Are you looking forward to your next holiday? You’ve worked hard all year, so you deserve a vacation. Now that you’ve earned several days to relax and have fun, it’s important that you take precautions.
Because the last thing you want to happen is to lose your hard-earned money. As you enjoy yourself, you might let your guard down, and unscrupulous people may try to target travellers like yourself. If you don’t watch out, pickpockets can easily swipe your wallet from under your nose.
To avoid being a victim, check out these simple ways to keep your bankroll safe when travelling.
Use a money pouch.
It may not be the most fashionable accessory to carry around, but a money pouch is safer than your wallet or purse. While you’re in transit, you can keep all your important items, like your debit cards, credit cards, and passport, in your money pouch.
Avoid putting anything valuable in your backpack or handbag. Experienced pickpockets can easily open them without being noticed. While you’re travelling, you may fall asleep. So, make sure you hide your money pouch in a place that is difficult to get into, like under your clothing.
Have multiple cash stash spots.
Using cash has advantages. For one, you can stick to a budget. However, if you keep it all in one place, you’re going to be in trouble. So, it’s a good idea to hide some of your cash in different places. Spread them out.
So, in case you lose your wallet, you still have some money in reserve. You can put some cash inside your shoe, in your bra, or other places. Just make sure to remember where you’ve put them. You can also have a dummy wallet. If someone tries to mug you, you can give that to the thief.
Use local currency.
Wherever you are going, try to get some foreign currency before you leave. You can use it to pay for immediate expenses like buying meals or paying for a taxi ride. This way, you won’t have any trouble when the ATM is offline, or money exchange stores are closed.
Choose a secured ATM location.
Some ATMs may be placed in a secluded place. If possible, avoid them. Some would-be muggers may try to rob you right after you withdraw your money. Find another ATM placed in a more secure location, particularly in busy areas like in your hotel lobby or in the mall.
Some banks have drive thru ATMs. Just keep your vehicle running and keep all the doors locked. Ask someone to accompany you if possible. You’ll be less of a target if you have a companion.
Make records of your accounts.
In the event you lose your debit card or credit card, be sure to report it straight away. You can have scans of your cards or have photos saved on your phone. A safer option would be to upload some copies to the cloud. This way, you won’t have a hard time remembering numbers and other important account details.
Secure your devices.
Make sure you have a secure password on your laptop and smartphone. In case you lose them, or they get stolen, the thief can’t pull up your personal information, open your emails, and other financial apps you may have.
The more you take precautions, the safer you and your bankroll will be when you travel overseas. Always remember that thieves will rely on you letting your guard down. So, don’t put yourself in a risky situation and use your better judgement all the time.
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