Travel Smart with peace
This is my fourth blog on travel with peace. This is my third blog on vacation. In my first two blog we learn that why we should buy travel insurance and see some cool ideas to make your single star hotel to 5 stars. In this blog you will see travel smart, but be prepared for theft or loss.
Vacations are a time to relax and let go of your worries, but that doesn’t mean you can let down your guard when it comes to keeping your money safe. Tourists are often targets of pickpockets and crooks, but you can just as easily get into trouble if you lose your wallet yourself. Travelling safely means protecting your money but also having a good backup plan.
Foil Electronic Pickpockets with Aluminum Foil
A new kind of thievery or, at least, potential for fraud is on the rise: Criminals who can steal your credit card data by walking by you with electronic scanners, maybe even with their mobile phones. It's easy, however, to protect yourself.
This videos shows how same security issue with Barclays' contactless credit cards and how thieves can get the credit card info with an NFC-enabled mobile phone
Have Multiple Credit Cards in your purse
If you have two cards with RFID chips in your wallet, the scanner can't read them because they confuse the information and cancel each other out
Limit what you bring
Organizing your purse or wallet before a vacation makes it easier to travel safely. Remove the items you know you won’t need, like your library card or local gym card. Bring only the essentials, including some cash or traveler's cheques, a major credit card, a backup credit card, your debit card and any insurance cards you may need. Leave your cheque book at home.
Prepare for the accepted currency (research)
Do your homework before travelling to another country to plan the money you will need. Unless you’re visiting an area that mainly has a cash economy, stick to credit cards, debit cards and traveler’s cheques to add a layer of protection. If you’ll be using public transportation, buy a day pass to save money and keep your wallet safe in your purse or pocket.
Be safe at the Bank Machine (Location)
Using a reputable ATM locator, like those from Visa, MasterCard or your bank, will help you avoid fake ATMs set up by thieves. If you can’t use a locator, choose ATMs in safe areas like airports, banks or hotels. Avoid machines in questionable areas or where locals are mingling too close for comfort.
Don’t be an easy target
Pickpockets and identity thieves look for easy opportunities. To avoid being a target, keep an eye on your bags and belongings at all times, especially in the airport or when exiting a taxi at your hotel. Carry a cross-body purse with a zipper closure, or stow your wallet in a front pocket. If you carry a purse, keep one hand on the bag in crowded areas.
Divide your money in many places
Instead of keeping all of your money in your wallet or purse, divide it up in different pockets, or stow some in a money belt or bra stash. That way you won’t lose everything if your wallet or purse is stolen. When travelling as a couple, also divide your money between each of you.
Use the hotel safe
If your hotel room has a safe, you can use it to store some of your money. Lock up the bulk of your money and a backup credit card at the beginning of your trip and only take what you need each day. Just be sure to lock the safe securely and check it each time you return to the hotel.
Keeping your money safe on vacation lets you relax and enjoy your time away. If something does go wrong, having money stashed in other pockets or in the hotel safe will make it easier to recover from the loss.
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