That Time I Had $3 To Last A Three-Day Weekend…

Having money means nothing if you can’t access it.

Years ago, I was traveling from Thailand to Hanoi on a Labor Day weekend.

When I arrived, my local bank flagged my debit card for suspicious activity. And the only way I could resolve this was by calling the bank and talking to an actual person.

The problem?

It was a holiday. And nobody was available for the next three days.

Even worse, this was a time before I had a credit card. Or even a second checking account.

No debit card, no money.

After an incredibly tense taxi ride that ate-up most of my pocket money (it’s a long way between Hanoi’s airport and the city center) I was left with about $3.

Or about $1 per day to live-off.

And while Vietnam is an affordable country, it’s not that affordable.

I cancelled all my fun weekend plans. And the only thing that saved me was my hotel room’s minibar. I ate Snickers and Coca-Cola for every meal.

Once Tuesday rolled around, I called the bank immediately.

And the whole issue was resolved with the click of a button.