STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD (AND THEIR PARENTS) ENJOY GREATER PEACE OF MIND WITH A DIVERSIFIED "TRAVEL WALLET" THAT INCLUDES AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVELERS CHEQUES
U.S. Students Studying Abroad Has More Than Doubled in the Past Decade
NEW YORK, July 24, 2007 -- With more students studying internationally, important considerations for student and parent alike are understanding local currency exchange rates, the need to help protect funds from loss and theft, and the importance of carrying a diversified “travel wallet” that includes local currency, credit and charge cards, and a prepaid travel money product.
According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), the number of U.S.students studying abroad has increased 144% in the last decade, buoyed in part by an ever-expanding global economy, and growing interest in studying in China, India and South America.
“Studying abroad expands and enriches students. But all travelers, and particularly inexperienced travelers, should plan for the unexpected by carrying a variety of payment products and taking steps to keep travel funds safe and secure,” said Alpesh Chokshi, President, American Express Travelers Cheque and Prepaid Services. “American Express Travelers Cheques provide extra peace of mind, safety and security for parents and their children studying abroad, allowing students to concentrate on what matters most – educational experiences and cultural enrichment.”
Unlike cash, Travelers Cheques are fully refundable if lost or stolen. With 24/7 customer service and a global refund network, Travelers Cheques can be easily and quickly replaced, usually within 24 hours. They also allow travelers to budget, track and control travel expenses easily.
American Express Travelers Cheques are available in a number of currencies – U.S. Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollars and Australian Dollars. Travelers can avoid the expense of currency exchange by purchasing foreign currency Travelers Cheques before leaving home.
American Express Travelers Cheques are recognized worldwide. In the U.S. they can be used like cash at retail locations, hotels and restaurants. Outside the U.S. they can be used like cash at many locations, or exchanged for local currency at banks, currency exchanges, and American Express Travel Service locations.
Students traveling abroad or their parents may purchase American Express Travelers Cheques at more than 88,000 U.S. locations, including banks, credit unions and American Express Travel Service locations. For more information, please visit www.americanexpress.com/travelerscheques.
About American Express
American Express is a leader in consumer prepaid products. In addition to the 116-year old American Express Travelers Cheque - the preeminent brand welcomed worldwide - the Company issues other prepaid products including the Cheques for Two, Gift Cards, Gift Cheques, and a range of corporate incentive prepaid products through American Express Incentive Services.
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
Contacts:
Robert Sherman
212.640.6221
Robert.A.Sherman@aexp.com