Caught the travel bug? It seems you aren’t the only one, according to MasterCard’s latest Global Destinations Cities Index, there are more tourists travelling within Asia Pacific than ever before.
Many people are seeking out paths less traveled and visiting cities like Colombo, Chengdu and Ho Chi Minh, as well as the usual tourist meccas like Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo.
While it’s always exciting to jet-off on a new adventure, it’s also wise to take certain precautions, especially if you’re a first-time traveler.
If you decide to discover a new destination in 2016, here are a few safety tips you can pack into your carry-on luggage:
1. Ring up your bank and let them know about your travel plans so they know where you will be travelling and how long for! This will avoid triggering a fraud alert when you use your payment card for your overseas purchases.
2. Register for online or mobile services (text alerts) for banking on- the- go. This way you can access your accounts from the palm of your hand.
3. Pay with your international scheme card instead of carrying large amounts of cash. You can get on liability protection policies, purchase protection, travel insurance and instantaneous cancellation should you misplace your card, unlike cash!
4. Get travel insurance to ensure you stay covered in the event of an emergency or unforeseen cancellation.
5. Do check if taxi cabs in your destination accept credit or debit card payments. If not, always be sure to have some cash on hand with you!
6. Keep track of your holiday expenditure! Issuers in certain markets offer you the option of using your home currency when you use your card overseas.
7. While using an ATM overseas, ensure it displays international scheme logos that certify its affiliation to these alliances. ATMs and issuers from these groups provide travel-focused safeguards and best practices to keep your money safe whilst abroad.
And of course, always keep your passport safe wherever you are.
These actions may seem small, but they go a long way in ensuring you feel confident whilst travelling and guarantee your journey will be that little bit smoother. So keep safe, smart and secure, and enjoy your trip!
Click here for more information on payment safety and security.