Keeping Your Money Safe While Traveling

There are usually many things that we want to keep safe while traveling. One of the most important items is money. It can affect every aspect of the trip from start to finish. So, you can see why it is such an important thing to keep safe. Check out some of our tips to help keep your money safe throughout your time away from home.

Carrying Spare Currency

Most of the time when we travel, we budget out how much money we think is necessary for our time away. And then we might add a little more in case of emergency or if our estimation was off. While planning for this overflow, it may be important to know what your ideal maximum budget is. Factoring in some additional cash can be helpful should the unexpected occur. Note that you may want to consider whether or not the location you’re traveling to may have a different currency than your home country.  Sometimes certain areas that you will be traveling to may surprise you by requiring more cash transactions than card transactions. Try to be prepared with extra cash at all times.

Consider Keeping it Concealed

There are various ways for you to conceal the money you carry on yourself. You can use pockets with zippers if you have the option. In the case of pickpockets, it may be more difficult for them 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. Pants and jackets with inner pockets, scarfs with small compartments, hair ties that open with a zipper and many more options are typically available online. Try taking some time to look into these before your next trip - you may be surprised by what’s out there!

Try to Not Carry Everything

One thing that we may struggle with is splitting our money up. But it can actually be a very smart decision. In case some of your money gets stolen from one source, you can have back up money stored in other locations. If you’re staying at a hotel that has a safe in the room, you may want to store spare cash there. Bringing some with you and splitting it up between your personal bag or backpack in multiple concealed pockets may also help.

Consider the Importance of Cards

Credit and debit cards are usually just as important as cash while traveling. Although some locations may be more apt to accepting cash, other locations might be more willing to accept card transactions than cash – especially with current technological advancements making headway across the globe. Additionally, consider inputting card information on your mobile device for mobile payment forms. You can not only have a cash and card option for payment, but you can be prepared if mobile/electronic payment is available.

Consider Indoor ATMs Versus Outdoor Ones

One of the easiest ways that pickpockets and thieves steal from tourists is near outdoor ATMs. It can be obvious since you’re standing there in the first place. It can also be easy for them to see the money being distributed from the machine itself. So, they can time themselves to take your money. If possible, use indoor ATMs in a bank setting, where there’s likely to be less people quickly walking behind you as there would be on a street. These may add an extra layer of security to your transaction. If you aren’t able however, try to be aware of your surroundings and perhaps have a friend or family member keep look out for you. They can provide a barrier between you and the public, which may help greatly.

Notifying Your Bank of Your Travel Plans

Whether you plan on traveling a few states over or a few countries over, it can be important to notify your bank. They can keep track of your transactions while you’re travelling and verify that you are the one making them. You may run the risk of having your bank account and associated cards put on 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 give them a call.

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Be sure to protect both your money and your travel plans each time you venture away from home. Talk to your travel advisor today or visit our website to learn more about how travel protection can help you on your next trip. Happy travels!