroad is it's really expensive to exchange, depending on where you're going,' said personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi. Choi's turning point was when he travelled to Brazil and Argentina almost a decade ago and faced an exorbitant exchange fee at the bank. Ever since, Choi said he prefers either a no-fee credit or prepaid cards, or he will withdraw money at ATMs abroad, if needed. He advised looking for a travel card that allows charge-free ATM withdrawals, credit cards with no or lower exchange-rate fees or a multi-currency card, such as Wise. He does not recommend exchanging money at the airport. Choi's decision to carry cash and the amount comes down to researching what the acceptable currency is in the country he's visiting. He recalled travelling to the United States earlier this year and not using cash once during his trip. Another downside to getting cash is the leftover local currency you may never use, Choi said. 'Why I tell people to carry less cash is: Back in the day, you would keep exchanging all this money, you'd pay high fees to begin with, and then you're left with these random currencies that you may or may not use,' he said. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. There's a chance of losing money when exchanging leftover local currency for Canadian dollars, depending on the exchange rate fluctuations. But Choi said he still carries US$50 in local currency that can cover a meal or taxi ride, just in case. 'There are still a lot of stores that only take cash, so you could be in the middle of nowhere or even a country where you don't speak the language,' he said. 'You should always have some kind of backup cash, even if it's U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, or whatever.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
3 hours ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Experts advise packing lightly on cash when travelling
When was the last time you pulled out cash to pay for something? Many Canadians might have to think long and hard, especially if they're younger. Canada has gradually moved toward becoming a cashless society, with most people paying for purchases with smartphones or credit cards. However, whether or not you should carry cash — and how much — can still be a point of contention when travelling abroad. 'The question shouldn't be whether cash is still worth it, but it's how to use it wisely, especially when every dollar counts,' said Amra Durakovic, a spokesperson for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada Inc. She said the decision to carry cash and the amount depends on the destination, purpose of travel and how prepared a traveller wants to be. When Durakovic was travelling to Nicaragua, she knew the airport transfer cost and driver tips would likely be a cash-on-hand situation. For her Morocco trip not too long ago, she said she carried small bills in U.S. dollars when visiting local markets and to pay for taxis. Even if you're going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort, carry some cash for tipping staff, Durakovic suggested. 'We would recommend that you do carry a modest amount in bills, ideally in the currency that's most widely accepted locally,' she said. Durakovic said she personally takes at least US$100 in cash when travelling abroad, mostly in smaller bills. She also emphasized paying gratuities on all-inclusive trips in Canadian dollars ahead of time to avoid exchange rate surprises or finding out there are no ATMs on-site at the resort. Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts and cruises can include gratuities in a daily service charge, allowing travellers to account for tips in their budget ahead of time. Prepaid gratuities are typically broken down per night and per guest. For example, Disney Cruise recommends a prepaid gratuity of between US$16 and US$27.25 per night, per guest. When Nicole Hui was preparing to travel to Japan earlier this year, one of the first things she researched was whether it's a cash-reliant economy. The travel and lifestyle content creator said she brought some cash to cover the initial transit from the airport, meals and tipping. But she took out money she needed after that from an ATM at a Japanese 7-Eleven — with a better exchange rate than what she would have received at Canadian banks. But usually, Hui's go-to is her no-fee credit card. 'If it's a less cash-heavy place, I usually just stick with using (a credit) card, but still bring $100 to $200 of local currency for the trip, just in case it's needed,' Hui said. But experts say exchange rates should be kept top of mind when travelling abroad. 'My issue with cash going abroad is it's really expensive to exchange, depending on where you're going,' said personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi. Choi's turning point was when he travelled to Brazil and Argentina almost a decade ago and faced an exorbitant exchange fee at the bank. Ever since, Choi said he prefers either a no-fee credit or prepaid cards, or he will withdraw money at ATMs abroad, if needed. He advised looking for a travel card that allows charge-free ATM withdrawals, credit cards with no or lower exchange-rate fees or a multi-currency card, such as Wise. He does not recommend exchanging money at the airport. Choi's decision to carry cash and the amount comes down to researching what the acceptable currency is in the country he's visiting. He recalled travelling to the United States earlier this year and not using cash once during his trip. Another downside to getting cash is the leftover local currency you may never use, Choi said. 'Why I tell people to carry less cash is: Back in the day, you would keep exchanging all this money, you'd pay high fees to begin with, and then you're left with these random currencies that you may or may not use,' he said. There's a chance of losing money when exchanging leftover local currency for Canadian dollars, depending on the exchange rate fluctuations. But Choi said he still carries US$50 in local currency that can cover a meal or taxi ride, just in case. 'There are still a lot of stores that only take cash, so you could be in the middle of nowhere or even a country where you don't speak the language,' he said. 'You should always have some kind of backup cash, even if it's U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, or whatever.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025.
