Travelling is all about hanging loose, free from worries and spending some quality time with dear ones. To make it more hassle-free and smooth, people are taking help of technology for booking flights, hotels, etc.
GPS makes road journey more hassle free, new aged apps make booking more convenient, and most importantly credit and debit cards make traveling safer.
But, as every bright sight has a disadvantage, technology is not an exception. Sometimes, people forget this fact and commit blunders and scammers take full advantage of them.
Thus, many people experience a total mess in their travel and learn a lesson.
Read my article so that you can learn the lesson beforehand and enjoy a hassle free, flawless vacation alone or with family.
1. Carry fewer cards
Carrying a wallet full of credit cards is a big boo-boo. Carry only 2 or 3 that you need the most. Make sure you have a backup card in case the first one is lost, canceled or stolen.
But, keep the backup card in a safe place or in the hotel room to avoid hassles.
2. No debit card, please
You heard right! Using debit card is not safe during traveling; especially for purchasing items. Debit only at ATMs to get cash. It has been seen that the card details or the magnetic stripe information get stolen while swiping the debit card at the stores.
Also, make sure you change the PIN time to time for its safety.
You need to be careful while using ATMs as well.
3. Give prepaid card a chance
In my opinion, a prepaid card is perfect for traveling purpose. Because it provides zero liability in case it’s lost or stolen. However read the terms and conditions carefully.
4. Recheck the terms before moving out from home
Do you know that some card charge a fee for foreign transactions?
So, verify yours from the card issuer before moving out. If you're out for a long trip abroad, it will help you save a significant amount of money.
Keep the card details in a safe place.
Keeping the record of the card along with the card is a blunder; so no!
Don't keep the card and the details together in a same bag or wallet.
5. Say "no" to unsecured internet connection
Free internet connection at a public place is enticing but dangerous. Try to avoid logging in using a free Wi-Fi connection. In case you don't have any option, connect to it very carefully.
Make sure the website you're browsing is secured.
For example, go for HTTPS://www.website.com instead of HTTP://www.website.com.
Also, don't log in to just check how much balance is left in the account. Use the internet only when you need it.
6. Check your credit card statement time to time
Once you know the internet you're using is safe, check your credit card statement to make sure there is no suspicious activity.
If you get any mail regarding any suspicious activity on your card, then block your card and inform the card issuer as soon as possible.
So, checking your credit card statement is necessary.
7. Inform your card issuer about your traveling
Your card issuer knows where you live, but when they see charges coming from another place that isn't your mentioned place, they might block or freeze the card suspecting identity theft.
So, to avoid this kind of confusion, provide details about your itinerary to your credit card company.
Inform them which place and which dates you'll be on vacation.
Ask the issuer to provide you a contact number.
Thus, you'll be able to communicate with them easily when required.
8. Report the loss or theft immediately
If you report the loss sooner, then your liability is limited to $50 only.
So, try to report the scam or theft to the issuer as soon as possible.
However, now most of the credit card companies offer "zero liability" card as well.
Some easy tips to remember while traveling
Below are some handy tips for you if you don’t have time to read the whole article:
- Don't let your card go. Keep it in your eyesight. If you let a waiter swipe it, then make sure you get it back.
- Keep the card in a secure wallet or a money belt inside your jacket to avoid pick-pocketing.
- Keep some cash to avoid hassles after losing the card.
- Use only ATMs of your bank.
- Write down all important contact numbers in a paper in case you lose the wallet and the mobile together.
- Use an Email for travel purpose only. Make sure you don't use your business or professional Email for travelling purpose.
- Educate your family members as well regarding the credit card safety tips while travelling, to enjoy a smooth vacation.
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