It’s hard to believe that Viktor arrives in America without any Dollars in his pocket, because even if you want to travel any other country, before granting you a Visa,Visa consulate always make sure that you have sufficient fund to cover your entire tour expenses and usually you have to carry
500 US$ or more, but here Viktor arrives in America with virtually empty pocket…
His country's currency was no longer recognized internationally, so although Victor may have had more than enough money to cover his intended expenses in the United States according to his original plan of visit, his legal tender was now worthless, albeit temporarily, and so he couldn't exchange any of it for US currency.
sharethat's why there are money exchange sites worldwide. I can at this time go to one and purchase as much money in any country i want before going to the country.
shareYou could. But generally, I don't exchange money before going to a foreign country. In fact, in recent years, I just hit the ATM when I arrive at the destination airport. Capital One doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, so that saves me money I would have had to pay at money changers.
shareMaybe he had credit cards, which would've been suspended as well.
Maybe he was originally planning to exchange his Krakozhian money upon arrival at one of the exchanges at the Airport, which now was no longer possible.
Some countries place restrictions on their citizens acquiring foreign curreny, maybe he was not able to get US Dollars easily in Krakozhia. Or perhaps he couldn't get a fair exchange rate, if he had to pass through non-official channels.
My Grandmother who lives in the Boonies of a Western European Country (and founding Member of the EU), when she needs US Dollars has to place an order through her local bank, who will then get them delivered from another branch within about 3 business days.
Some countries (India comes to mind) do not want their money to leave India, so one could in theory only exchange once you're there.
Personally, on most of my travels to date, I've always tried to travel with the least amount possible of hard cash. Usually only enough for a taxi, and one or two meals. For the rest I lay my trust in cards. Risky now that I think of it, if there ever where a breakdown of the system. Also, I have found myself in transit through countries for connecting flights where I did not have the local currency. Though I guess Euros and US Dollars are almost universally exchangeable.
I do agree, that somehow, Viktor should've had at least the amount required for his first Taxi ride, and a bit more in US dollars, which would've maybe gotten him through 2-3 days for buying food at BK or Sbarro. But, he didn't come across as a very seasoned International Traveller.
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Just because he was able to transfer money back home before leaving doesn't mean that everyone does that. If his money wasn't tendered useless he wouldn't have had a problem converting it once he got here. It wasn't intended to be a long trip to begin with, he was going to spend a day or two in America before heading back. Not everyone plans out every single little detail of their trips like you do. Call me crazy but when I go on a trip I'm not prepared for a coup d'etat to accure in my country while I'm still in the air.
shareUm it's a movie. I doubt anything like that would happen in real life. Plus his country didn't longer exist so the money was useless anyway. Also you don't know how much money he had in his bank account.
shareI've traveled to many countries in all continents (except Antarctica) and I never take foreign currency with me. I just go to an ATM as soon as I clear immigration and customs. Never had a problem. So, yeah, I go to places with virtually empty pocket.
As for showing proof of sufficient funds, a bank statement is sufficient. You don't have to show up at a consulate with $10,000 cash in your pocket. It is assumed you will use your credit card.
I have never heard of any country that demands visitors to carry $500 or more, including the US.