Using Credit Cards While You Travel-Don't Get Robbed

When preparing for a vacation, it is important to prepare not only your luggage, but also your finances.
It’s safer to travel with credit cards than with cash or debit cards. If cash is stolen, it cannot be replaced. Debit cards are linked directly to bank accounts, and can leave you without sufficient funds if they are stolen. This is not the case with credit cards. Credit cards are not directly linked to your bank accounts, so the money cannot be taken out of them. Credit card companies can be contacted to protect your account, and if acted upon quickly, you are usually not responsible for the charges.
Before you leave for your trip, photocopy each credit card, front and back that you will be taking with you. Leave a copy with a trusted family member or friend who can act on your behalf if there are problems.
It is also important that you let your credit card company know that you are planning to travel before you leave for your trip. If they notice unusual activity, they may put a hold on your card, leaving you without access to it until they are able to speak with you. Take two credit cards from two different accounts with you on your vacation in case this happens.
During your trip, ask for receipts for all purchases that you make. When you return from your vacation, match your receipts to your credit card bill to verify that no mistakes were made.
Also, for women, consider purchasing a special money pocket to carry your credit cards in while you travel. These can usually be hidden underneath clothing. For men, consider carrying your wallet in a zipped pocket on your pants to provide additional security during your trip, instead of an open back pocket.
For International travel, there are extra precautions that you need to make before you leave the country for your vacation. Verify that your credit cards will be accepted in the country where you will travel. Find out before your vacation the fees that you will be charged for using the credit cards out of the country. Also, take the phone number with you that will allow you to call your credit card company from outside of the U.S. just in case there is an emergency and you are unable to communicate with your friend or family member at home that has your credit card information.
Don’t travel without preparing your finances. Take these steps to protect yourself on your trip.