Summer travel brings excitement and discovery, but it also exposes you to unfamiliar financial systems and risks that can disrupt your trip if you’re unprepared. A few common-sense precautions can help ensure your money and cards work when you need them most.
Avoiding financial surprises on the road
One of the easiest problems to prevent is a frozen card. Banks and credit card companies frequently monitor accounts for unusual activity, and overseas purchases can trigger a fraud alert. That’s helpful if your card is stolen, but frustrating when you’re traveling and suddenly unable to pay. Simply calling and letting your financial institutions know your destination and travel dates helps keep your accounts running smoothly.
ATMs and point-of-sale machines require caution as well. Skimming and shimming devices have become more sophisticated, and any machine that looks altered should be avoided. Even legitimate ATMs can malfunction or retain your card. Because many places still operate on a cash-only basis, carrying backup cash is essential. It also protects you if card systems go down or a merchant adds unexpected fees for card use. While you don’t need to carry around a large wad of cash, having an amount that can cover any worst-case or rainy-day scenarios can help prevent major inconveniences.
If you’re bringing a debit card, keeping only the funds you need in your checking account and transferring the rest to savings limits how much a thief could access if your card is lost or stolen. And as always, if your card is lost or stolen, getting in contact with your financial institution and deactivating your card can help prevent trouble before it starts.
Choosing and protecting the right cards
Not all cards are equally useful abroad. Visa and MasterCard tend to be more widely accepted than American Express or Discover, so checking with your issuer can help you choose the best option. Knowing your credit limit is also important. While going over the limit at home may result in a small fee, U.S. State Department resources note that in some countries this could result in far more serious consequences.
Because standard 800 numbers don’t work internationally, write down the global customer service numbers for each card and store them separately from your wallet. Making copies of the fronts and backs of your cards can help you report theft to local police, your card issuer, and the U.S. Embassy. Carrying a backup card, whether a second credit card or a prepaid debit card, helps add another layer of security, especially if you store it in a different place than your primary card.
Some cards offer travel-related protections, such as coverage for rental car damage when the rental is charged to that specific card. Checking what benefits apply abroad can help you avoid paying for duplicate insurance.
Keeping your cards secure is just as important. Money belts, cross body bags, and covering the keypad when entering your PIN reduce the risk of theft. Keeping your card in sight during transactions helps prevent double-swiping or unauthorized copying. And reviewing your statements while traveling gives you the chance to catch suspicious charges early.
In the event your card does go missing, contact your card issuer, local police, and the U.S. Embassy promptly. Once home, the IRS Identity Protection Unit can be notified as a first step in addressing potential identity theft.
Staying connected safely
Public Wi-Fi can be convenient but risky. Confirming the correct network with an employee and using a VPN helps protect your data. Private browsing modes and sticking to “https” sites add another layer of safety. When checking sensitive information, using mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi may be the safer choice.
Staying alert to interpersonal scams
Overly helpful strangers offering assistance with money or ATMs should be approached with caution. Another common tactic involves callers impersonating hotel staff to request your credit card information. In that event, hanging up and calling the front desk directly is the safest response.
Pickpocketing remains a significant issue in many tourist areas abroad. Thieves often work in groups, may be well-dressed, and use distraction techniques. Tourist attractions, public transportation, and hotel lobbies are common hotspots. Keeping your money and cards in a money belt worn under clothing is one of the most effective deterrents.
Staying organized, cautious, and aware of your surroundings helps ensure your financial safety, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.