Here are a number of tips to remember when you’re travelling – both to make sure you and your money are safe while you’re away, and to give you an idea of what to do if anything unexpected does happen.

Euro, UK & US Currency

Inform your bank

Let your bank know that you’re going abroad, including which country you’ll be in and for what time period. This will prevent the bank from putting a stop to transactions on your account that originate outside your home country – something commonly done to help prevent fraud. The bank may also let you know how to cancel your cards from abroad if they’re lost or stolen while you’re travelling.

Carry photocopies of important documents

It’s a good idea to make photocopies of documents such as

  • your passport
  • driver’s license and other identification cards
  • travel insurance documents
  • European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC
  • bank cards, including the fronts and backs of the cards

Leave copies at home and carry copies with you. If any of your important documents are stolen or lost, you’ll then have the necessary information to report them missing, cancel them and obtain replacements. If any of your documents are found, you can use the copies to prove they belong to you.

Travellers’ cheques are no longer as widely used as in the past. If you do carry them, however, you should record the serial number of each cheque and tick off the numbers as you use them. Keep the serial numbers in a separate place to the cheques. Then if your remaining cheques are stolen, you’ll be able to substantiate a claim for them.

Research the local currency

Consider doing some research into the local currency of your destination before you go. This should make you feel more confident when using foreign notes and coins. As a result, you’re less likely to be targeted by fraudsters or petty thieves. You may also consider investing in a little currency convertor card, which lists some quick conversions between your home currency and the local one. This makes it quick and easy to determine how much items really cost.

Use a money belt

If you’re travelling to an area where your personal safety may be at risk, or you’re aware there may not be a safe in your hotel room, think about investing in a money belt or wallet. These let you store money and important documents like your passport under your clothing, out of sight of potential thieves. If you do choose to use a money belt or wallet, remember to keep it concealed in public.

VAT returns

In many countries, visitors are eligible for tax returns on any large items they purchase. The tax is refunded upon departure. To qualify, however, you’ll need to keep and provide proof of your purchases. Note that VAT returns aren’t typically provided for UK travellers who travel only within the European Union.