Protecting Your Finances While Traveling
Travel brings joy, adventure, and unforgettable memories — but it also introduces financial risks. Lost cards, currency fees, unexpected emergencies, or hacked accounts can turn a dream trip into a nightmare. With a few smart habits, you can safeguard your money and travel with confidence.
Use a Travel-Friendly Credit Card
Before your trip, research cards that offer no foreign transaction fees. These typically save you 2–3% on every international purchase. Credit cards also offer better fraud protection than debit cards, and many include travel insurance, rental coverage, or lounge access as perks.
Tell Your Bank You're Traveling
A sudden charge overseas might trigger a fraud alert and freeze your card. Avoid this by setting travel alerts in your banking app or calling your bank before you leave. Also check whether you can enable geographic-based card controls for added security.
Split Your Money Sources
Don't put all your cash and cards in one wallet. Keep a small “daily wallet” for walking around and store backup cards or cash in a separate location — like a suitcase or hotel safe. If something is lost or stolen, you'll still have a backup.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking
Public Wi-Fi is convenient — and risky. Avoid logging into bank accounts or making purchases on open networks. If you must, use a reliable VPN to protect your data. Mobile data is safer for sensitive transactions while abroad.
Keep an Emergency Fund Accessible
Even if you plan every detail, unexpected things happen. Whether it's a medical bill, last-minute accommodation, or emergency transport, having €100–€300 accessible in cash or on a travel app like Revolut gives you peace of mind.
How MoneyCoach Helps
MoneyCoach helps you track your travel spending, monitor budgets by country or category, and set aside emergency funds. Whether you're hopping cities or exploring off the grid, you'll stay in control of your money — from anywhere.
