Travel Tips

Travel tips to keep you and your belongings safe

  • Plan ahead! Make sure you have at least two methods (ATM card, credit card, etc.) of getting cash while abroad, in case one method is lost or stolen. Keep these items in separate places while traveling.
  • Contact the bank that issues each of your credit or debit cards and let them know when you will be traveling out of the country. This will keep the bank from suspecting your account is being compromised when overseas activity is noted.
  • Get contact information for a person at your local bank branch.
  • Ask your bank about purchasing foreign currency prior to departure. This may take up to a week, so don't wait until the last minute!
  • Check the daily cash withdrawal limit or credit limit for each debit and credit card.
  • Check the expiration date on each credit or debit card. If it will expire while you're abroad contact your bank and request new cards with a new expiration date to be sent to you ASAP.
  • Sign up for Online Banking so you can view daily account activity from abroad.
  • Memorize and test the PIN number of each of your cards.
  • Photocopy credit or debit cards and keep separate from the actual cards.
  • Photocopy your Passport a few times and take one with you and leave one with someone you trust in your home country.
  • Make sure your family and friends know where you are just in case of emergencies.
  • US Citizens can Register w/ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the U.S. Department of State can get in touch if there is an emergency or if you need help (Please check to see if your home country has something similar).
  • Have the local currency on hand to pay for smaller purchases like a taxi ride.
  • Leave your flashy jewelry at home.
  • Don't leave your belongings unattended at the beach or in your rental car
  • Make sure you health insurance will cover you while abroad and if not get travel insurance for the duration of your stay.
  • When you are out and about, DO NOT pull out wads of money and become a target.
  • USE YOUR COMMON SENSE even when you're traveling!!!