Safe Travels: How to Keep Your Money Secure on the Road 💰


Traveling is all about adventure, discovery, and unforgettable memories—not financial mishaps. Whether you're backpacking through Southeast Asia or sipping espresso in Paris, keeping your money safe should be as much a part of your plan as booking flights and packing your bags. Here’s how to protect your cash, cards, and peace of mind while exploring the world.


🧳 1. Don’t Put All Your Eggs (or Euros) in One Basket

Split your money between multiple places:

  • Keep some cash in your wallet for daily use.
  • Store a backup stash in a hidden pouch or hotel safe.
  • Carry a second debit or credit card in a separate location.

That way, if one source is lost or stolen, you’re not stranded.


🎒 2. Use Anti-Theft Gear

Invest in travel gear designed with security in mind:

  • Anti-theft backpacks with lockable zippers and RFID-blocking pockets.
  • Money belts or neck pouches worn under your clothes.
  • Hidden pockets sewn into clothing for extra stealth.

These small upgrades can make a big difference in crowded markets or busy transit hubs.


💳 3. Go Digital (But Smartly)

Use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay where accepted. They're:

  • Contactless
  • Secure
  • Harder to steal than physical cards

Also, enable two-factor authentication on your banking apps and keep your phone locked with a strong passcode.


🏩 4. Notify Your Bank

Before you jet off, let your bank know where you’re going. This helps:

  • Prevent your card from being frozen due to “suspicious activity”
  • Ensure you can access funds without hiccups

Bonus tip: Ask about foreign transaction fees and consider a travel-friendly card with no extra charges.


🏧 5. Be ATM-Savvy

Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, secure areas. Avoid:

  • Standalone ATMs in sketchy spots
  • Withdrawing large amounts at once

Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN and check for card skimmers.


đŸ§Ÿ 6. Keep Emergency Info Handy

Make copies of:

  • Your passport
  • Credit/debit cards (front and back)
  • Emergency contact numbers


Store them in a secure cloud folder or email them to yourself. If something goes wrong, you’ll have what you need to act fast.


🧠 Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Not Anxious

You don’t need to be paranoid—just prepared. A little planning goes a long way in keeping your money safe and your trip stress-free. So go ahead, chase sunsets, try new foods, and explore boldly—just keep your wallet one step ahead of trouble.




“Tap, Swipe, Explore: Credit Card Hacks for Global Adventures
Credit Card/Debit Card


Check your credit card company to see what the fee is for each transaction. There are some credit cards or debit cards that charge no or low fees for international transactions. 


American credit cards work throughout Europe (at hotels, larger shops and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies, and so on); Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common, and the Discover card is not widely known in Europe. It’s a good idea to bring an extra card as a backup (especially if you’re renting a car and using your card to cover CDW insurance).


Some credit cards that have low or zero foreign transaction fees you might want to check out (Do your research on which card, if any, best fits your needs):

  • Huntington Credit Card (no fees)
  • Wise Debit Card (low fees)
  • Capital One (cards range from zero to lower fees)

 

Always make purchases in the local currency, here's why:


When a merchant offers to charge you in your home currency instead of the local one, they’re using a service called Dynamic Currency Conversion. It sounds convenient, but it often comes with:


  • Worse exchange rates
  • Hidden fees (sometimes 3–5% more than your bank would charge)


Paying in the local currency lets your bank or credit card issuer handle the conversion—usually at a much better rate.


More Protection from Your Card Issuer

If you need to dispute a charge, it’s easier to do so when the transaction was processed in the local currency. Your card issuer can more easily verify the correct amount and exchange rate.

Don’t Get Caught Cashless: Travel Tips for Handling Currency


To use cash or credit card is a personal choice. There are pros and cons to using both.  


Pros:


  1. Essential for Local Transactions: Carrying cash in the local currency is often the only way to pay for services like bus fares, taxis, local guides, and purchases in traditional markets where digital payments may not be accepted.
  2. Avoids Foreign Transaction Fees: Using cash at your destination can help you sidestep international credit card fees, making your purchases more cost-effective.
  3. Immediate Settlement: Payments are completed instantly, with no need to wait for processing or approval.
  4. Better Budget Control: Physically handling money can make it easier to track spending and stick to a budget.


Cons:

  • Easy to Lose or Misplace: Cash can slip out of your pocket or bag without you noticing—and once it’s gone, it’s usually gone for good.
  • Tricky to Figure Out: Dealing with unfamiliar coins and bills can be a bit confusing, especially when you're in a new country or using a currency you’re not used to.


You can get local cash many different ways:

  • The international airport ATM upon arrival at your European destination. It can be the safest place to purchase it, if you do not want to use the Foreign Currency booths. Getting a large amount of cash can minimize the bank fees. 
  • Order local currency at your local bank.
  • Exchange U.S. currency at a Foreign Currency Booths (higher fees usually apply)


Be Prepared

Make sure you carry some small bills, such as $1, $5, and $10. This will save some frustration when you want to tip your taxi driver or if shopping at an outside market where they don't except credit cards/debit cards.



💡 Travel Advisor Pro Tip: Handling Cash & Staying Secure

If you're planning to get foreign currency before your trip—or receive some while abroad—here are a few things to keep in mind:


🏩 Bank Policies to Know

  • Most banks won’t buy back foreign coins, so it’s smart to spend or exchange them while you’re still traveling.
  • Always check with your bank about their foreign currency return policies before you go.
  • Bonus tip: Leftover coins can make great souvenirs or be donated at airports for a good cause!


🔐 Keep Your Cash Safe

One of the best ways to protect your money while traveling is to use a money belt or a secure crossbody bag.

  • A money belt is worn under your clothes and keeps your cash hidden from pickpockets. You can find them easily on Amazon or even at Walmart.
  • I personally love using a crossbody bag for convenience, but when I know I’ll be carrying extra cash—just in case I spot something special I want to buy—a money belt becomes my go-to for added security.