In between gawking at new sights, not knowing the language, experiencing a new culture and shopping for souvenirs and keepsakes, a tourist is always an easy prey for thieves.
No matter where you’re traveling, certain habits can put you at risk for some misadventures.
Luckily, certain habits can also help you prevent these unwanted happenings.
With common sense, awareness of your surroundings, a little preparation and these 6 tips, you can make sure that your money is safe while you’re traveling.
Make sure to take notes from these tips for your upcoming adventures:
1. Talk to your bank.
Make sure to notify your bank that you will be traveling before you leave. Give them all the important details such as location and the dates. This way, you won’t have to worry about having your transactions flagged or blocked.
2. Only carry the cards you need.
If you own multiple cards, just take with you the ones that you will need. Having to go through the hassle of reporting one missing card (in case your wallet gets stolen) is better than having multiple lost cards.
3. Don’t keep your receipts inside your wallet.
Some receipts show signature, card number and phone number, which can be used against you. Make sure to remove them from your wallet daily and avoid throwing them out in random trash bins.
4. Use the multi-stash method.
When it comes to keeping your cash, don’t carry them all in one place. Instead, separate them and stash them in hidden places. For example, most of it in your wallet, a few inside your pocket, some in a shoe or sock inside your suitcase, or best, inside a hotel room safe if one is available. If you are traveling with someone, make sure you split your money funds too and not just have one designated person to carry all the money.
5. Withdraw money safely.
Make sure to use only ATMS in safe places like inside a bank or mall. In some countries, fake ATMs and card skimmers are common. Don’t accept “help” from locals with using ATMs for they might have a card skimmer, or they might read your card details and PIN or steal your money afterwards.
6. Make yourself less of a target.
Last but not the least, avoid attracting the eyes of robbers, snatchers and other crime doers. Skip the fancy jewelry or the expensive branded bags. As much as possible, try not to look and act like a tourist. If that makes sense.
