Make sure your finances are in order just in case something doesn’t go as planned on vacation.
We’ve all heard travel horror stories about a friend of a friend who was stranded in a remote location overseas without any money. While none of us expect the worst to happen on our vacation, it could be you who is in a rut and that kind of stress is enough to ruin a trip.
Read through our travel money emergency guide to learn how to keep your finances intact on you next vacation.
Check out our travel money guide before heading overseas
How can I prepare myself for a travel money emergency?
Making sure you’ve prepared yourself financially could save you a lot of grief in the long run. Here are a few simple tips you should consider before and during your trip to ensure a stress-free vacation:
- Notify your provider that you’re traveling
If you’re planning on using your regular debit or credit card overseas, let your card lender know where you’ll be traveling. This will save you the hassle of having a transaction declined or blocked as a result of a security precaution.
- Organize more than one travel money option
The saying “never put all of your eggs in one basket” applies here. — take a few spending options. Travel friendly credit cards can be used for large purchases or reservations for hotels and car rentals. A debit or prepaid travel card can come in handy for ATM withdrawals and smaller purchases. Last, but certainly not least, bring cash — you never know where and when your card will be accepted. Storing cash in a secure area, such as your hotel safe or luggage, is another way to ensure that you have an emergency stash should you need it.
Want to send money overseas before you go?
- Have your provider’s contact numbers on hand
Doing your research on knowing who to call, what the process is and what options are available — whether it be an emergency cash transfer or a replacement card — will save you time and a headache. Make sure to jot your provider’s contact details down before you leave (in both your phone and luggage). All of this information should be available via your cards Terms and Conditions or you can contact the customer service team directly.
- If you notice something’s wrong, report it immediately
If you notice suspicious transactions on your account or are unable to access your funds, contact your provider immediately. Resolving the issue could take some time, so the sooner you report it, the better. Some lenders may have a policy about the cardholder taking reasonable steps to protect the account and report irregular behavior, if you fail to do so, you may find yourself unable to get the assistance you need.
The bottom line
While it’s not fun to prepare yourself for an unexpected emergency, it’s a surefire way to reduce stress and minimize further issues. The best strategy to use will always depend on your individual circumstances, so make sure to consider what’s best for you before making a decision.
Back to topA comparison of travel money cards
Why we like: Travelex Money Card
Load GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, JPY or MXN onto this prepaid travel money card and use it at millions of locations worldwide.
- Not linked to your bank account for safety.
- Convert currency with a 5.50% Foreign Exchange Fee
- Contactless payments
- Reload, withdraw, or replace your card for free.
