Trip planning is fun, but safeguarding your money isn't likely at the top of your list when planning your big vacation right down to every detail. Nothing says a ruined trip like a nasty financial emergency that you're unprepared for. Don't be the tourist stuck abroad with no money (like I was in Paris, for example) and no method to help yourself. For the time to organize ahead, you'll be able to enjoy your vacation and keep your money safe. Here are a couple ways you can prepare to keep your finances safe on your next trip.
Use a debit or credit card, not cash
It can be simpler to track your spending by using only cards, as if cash is stolen you aren't going to see it again. You aren't liable for unauthorized charges when your credit card is stolen. Your bank will refund fraudulent purchases, even when for an atm card. Try to carry a minimum of two credit or debit cards just in case one is stolen.
Talk to Your Bank Before Your Trip
Make certain you take time to your bank and credit card provider before you leave. If they aren't aware of your travel plans, they may flag your activity as suspicious and your charges is going to be declined. Since you've already got them on the telephone, inquire if your cards can be used wherever you are going. Some cards aren't accepted in a few countries. You can also ask about foreign transaction fees you may incur while traveling as well. Many banks have international ATM fees, international wire transfers, or foreign transaction fees. You should consider asking about any assistance you can receive throughout an emergency.
Additionally, check if the bank can improve your daily withdrawal limit on cash. Sometimes in a few countries, funds are king or else you may need to carry not only a tiny bit of cash. If you're traveling to a country like this, you will want to make sure you can certainly access your funds.
Be Smart About Potential Theft
Don't keep all of your money in one place if you opt to travel with any amount of money. Store important documents, passports, and medication in a hotel safe, and consider dividing your money to hide in a variety of places.
Avoid having all your money or credit cards all-in-one pocket or bag when you are about sightseeing. You can avoid bags and pockets using a money belt, or dividing up cash and cards if you are traveling with a buddy or family member.
Skimmers abound nowadays. Use ATMs within banks to lessen the chance of getting your debit or credit card skimmed. You may also consider signing up for a credit monitoring service to protect yourself in the future from any skimming or id theft incidents that might occur on your trip.
Make copies of your documents
Before you leave, make back and front copies of your passport, travel tickets, and charge cards. You'll want to keep the copies inside a separate, secure location compared to originals. It is good idea to create extra copies and leave all of them with someone who isn't going with you that you can easily contact in case of an emergency.
Another choice is to help keep copies of your documents password-protected on the cloud along with carrying the paper copies. If you follow this path, make sure to password protect your electronics and lock them up if you aren't carrying all of them with you. Avoid using public WiFi without a VPN connected and encrypting your documents for added protection in case your system is hacked or stolen.
Get Travel Insurance
Even with the best plans, sometimes things go wrong. By buying travel cover, you're protecting any money you've invested into the trip. If your trip comes with to become canceled, travel cover will help you be compensated for any costs you've already incurred.
As a wheelchair user, travel cover is even more important in the instance that you need emergency medical care. This is especially important knowing you've pre-existing conditions, or you carry medical equipment that may potentially explore transit.
Don't be an easy target
One the best way to avoid theft is to not be an easy target. It's routine to possess a bag shackled by the rear of our wheelchair, but you're leaving your valuables wide-open for pickpockets. Look into the local money customs before your trip. For example, tipping isn't standard in many countries. If you are seen tipping, you may draw attention to yourself and let thieves realize that you're a tourist.
You should feel good about taking risks whenever you travel, but definitely not a financial risk. After all of the hard work to plan and prepare for your vacation, don't allow a financial emergency ruin your experience. If you travel money-smart, you will be protecting your finances that permit to keep traveling for years to come.
