Travelling abroad can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. There are new cities, fresh cuisines, and unexpected adventures. The one adventure you definitely don’t want is losing access to your money.

A stolen card, a suspicious transaction, or sudden currency restrictions are typical money troubles that can turn a dream trip into a stressful nightmare. The good news? With a few smart steps, you can enjoy your travels and keep your funds safe no matter where in the world you are.

Here’s your complete guide to protecting your money while travelling internationally.

Also read: Working with international clients: A freelancer’s guide to getting paid

1. Diversify how you carry your money

Relying on a single debit card or one stash of cash is dangerous, especially when travelling. If your card gets blocked or lost, you could be stranded without access to your money.

A better approach:

• Mix it up: Carry different payment methods. I suggest a primary debit card, a backup credit card, and local currency for small purchases or emergencies.
• Keep spares safe: Store one backup card somewhere separate from your main wallet, like a hotel safe or a discreet compartment in your luggage.
• Set up an emergency-only account: Keep a small reserve of funds in a separate account you can access online if your main one is compromised.

By spreading your options, you’re building financial resilience. Even if one payment method fails, you’ve got plans B (and C) ready to go.

2. Use a trusted global banking solution

Nothing kills the vibe faster than your card getting declined because your local bank didn’t like the transaction. Okay, maybe watching a percentage of your hard-earned money vanish as hidden FX fees is a little worse than that.

A truly global banking solution changes everything. Instead of juggling multiple bank accounts, currencies, and time zones, you can run your finances from one secure platform, no matter where you are.

With Grey, for example, you can:

• Hold multiple currencies (USD, GBP, EUR) in one account, so you’re always ready to receive or spend in your client’s currency.
• Shop and pay globally with virtual USD cards that protect you from card cloning or fraud.
• Convert money at competitive rates without the outrageous markups banks sneak in.
• Withdraw in local currency without worrying about your funds getting trapped in international banking delays.

It’s the difference between hoping your money arrives and knowing it will.

3. Enable security alerts and two-factor authentication

Before you travel, flip on every security feature your bank and fintech app offer. Instant alerts and two-factor authentication give you the split-second advantage. You see a suspicious charge the moment it lands and stop attackers from getting in, even if they have your password.

What to do right now:

1. Turn on transaction notifications: Enable push notifications and email alerts for all account activity — incoming deposits, withdrawals, attempted logins, and card payments. Set low thresholds (e.g., notify me for any debit over $1) so nothing slips past you.
2. Choose authenticator apps over SMS: SMS 2FA is better than nothing, but vulnerable to SIM-swap attacks. Use an authenticator app (Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) for time-based one-time codes. If your fintech supports hardware keys (YubiKey, Titan), consider those for the highest security.
3. Secure your 2fa backups: Save backup/recovery codes in a safe place like an encrypted note in a password manager, or an encrypted USB. Don’t email them or keep them on an unlocked cloud folder.
4. Register a secondary device: Add a tablet or spare phone as a backup 2FA device so you’re not locked out if your main phone is lost or stolen.
5. Check and prune connected devices: Regularly review active sessions in your banking apps and web services; sign out devices you don’t recognise.

4. Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions

Free airport Wi-Fi feels like a travel win, perfect for scrolling social media or catching up on Netflix. But when checking your bank balance, paying invoices, or moving money around, that same network could be a hacker’s playground.

Public networks are often unsecured, meaning anyone with the right tools could intercept your data. And if you’re a remote worker or freelancer handling client payments, that’s a risk you simply can’t afford.

If you absolutely must access your accounts online:

• Stick to mobile data or your own hotspot. Your personal connection is far more secure than public Wi-Fi.
• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). It encrypts your browsing, making it much harder for anyone to snoop on your activity even if you’re connected to public Wi-Fi..

5. Keep your physical cards safe

Nothing can ruin a trip faster than losing access to your money because your card has been lost, stolen, or cloned. It’s still one of the most common and most stressful travel money mishaps.

• Protect against electronic theft: Use an RFID-blocking wallet or card sleeve to guard against contactless skimming, especially in busy tourist spots or public transport.
• Never let your card out of sight: If a merchant needs to process a payment, request that they bring the terminal to you. Handing your card over in a back room is an open invitation for fraud.
• Carry a backup card: Keep a spare debit or credit card in a different bag, pocket, or hotel safe. If your main wallet is lost or stolen, you still have a lifeline.
• Stay alert with notifications: Enable instant transaction alerts from your bank or payment app so you can spot suspicious activity the moment it happens.

6. Get familiar with the local currency and payment culture

Money works differently around the world. In some places, cash is still the norm, in others, you might get strange looks when offering a banknote instead of tapping your card or phone.

For example, Japan and Morocco still have plenty of cash-only cafés, markets, and small businesses. Sweden, on the other hand, is practically cashless. You could go days without seeing a single coin or note.

By understanding the local payment culture before you arrive, you’ll avoid awkward “sorry, we don’t take cards” moments or getting hit with surprise withdrawal fees.

Here’s what to research in advance:

• ATM limits and fees: Know how much you can withdraw per day and what your bank or card provider charges.
• Popular payment methods: Are mobile wallets like Apple Pay, M-Pesa, or Alipay widely accepted?
• Currency regulations: Some countries limit how much foreign currency you can bring in or take out.
• Exchange rate hacks: Learn whether you’ll get better rates at ATMs, banks, or currency exchanges.

A little homework here means you’ll land ready to pay your way like a local.

7. Always have an emergency plan

Even the most seasoned remote workers encounter unexpected bumps. The key is being ready before things go wrong.

Here’s how to build a safety net:

• Save key contacts: Keep the customer service numbers and support emails for your bank, and any payment providers stored in your phone (and written down somewhere safe in case your phone dies).
• Carry a universal backup currency: A small stash of cash in widely accepted currencies like USD or EUR can be a lifesaver where card systems go down or local ATMs are unreliable.
• Have a trusted point of contact: Share your travel plans, key account details (securely), and backup payment options with a trusted friend or family member who can step in if you get stuck.
• Know your digital backups: Keep scanned copies of important documents (passport, IDs, bank cards) in a secure cloud folder to access them anywhere in the world.

Also read: A freelancer’s guide to avoiding payment scams online

Protecting your funds while travelling isn’t about paranoia but preparation. With the right mix of secure banking tools, diverse payment methods, and smart money habits, you can explore the world without stressing over every transaction. Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking designed to carry your dreams across borders.

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