5 Must-Know Money Tips for International Travel
If you don’t own a money tree then chances your overseas holiday was the result of months of careful planning and saving. Most of us have a very tight budget when traveling and being the victim of fraud or theft while on holiday can have devastating effects. Which is why it’s so important to protect yourself from seedy characters when you’re abroad. If you’re not sure what measures to take then keep reading because Mastercard is here with 5 money tips for international travel.
1. Check that your Chip-and-PIN is valid
Remember, going cashless is by far the safest way to travel. EMV-enabled Chip and PIN payment cards help prevent fraud and are the most convenient for cashless travels. Have you checked yours is valid and isn’t going to expire while travelling? Remember to never let your debit or credit card out of your sight and make sure transactions are done in front of you.
2. Sharing is caring
Chances are you’ve probably told your family and Facebook friends where you’re going, but have you told your bank? Remember to alert them to the fact that you will be travelling so they don’t think your transactions are fraudulent. You wouldn’t want them to freeze your account mid holiday and be stuck without a cent to your name!
3. Pack your ‘payment passport’
a Prepaid MasterCard payment card is a lot safer than travelling with cash. Packing your Multi-currency Cash Passport gives you flexibility when paying with U.S. Dollars, Pound Sterling, Australian Dollars or Euros.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Although travelling with as little cash as possible makes sense, you might also need to take a small amount of cash in the local currency (for tipping, small transactions and cardless transactors). When you land, ask an official at the airport where a safe ATM is located, and make use of the ATM Locator with your smartphone.
5. Be smart about currency conversion fees
Some merchants and hotels may ask you if you’d like to be charged in either your home or local currency. You will likely save if you choose local currency as you may not incur a foreign transaction fee or a conversion rate fee.