Contacting Your Bank While Abroad

Before travelling abroad, it's important to notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans. This is to prevent your bank from flagging your account for suspicious activity when they notice transactions from an unfamiliar location. While some credit card companies no longer request travel notices, it's still a good idea to update your contact information so that your bank or credit card issuer can reach you if there are any issues with your card.

Notify your bank before travelling

When you're planning an overseas trip, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about the more mundane tasks, like notifying your bank. However, this small but crucial step can save you a lot of hassle while you're abroad. Here are some reasons why you should always notify your bank before travelling and some tips on how to do it:

Protect Your Account

Your bank is always on the lookout for suspicious activity, and transactions from unfamiliar locations might raise some red flags. By notifying your bank of your travel plans, you can prevent them from mistakenly flagging your legitimate purchases as fraudulent and blocking your card. This simple step ensures that you can continue to access your funds without any interruptions during your trip.

Update Your Contact Information

Before you leave, it's a good idea to update your contact information with the bank. This includes providing them with your mobile number and ensuring you have the ability to make international calls. That way, if any issues do arise, your bank can easily reach you, and you can resolve any problems promptly.

Set Up Account Alerts

Consider setting up account alerts to monitor your transactions while you're away. This way, you can quickly identify any unauthorised activity and take immediate action. You can usually choose to receive these alerts via push notifications, text messages, or emails, depending on your bank's offerings and your preferences.

Know Your Card's PIN and Limits

Familiarise yourself with your card's PIN and daily transaction limits before you go. When abroad, you may encounter ATMs or terminals that only accept four-digit PINs, so ensure yours complies with this format. Knowing your PIN and limits can make your travels smoother and help you avoid any card rejections or payment issues.

Notify Your Bank Online or Through an App

Most banks nowadays offer online banking or mobile apps, making it convenient to notify them of your travel plans. Simply log in to your account and look for the "travel notice" or "travel alert" option. Here, you can enter your destination and the duration of your trip. If you have multiple destinations, be sure to include them as well.

Contact Your Bank Directly

If you don't have access to online or mobile banking, you can always call your bank or visit a branch in person to set up a travel alert. Speak with a customer service representative and provide them with the necessary details about your trip. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure your account is properly flagged.

Remember, taking a little time to prepare your finances before your trip can save you a lot of stress and hassle while you're abroad. By notifying your bank and following these simple tips, you can help ensure a safe and worry-free vacation.

Update contact information

When travelling abroad, it is important to update your contact information with your bank. This ensures that they can reach you in case of any suspicious activity on your account. Here are some steps to help you update your contact information:

• Check your current contact information: Log in to your online banking account or mobile banking app and review your current contact details, including your phone number, email address, and mailing address.
• Update your phone number: If your phone number has changed or you are using a new SIM card while travelling, be sure to update your mobile number. This will allow the bank to reach you via phone call or text message if they detect any unusual activity on your account.
• Set up international calling: Contact your mobile carrier to understand your options for receiving SMS texts and making international calls while abroad. This will ensure that you can be reached by your bank no matter where you are.
• Update your email address: If you have a new email address or prefer to be contacted via email, update your email preferences with the bank. This way, you can receive notifications about any suspicious activity on your account or other important account alerts.
• Provide travel details: Inform your bank about your travel plans, including your destination(s) and the length of your trip. Many banks have an online travel notice feature where you can enter this information. Alternatively, you can call your bank or speak with a representative at a branch to set up a travel alert.
• Keep your bank informed: If your travel plans change or extend, be sure to update your bank with the new information. This will help them better monitor your account activity and ensure that your card remains active during your travels.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your contact information is up to date and that your bank can reach you while you are travelling abroad. This will contribute to a safer and more worry-free travel experience.

Set up account alerts

Setting up account alerts is a great way to monitor your bank account activity while travelling. Here are some tips to help you set up effective account alerts:

Choose Your Alert Methods

Select the methods through which you want to receive account alerts. Most banks offer multiple options, such as push notifications, text messages, or emails. You can choose the ones that are most convenient for you. For example, Wells Fargo allows customers to receive account alerts through these various channels.

