Whether you are travelling on business or taking a well-deserved break, there are a number of ways that can make your travels more secure, hassle free and enjoyable. You should make sure that you follow these steps before going abroad, during your trip and when you get back home.
Before you leave Malta you should always ensure that your payment cards are not expired, check what your account balance is and the amount of credit that is available to you. By doing this, you won’t get caught short with a payment card that expired while you are away, or not have enough credit to cover your trip expenses. It is also of great importance to note your daily withdrawal limits and keep a record of your account numbers in a safe place.
Just before leaving, contact your financial institution and advise them that you will be travelling, as this can help ensure that your card isn’t flagged for unusual activity.
While abroad, your Visa card will become an easy way to get local currency, when and where you need it. With an extensive ATM network worldwide, it is easy to use your Visa card to access money when you arrive at your destination. When travelling you can get the most competitive rate by selecting the local currency option when making a payment or withdrawing cash locally to avoid extra fees.
Visa has also recently updated its Travel Tools app, the mobile travel companion which provides fast and easy access to Visa travel related tools and information including an ATM locator, currency converter, assistance if your card is lost or stolen and holiday spending tips for travellers.
The Visa Travel Tools also has a country by-country guide that allows users to easily check how easy they can pay with Visa in selected travel related sectors such as hotels, restaurants, taxis, shops and many more at destination. The application can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store on a compatible mobile device.
When sightseeing or going to the pool or beach, don’t carry all your valuables with you and never leave your cards unattended in the hotel room, at the pool or in a locked or unlocked car. If you lose your Visa card you can get immediate assistance with a worldwide 24/7 customer service helpline, accessible straight from the main menu of the Visa Travel Tools application.
When you arrive back home always keep your receipts and read your monthly statements carefully, and contact your card issuer right away if you see a charge that you don’t recognise or if you notice any inconsistences. With Visa, you can feel confident paying for things abroad as it is the constant that frees you to explore new cultures making the foreign familiar.