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Welcome to China's very own CSI, new series 'Coroner's Diary' sees medical expertise and mystery-solving unite in ancient times
C-dramas are flying high in iQIYI these days. And continuing their high-flying ways, the costume suspense drama "Coroner's Diary" premiered on iQIYI on July 13. And thus far it has been winning fans in not only in South-East Asia but also the whole region. With the ever-elegant Li Landi leading the way together with Ao Ruipeng, the series that pits CSI skills and mystery-solving talent, the "Coroner's Diary" is indeed a new trail for costumed drama series in Asia. The series tells the story of Shen Wan (played by Li Landi), the daughter of an official from an ancient Chinese judicial institution. Using her remarkable medical and forensic skills, Shen Wan teams up with Prince Yan Chi (played by Ao Ruipeng) to solve complex mysteries, catch criminals, and clear her father's unjust charges. Produced by iQIYI, the drama is written by Zou Yue, Gao Shen, and Huang Zien, and directed by Li Huizhu, Deng Weien, Huang Bin, and Chen Ziqiang. Starring Li Landi, Ao Ruipeng, Yu Cheng'en, and Shen Yujie, "Coroner's Diary" combines episodic mysteries with themes of revenge and character growth, creating an engaging storyline. Before its release, the series attracted over 2.5 million reservations on iQIYI. A major attraction of "Coroner's Diary" is its presentation of eight intriguing cases, including "The Headless Bride" and "Corpse in the Well." Each case contains hidden clues linked to a broader revenge plot, gradually building tension as viewers uncover the truth. The series also features strong character development and emotional depth. Li Landi plays two roles: Shen Wan and Qin Wan, who uses a hidden identity as a gentle doctor while secretly mastering forensic skills. Ao Ruipeng portrays Yan Chi, a young general whose tough exterior hides a warm heart, bravely investigating crimes. Unlike traditional romances, their relationship develops naturally as they solve cases together. The series pays careful attention to investigative techniques, forensic props, and visual style, significantly enhancing its suspenseful atmosphere. Realistic sets such as autopsy rooms and hidden passageways, detailed props like a six-fingered skeleton and poisoned needles, and a cold-colored visual style featuring rainy nights and ancient houses, all contribute to an immersive viewing experience. About Li Landi Chinese rising star Li Landi is considered one of the brightest stars to arrive in the scene over the last five years. Li Landi, also known as Landy Li, is a Chinese actress, singer, and model of Hui ethnicity. She also starred in the 2019 Chinese film "Adoring". She is best known for her roles in the dramas "My Huckleberry Friends (2017), Wu Xin: The Monster Killer 2 (2017), and The Starry Love (2023)". She is now winning accolades in "Coroner's Diary", already one of the top series seen in iQIYI. The young star has been acting since she was 10 and has a host of projects already lined up after "Coroner's Diary". About Ao Ruipeng At the age of 29, Ao Ruipeng is already a veteran of many TV series. The Chinese actor who was born in Chongqing and graduated from Chengdu College of Arts and Science. He officially entered the entertainment industry in January 2019 with his participation in the blind date TV show "Dream Space". His screen debut attracted the attention of many viewers as soon as he appeared on stage. In 2022, he played the role of Lei Wujie in The Blood of Youth and rose to fame and is now among the most sought-after leading men in the industry.
