4 things you must do to protect your money while traveling
As you plan the vacation of a lifetime, business trip or family get-together, there are plenty of details to stress over when it comes to traveling. Between preparing your itinerary, packing all the necessities (meeting government regulations) and getting to the airport on time, and that’s only the first leg of your trip.
One of the last things you want to worry about is your money and how to keep it safe. Regardless of whether you rely on debit or credit cards, a smartphone pay app or cash, there are several habits to practice that can help ensure your money is protected. Here are four things to consider.
Note: It is recommended you notify your bank of travel plans before you depart to ensure there are no issues when using debit or credit cards.
1. Split up your cash and cards with on-body storage
Using a second-wallet or fanny pack will help ensure you will never have your cash and debit or credit cards in one place. Keep your actual wallet with cash in a fanny pack where you can keep an eye on it and place the second one in your back pocket. Hide your cards somewhere else on your person or other secure baggage.
In the event, one of the items is stolen or lost, you still have resources available. If you find your debit or credit card has gone missing at any time during your travels, it’s vital you contact your bank or card issuer to immediately freeze the associated account. If you lose your cash, contacting your bank may help you find a safe, secure ATM.
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2. Use anti-theft bags
Fanny packs and wallets aren’t the only tricks to keeping your money safe while traveling. Anti-theft bags boast locking compartments, which prevent you from being pickpocketed. You can further protect yourself from card-skimming thieves with the additional protective feature of RFID blocking slots and pockets in anti-theft bags and wallets.
3. Do your research
Another practice that will prove helpful in protecting your money while traveling is to study up the area you are planning to visit. Going to a foreign country? Find out the exchange and tip rates and typical costs of goods and services you intend on utilizing while you are there.
You may want to include such things as meals, entertainment or transportation. This research will help prevent you from getting ripped off or overcharged.
4. Stick with small bills in local currency
If you are traveling abroad, experts recommend you pay for items during your stay with local currency. There are a few reasons behind this approach to protecting your money.
First, never assume local establishments accept foreign cash. Second, using smaller denominations of the local currency helps you from overpaying because you misunderstood the amount due during a transaction.
Bonus tip: Use safe Wi-Fi
While it’s easy to jump on public Wi-Fi during your stay, this can be a huge mistake for your finances. Because this type of wireless connection is not secure, it is essential that you avoid any online banking or shopping without using a secure network or a VPN.
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Check your cellular provider before you leave to make sure you will have coverage in the area you are visiting or subscribe to a virtual private (VPN) network that you can take anywhere in the world. One such network is from our sponsor, ExpressVPN, which can provide you a secure connection worldwide and can be used across all your devices.
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Tags: Amazon, devices, network, Wi-Fi
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