Travel Plans: Notify Regions

When travelling, it is important to notify your bank and credit card company of your plans. This is to prevent your card from being declined due to suspected fraudulent activity. You can do this by calling the number on the back of your card, or by using your bank's website or mobile app. It is also a good idea to make sure your contact information is up-to-date, so that your bank can reach you quickly if they detect any unusual activity. In addition, it is recommended to have a travel checklist, including specific information about your destination, the documents you will need, and how to get overseas insurance coverage.

Notify your bank and credit card company

When you're preparing for a trip, it's important to consider notifying your bank and credit card company. This can help prevent any potential issues or embarrassing situations, such as your card being declined due to suspected fraud. While it's not always necessary to set a travel alert, especially if you're travelling within your own country, it's highly recommended when travelling internationally.

How to Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Company:

Most credit card companies allow you to notify them of your travel plans by phone, online, through a mobile app, or even in person. Here are the general steps to follow:

• Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your card. You can speak to a representative or follow the automated system instructions to set up the travel alert.
• Online or via Mobile App: Log in to your bank or credit card company's website or app. Look for "Manage Cards," "Account Services," "Tools," or similar options. From there, choose "Travel Notifications," "My Travel," or a similar option. Then, input your trip details and confirm.
• In Person: Visit your nearest bank branch and meet with a representative to set up the travel alert. This option allows you to ask any questions you may have about the process.

Additional Tips:

• Update Contact Information: Ensure your bank and credit card company have your current contact information, including your email address and phone number. This enables them to notify you quickly if they detect any unusual activity.
• Bring Multiple Cards: Consider bringing at least two credit cards from different issuers when travelling. This provides backup options if one card is declined, lost, or stolen.
• Check Card Acceptance: Research whether your card is accepted at your destination. Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted cards outside the US, while Discover and American Express may have lower acceptance rates in certain countries.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Be aware of foreign transaction fees, typically ranging from 2% to 3% of the transaction amount. Consider applying for a card without these fees if you plan to use it frequently during your travels.
• Travel Insurance: Some credit cards offer travel protections, such as rental car insurance or baggage delay insurance. Check the terms to understand what coverage is provided and any requirements, such as paying for travel with the card.

Update your contact information

When preparing for a trip, it's essential to ensure that your contact information is up to date, allowing for quick notifications in case of any unusual or suspicious account activity. Here are the steps you can take to update your contact information before travelling:

Credit Card Issuers:

Notify your credit card company about your travel plans. While this may not be necessary for some companies, it is still a good idea to provide them with your updated contact information. This ensures they can reach you promptly if they detect potential fraud on your card. You can typically update your contact details by calling the customer service number on the back of your card or through their website or mobile app.

Banks:

If you plan to use your debit card while travelling internationally, ensure your bank has your current contact information. This includes your email address and phone number. This way, they can notify you promptly about any unusual account activity and provide assistance if needed.

Airlines:

If you have an upcoming flight, it's essential to keep your contact information up to date with the airline. This ensures you receive important flight alerts and updates. Most airlines allow you to update your contact information through their website. However, this may vary depending on the airline and how close your departure date is.

Emergency Contact Cards:

Consider creating a traveller's emergency contact card, which can be extremely useful in an emergency. This physical card, the size of a credit card, contains essential emergency contact numbers and related details. Here's how you can create one:

• Find a laminating tool: You can purchase self-laminating cards or a self-laminating luggage tag kit from a dollar store or online.
• Identify the information to include: Gather your financial cards, passport, insurance documents, and information on consular services. Suggested information to include on the card is your country of citizenship and passport number, the name and phone number of at least one emergency contact, toll-free numbers of your financial institutions, the 24-hour number for consular services, and your emergency medical insurance information.
• Create a document: Use a word processor to format the information, ensuring it fits on one or both sides of the card. You may need to adjust the font type or size.
• Print and assess: Print one copy to check the sizing and placement of the information. Make any necessary adjustments.
• Laminate: Once you're happy with the sizing and layout, print the desired number of copies and laminate them. You can do this at home or use a business centre or office supply store for a small fee.
• Distribute: Keep the cards in easily accessible places, such as your wallet, phone case, outerwear pockets, or bags.

