These days, travelers don’t use traveler cheques when they go abroad like they did in the past. Now, there are so many ways to do money, it’s so easy to get your money anywhere. That being said, there are certain things you want to be careful of while you’re traveling. If you lose your cards or get your bag stolen, you could have a hard time accessing your account from abroad.
So, if you’re planning on going on a tour and a little concerned about how you’re going to do money, then here are some tips
Bring Multiple Types of Payment
When traveling abroad on a tour, you should absolutely have multiple forms of payment with you. This could be two credit cards, a debit card, and cash. Also, do your best to keep these separated. Keep one in your bag, one back in the hotel, etc. This way, if something happens to one of your methods, you’ll at least have a backup.
Some ATMs abroad have a tendency of eating your card or spitting out counterfeit cash. Be very vigilant about where you go to use an ATM.
Have a Way to Receive Money Online
Do you have a Paypal or Venmo account? If you run out of money while traveling, or maybe you have problems with one of your accounts, you can send money via Paypal to another account. It’s also a good way for your family or friends to send you money if you split the bill somewhere during your tour.
Locate Western Unions
If the worst case scenario happens, and it probably won’t, you need to have a way of getting money to you immediately. One way to do this is through a Western Union or a similar company in the country you’re traveling in. Though it’s not really instant, it’s quicker than having a card mailed to you in case of an emergency.
If Traveling for a Long Period of Time, Open Up a Sister Bank
Are you going to be doing a long tour all over Europe? Why not open an account at a sister bank back home? This way, you can have easy access to your money abroad. You can do things like taking money out of a cooperating ATM without paying foreign transaction fees, or get a new card if you lose yours somewhere along your tour.
As always, call your bank before traveling abroad and let them know where you’re going to be. Sometimes, if a bank sees you have made a transaction abroad, it looks suspicious and they can block your card due to fraudulent attempts. Of course, you know it’s not a fraud, but they don’t. Also, make sure your cards are not due to expire while you’re traveling.
It’s easier today than it ever was before to take care of your money while traveling. But, you still need to be aware of how to manage it.
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
