Your worst nightmare while traveling would be for something to happen to your money. If you don’t have enough money, you’ll either have to cut your trip short, or even worse, you might have trouble getting home at all. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your money safe while you’re away and to take all other precautions to guarantee your personal security. It’s not as hard as it seems; all it takes is a little forethought and focus. Some of the potential solutions are listed below.
Don’t Use Cash
Even though it won’t be possible everywhere and in every situation, it will be safer if you can use as little cash as possible and instead use a credit card you got just for your trip. One way to do this is to book excursions in advance online. If you get your Pearl Harbor tickets beforehand, for example, you won’t have to take much or any cash with you when you go.
You are much safer if you only carry a small amount of cash and pay for everything else with credit. If someone steals your credit card, transactions can be stopped quickly, and a new card can be obtained. The most important thing to remember is to pay off the card in full when you get back home. If you don’t, your trip will cost a lot more than you had planned.
If you don’t want to use a credit card or can’t get one, you could also just take the cash you need for the day when you leave your hotel room. This is much safer, too. For the rest of the money, rent a safe for the room to make sure it stays safe.
A Good Bank
Find a reputable bank to help you keep your money safe before you leave on your trip. International travel banks offer tailored services that make them the best places to transfer your funds for the duration of your trip. Consider the following factors when choosing the best bank:
- Fees for using an ATM abroad
- What would happen in an emergency financial situation
- How to send money by wire
- An explanation of foreign transaction fees
- Whether they provide a traveler’s credit card
- The nations in which they do business
Finding the best bank to use while traveling should be simpler after putting all of this information together. Put your spending money in the bank of your choice so that you can easily access it.
Use Small Bills
If you’re going to be traveling with cash, it’s best to use smaller bills. You should request smaller bills when exchanging money or immediately convert large bills into smaller ones at a bank. If you pay for things with large bills, pickpockets will know you have a decent amount of cash on you. Smaller notes avoid giving that impression, and it’s more convenient to tip with and use for smaller purchases than to break up large bills.
Be Wary When Using ATMs
You need to be extra careful when withdrawing money from an ATM because of the people who might be lurking around. When withdrawing money, it’s a good idea to have a friend or companion stand guard with you. There is much less of a chance of being mugged if you use an ATM in a busy, well-lit area or, even better, one inside a bank if you’re out and about on your own.
