Are you eagerly counting down the days to your next vacation, or going on a business trip, or attending a short course in another country? Regardless of how excited you are to take your next trip, it’s always crucial that you plan wisely and always remember to take plenty of precautions. After all, nothing can ruin your trip faster than losing your source of funding. It holds the key to every aspect of your trip from start to finish. So, we can see why it is the most important thing to keep safe.
Check out some of our tips to keep your money safe throughout your entire time away from home.
Use Credit, and Limit Cash
With the current technological advancement making headway across the globe, Credit and debit cards are just as important as cash while traveling. Some locations will be more willing to accept card transactions than others. Be sure to take a photo of these cards before leaving for your trip. This will be a big help should one of them be stolen or misplaced. Therefore, bring some cash on your vacation – but don’t carry too much. Plan to carry at least two credit cards, just in case one gets missing, stolen, or otherwise compromised. The cards should be issued by different payment networks, such as Visa or MasterCard.
Use the Multi-Stash Method
One thing that we may struggle with is splitting our money up. But, it’s actually a very smart decision. Break it up and hide various amounts of it in different spots to reduce the impact of theft. In case some of your money gets stolen from one source you will have back up money stored in other locations. For example, you might keep some money in your wallet, and hide the remaining funds in a shoe or sock inside your suitcase.
Carry Spare US Dollars
Even if the countries you're traveling through don't accept US dollars, you should absolutely still carry some with you as a backup. US dollars are widely accepted and easily changed into local currencies, no matter where you are in the world. We recommend carrying a spare $200 and keeping it in multiple places in your backpack.
Consider keeping it Concealed
There are various ways for you to conceal the money you carry on yourself. Use pockets with zippers if you have the option, it will be more difficult to open a zipper than to reach into a buttoned bag or pocket. Additionally, you can invest in clothing that is made for money concealment. Trousers and jackets with inner pockets, scarfs with small compartments, hair ties that open with a zipper, and many more options are available online. Take some time to look into these before your next trip – you may be surprised by what’s out there!
Opt for Indoor ATMs over Outdoor Ones
One of the easiest ways that thieves steal from tourists is near outdoor ATMs. It’s obvious why you are standing there in the first place. It’s also very easy for them to see the money being distributed from the machine itself. If possible use indoor ATMs. These add an extra layer of security to your transaction. If you aren’t able, however, be very aware of your surroundings and perhaps have a friend or family member keep a lookout for you. They can provide a barrier between you and the public which may help greatly.
Notify Your Bank of Your Travel Plans
It is important to notify your bank ahead of your travels. They will be able to keep track of your transactions while gone and verify that you are the one making them. You run the risk of having your bank account and associated cards put on the lock or hold if they believe there to be suspicious activity outside of your normal transaction locations. Often times you can use an app or website to set up these travel notifications. When in doubt, however, you can always give them a call.
Final Word
The way you handle your money while traveling increases or decreases your risk of theft. Thieves bet on the fact that tourists will let their guards down, and for those who do, they are ready to sweep in and grab cash and credit cards. While all these tips aimed at keeping your travel money safe might seem to confront, the most important thing to remember is to relax and enjoy your travels. Just have your wits about you, don’t flash your cash, be cautious with your valuables and you’ll have an amazing trip without any hassles!
