Originally Posted by Boraxo

Personally I like the $500 limit - if an armed criminal forces me to an ATM machine it limits the damage (yes I know I am not liable but less money gone). I have a hard time foreseeing a scenario where I need >$500 cash per day. Most countries I visit the nicer hotels (and even not so nice restaurants) take credit cards. The only time I need cash is for taxis, tips, entry fees, and small convenience purchases. Even in Japan where some smaller restaurants want cash I averaged <$100/day. My visa comes with medevac and med insurance.

To be fair I don't carry much cash - usually $50-150 at home and a few $100 bills overseas (which can get you out of most jams). Less to lose by theft. I really don't get the fixation with the $500 limit, unless you're traveling to rather remote third world destinations... where ATMs are not prevalent.

PS Back to the Fidelity card topic - I like everything about this card except the Visa debit feature. I normally carry ATM-only cards (why would anyone use a visa debit when you could use a rewards card??) but that option isn't available here. So I keep a small balance, and hope it doesn't get stolen.