Make two copies of travel documents

Making two copies of your travel documents is a crucial step in preparing for your trip. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, make a list of all the essential travel documents you possess. These may include your passport, visa (if required for your destination), driver's license or state ID, travel insurance policy, hotel and flight bookings, and any other relevant confirmations. It is also a good idea to include a copy of your prescription, especially for any medications you are carrying with you.

Now, make two photocopies of each of these documents. You can do this either by using a physical photocopier or by scanning the documents and saving them as digital files on your computer or phone. If you choose the latter, make sure you have access to a reliable cloud storage system, so you can easily retrieve the documents when needed. Additionally, take clear photographs of each document with your phone as a backup.

Once you have your photocopies, keep one set with you in your carry-on luggage or personal bag. Ensure these are easily accessible, as you may need to present them at various points during your journey. Keep the other set of copies in a safe place at home. It is recommended to leave them with a trusted friend or relative who can access them in case of an emergency.

Finally, always keep your original documents secure and separate from the photocopies. For example, you could store them in a money belt or a hidden pouch in your luggage. Additionally, consider keeping a digital copy of your passport and visa in the cloud, so you can access them easily if the originals are lost or stolen.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you have quick access to important information and reduce the stress of misplacing or losing your travel documents.

Check your card's expiration date

It's important to check your card's expiration date before you travel. You don't want your card to expire while you're away from home. Typically, banks or credit card companies will send a replacement card around six weeks before the expiration date, but it's a good idea to be proactive and stay on top of it.

• Have multiple cards: It's a good idea to carry more than one card, ideally from different issuers, so you have a backup option if one card is declined, lost, or stolen. Having multiple cards also means you'll have different expiration dates, reducing the likelihood of all your cards expiring at the same time.
• Calendar expiration dates: Keep track of the expiration dates of all your bank and credit cards. This way, you can anticipate when a new card will be needed and plan accordingly, especially if you're traveling.
• Embrace technology: Consider using mobile payment systems like Apple Pay. If your physical card is lost or stolen, your bank may be able to send you a virtual card as a temporary solution until you receive a replacement.
• Plan card delivery: If you're traveling, consider the logistics of receiving a replacement card. Contact your bank or credit card company when you know you'll be in a place where it's easy to receive mail or packages. Alternatively, use a mail forwarding service or a secure mailbox to ensure you can receive your new card safely and on time.
• Verify card details: When you receive a replacement card, verify the details. Sometimes banks will send a new card with a new number, so you'll need to update any automatic payments or travel plans that were booked with the old card.
• Dispose of expired cards properly: Cut up your expired card or dispose of it in a secure manner. For metal cards, consider sending them back to the issuing bank or company for secure recycling.

By staying proactive and keeping track of your card's expiration date, you can ensure uninterrupted access to your funds and a smooth travel experience.

Check card acceptance at your destination

When travelling, it's important to check whether your card will be accepted at your destination. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination only to find that you can't use your card.

Discover cardholders can use their cards at more than 44 million merchants in over 190 countries and territories, and Discover's international acceptance continues to grow. However, it's important to note that Discover cards are not accepted everywhere. There are some countries and regions where Discover card acceptance is limited, such as Canada, most of Central America, France, and Asia (with the exception of a few countries). On the other hand, Discover card acceptance is high in North America, South America, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, India, South Korea, Kenya, and Morocco.

To check if your card will be accepted at your destination, you can refer to Discover's international acceptance map, which shows which countries and ATM networks support Discover cards. Additionally, you can use Discover's ATM locator to find specific ATMs near your destination that will accept your card. It's also a good idea to carry a secondary bank card as a backup, such as a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex, as these are more widely accepted worldwide.

If you plan to use your Regions chip-enabled card while travelling internationally, there are no additional steps you need to take as these cards are already activated for international use. However, it's always a good idea to keep your contact information up to date and notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues or suspicions of fraudulent activity.

By taking these precautions and checking card acceptance at your destination, you can ensure that you have access to your funds and can make purchases without any issues during your trip.

Frequently asked questions