Update Your Contact Information

Ensure your contact details are up to date so that you can receive the alerts. Provide your bank with your current mobile number and email address. If you are travelling abroad, check with your mobile carrier about receiving text messages and making international calls. It is also a good idea to note down the international phone numbers for your bank and credit card providers, and store them separately from your cards.

Customise Your Alert Preferences

Banks may allow you to customise the types of alerts you receive. For instance, you may be able to set up alerts for specific types of transactions, amounts, or locations. Customising your alert preferences can help you stay on top of your account activity and quickly identify any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.

Test Your Alerts

Once you have set up your account alerts, test them to ensure they are working correctly. You can do this by performing a transaction that would typically trigger an alert, such as a purchase or withdrawal. If you do not receive the alert as expected, review your alert settings and contact your bank if necessary.

Respond to Alerts Promptly

When you receive an account alert, take the time to review the transaction details. If you notice any unauthorised or suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately to resolve the issue. Prompt action can help protect your account and prevent further fraud or identity theft.

Know your card's PIN and limits

Knowing your card's PIN and limits is crucial when travelling abroad. Before embarking on your journey, ensure that you have memorised the PIN for your card. This is necessary because, in some countries, particularly in Europe, merchants require the cardholder to enter their PIN to authorise the transaction. While magnetic stripe cards are still used in some countries, chip-and-PIN technology is becoming more prevalent, so it's important to be prepared. Knowing your PIN will also be essential if you need to withdraw cash from ATMs during your travels, as most international ATMs require a 4-digit PIN.

In addition to knowing your PIN, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the daily limits on your card. This information can be found by checking your card account details, and it will help you plan your spending while abroad. Knowing your limits can also help you identify any fraudulent activity on your account more easily, as you will be able to spot any transactions that exceed the expected amount.

It is also worth noting that some countries or merchants may have specific restrictions or limitations on PIN usage. For example, in London, some small businesses like market stalls or food stands may only accept tap-to-pay cards and might not accept cash. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the payment methods commonly used in your destination country.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to inform your bank about your travel plans. This can be done by setting up a travel alert or notification on your account, which can usually be done online or through a mobile app. By doing so, you can help prevent your card from being flagged for fraud due to abnormal spending patterns or transactions in unfamiliar locations.

Take multiple payment options

When travelling abroad, it's important to have a range of payment options available to you. Here are some tips for taking multiple payment options:

Credit Cards

Credit cards are a widely accepted form of payment and are easy to use. They provide purchase protection benefits and have favourable exchange rates. However, some cards are better than others for international travel. It's important to check if your card charges foreign transaction fees, which can be up to 5% of each transaction. These fees can add up quickly, so it may be worth applying for a new card that doesn't charge these fees. It's also a good idea to check if your card has an EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) chip, as these are considered more secure and are standard in more than 130 countries. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted card networks, so it's a good idea to have at least one of these. If possible, choose a card that earns rewards on your spending, such as cash back or travel rewards.

Debit Cards

A debit card can be used at foreign ATMs to withdraw cash in local currency and is likely to be widely accepted by merchants. However, there are sometimes high fees associated with using debit cards internationally, and they may not use the most current conversion rate. It's important to contact your bank before travelling to let them know your plans and to ensure your card will work overseas.

Cash

It's generally recommended to have some local currency on hand when travelling abroad, especially enough to cover the first 24 hours of your trip. This can be useful for paying for services such as taxis or tips. It's best to purchase currency through your bank before you leave, as they may offer more favourable rates and lower fees than other conversion services. However, carrying large amounts of cash can be risky, so it's advisable to only take out what you need for a few days at a time.

Other Options

Other options for international payments include bank wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, remittance services, and traveller's cheques. Each of these has its own pros and cons, so be sure to research them thoroughly before choosing one. For example, bank wire transfers are secure, but they can be expensive and slow. Prepaid debit cards are convenient, but they may charge activation, transaction, and monthly fees. Traveller's cheques provide the security of replaceable funds, but they may be difficult to use and often incur fees.

Frequently asked questions