Smart Money Tips For Traveling Abroad

If you are hitting the road this summer and exploring a different country there are a few things you need to take into account before you leave to avoid vacation ruining financial disasters.

Keep Credit And Banking Info On Hand

There's always a chance while vacationing that you will lose your wallet or misplace your credit cards. Since you may not have access to all the things you do at home you should have your card information in a safe place in the event you need to cancel or place a hold on your cards until you find them or return home.

This bit of planning is crucial since you may not have access to the internet on your phone because of a limited international data plan (to save some money). If you are still traveling for a long time and need your cards now you have the information to request a new card at a rushed delivery.

Bring Some Cash

A good way to avoid a financial disaster is to have several different ways to pay. Packing a few hundred dollars in American currency or the currency of the country in which you are traveling is always a smart idea. You never know when your cards won't work or when you are in a cash only situation.

Tell Banks and Credit Card Companies Your Plans

A huge no-no if you are traveling is assuming your credit and debit cards will work without issues. If you re leaving the country ALWAYS contact your banks and credit card companies before you leave. All you need to do is tell them how long you are traveling and to where. Doing this will avoid any fraud holds on your accounts because you are making transactions out of the country.

If you forget this step you run the risk of not being able to use your cards for a time after the banks flag the international use.

Only Use Debit Cards At ATMs

There are a few ways to avoid huge international surcharge fees while traveling. One is not using your debit card to make purchases, only making cash withdrawals. You can do a bit of research before you leave on the ATM fees in the country as well as any foreign banks that have a relationship with your American one. Sometimes fees are reduced if there is a relationship between the banks.

Likewise you should never use your credit card for cash advances, only purchases. If you use it for cash you face foreign transaction fees as well as a huge interest rate. Knowing this before leaving can help you avoid a headache when you get home.

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