CARING FOR YOUR MONEY WHEN TRAVELING
Traveling should be an exciting time that is full of plenty of fun and adventure. Unfortunately, though, too many travelers end up getting into money troubles while they are far from home or abroad. It can be a very stressful problem to have, especially if you are traveling through a country that speaks a different language or even rural areas in the states.
Thankfully, there is plenty that can be done to minimize the risk of any money issues when traveling. You might find help from some of these great tips.
Let Your Bank Know Where You Are Going
One of the first things you need to do, even before you head off on your travels, is to tell your bank where you will be heading. Modern banks have some very strong fraud detection systems in place which could be set off if you try to use your card and access your money from abroad. So, let your bank know where you are traveling to, and then there is no risk of your account being locked after being used in a different country or places where it is not usually used. At Patterson State Bank, you can call or drop by any of our branches.
Don’t Carry Too Much Cash On You
You only need to carry around a small amount of money at a time when you are traveling. Thankfully, there are now plenty of ATMs in most countries so you will be able to withdraw cash as you go rather than take a large amount with you. Travelers and tourists tend to be targeted by pickpockets and thieves, so to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of crime, only carry a small amount of cash at any time. If you do get all your money exchanged to the foreign currency before you travel, leave any excess in your hotel room’s safe while you are exploring.
Have An Accessible Emergency Fund
Make sure you have a bank account that you can easily access from abroad. This needs to have a small emergency fund in it so that you have plenty of back-up money available if you were to ever need it. Ideally, this should be a separate account to your main one, as you will then still be able to access your emergency fund if your main bank card is ever missing or stolen. Another approach is to plan with a family member that can get money to you if needed.
Store Your Money Well
Ensure that you have stored your money safely while you are out and about. For instance, don’t keep it in a back pocket or in an unzipped bag as this could be easy for pickpockets to get to. If possible, try and keep your purse on your body at all times and somewhere where you can always see it.
Know The Exact Fees You Will Be Charged
There is a chance that you will be charged fees to use your card abroad. This will depend on where you are trying to use it, so try to find out before using it often. Once you know, you will have a better idea of how much you are spending when withdrawing from foreign ATMs.
These are the kinds of important tips that should help you be able to take good care of your money when traveling. Most of all, you can enjoy your time away without worry!