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
How China hounds pro-democracy activists in Boston
'It was heart-wrenching to see my aging parents suffer from this targeted repression,' Hui told me. 'I felt guilty for bringing this on them.' Advertisement Hui's case is an example of what the FBI describes as transnational repression — when authoritarian governments such as those in Russia, Iran, Belarus, and China hire people to intimidate, harass, or spy on dissidents in the United States. China's surveillance network is considered one of the an independent network of hundreds of reporters around the world, found evidence that in recent years Beijing had targeted dissidents like Hui in 23 countries. Advertisement For years, the United States was a global leader in countering this kind of repression on American soil. But that commitment appears to be wavering under the Trump administration. In February, the Justice Department quietly Glenn Tiffert, a distinguished research fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution who focuses on Beijing's influence operations, said the administration's actions signal that it does not consider transnational repression a priority. 'It may make people who are acting as foreign agents even bolder,' he said. The administration's freeze of Advertisement 'The Chinese government prefers the plausible deniability of recruiting people who appear to be ordinary citizens and residents, as they can present themselves as simply expressing personal opinions,' Tiffert said. Those recruits observe and report back to Beijing about the activities of dissidents in the United States — and sometimes harass them. Joey Siu is another Hong Kong pro-democracy activist who fled to the United States in 2020 and now faces an arrest warrant back home. Since that warrant was issued in 2023, Siu, who lives in exile in Washington, D.C., has received dozens of threatening emails and social media messages. ' I tried reporting them, blocking them, but it just wouldn't stop,' she said. Messages sent to Joey Siu in December of 2023 after Hong Kong's national security police placed arrest warrants for five overseas activists, placing HK$1 million bounties on their heads. Handout American prosecutors argued that Liang Litang, a 65-year-old naturalized American from China, worked as an agent of the Chinese government in the Boston area. He was In August 2019, Hui, then an Emerson College student, organized a rally in downtown Boston to support efforts in Hong Kong to fight a bill that would have made it easier to extradite critics of the Chinese government in Hong Kong to China. Little did she know that Liang was observing the rally. Court documents later showed that he exchanged at least five calls with two Chinese officials during the event and took photographs of participants, including her. 'I didn't even notice him at the rally,' Hui told me. Liang, it turns out, was also being watched by US officials. In 2023, he was arrested on charges of Advertisement Federal charging documents alleged that Liang acted as an agent of the Chinese government for years. He cofounded the New England Alliance for the Peaceful Unification of China, whose mission was to make Taiwan part of China. He organized events at the direction of the Chinese government, including a counterprotest against pro-democracy dissidents; met several times with Chinese officials; and hung Chinese flags in Boston's Chinatown, court records alleged. Perhaps more significantly, he provided photos and videos of pro-democracy dissidents in Boston to Chinese officials based in New York. He also identified potential recruits to a Chinese man listed in Liang's contacts under 'DC Ministry of Public Security Shanghai,' according to In February, a federal jury The US attorney's office in Boston declined to comment on the verdict. Legal experts say there is no clear legal definition of 'acting as a foreign agent,' making it hard for juries to hold individuals accountable. Still, a few cases have led to convictions. One of those involved a Berklee School of Music student who was convicted of Liang did not respond to a request for comment for this article. During the trial, his lawyer, Derege Demissie, argued that the federal government had merely showed Liang to be a motivated and spontaneous activist whose political views happened to align with those of the Chinese government. In a recent interview, Demissie acknowledged that Liang had communicated with several Chinese officials but denied that he worked for the Chinese government. Advertisement But Liang's acquittal has had a chilling effect on dissidents. Several told the Globe that they felt less confident the US government could protect them from being harassed or spied upon by the Chinese government. Che Chungchi, a 75-year-old Chinese American, told me he is 'afraid to live in Boston' and has avoided visiting Chinatown in the wake of Liang's acquittal. Che's image in photos and videos was sent to Chinese officials by Liang, according to Frances Hui (center, holding white paper) and Che Chungchi (with megaphone) joined a counter-protest against a Chinese government flag-raising ceremony outside Boston City Hall on Sept. 29, 2019. Courtesy Che Chungchi While Hui said she respected the jury's decision in the Liang case, she worries about whether dissidents facing surveillance, harassment, and worse will have any recourse to seek justice or protection from the US government. Still, when compared to her fellow activists in Hong Kong who are in prison and have little hope of receiving a fair trial, Hui believes the prosecution of Liang was an important step forward in exposing the harassment of Chinese and Hong Kong dissidents in the United States. The Chinese government 'thinks they could do these things to silence and break us,' Hui said. 'But they have only made me stronger.'
