Money Tips When You Travel

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At Allegacy Federal Credit Union, we believe in pursuing wellness on every level and travel can be great for gaining a new perspective, making plans and creating your tomorrow. We want to help you have the best trip ever.

Review these tips to make sure you and your payment cards are ready!

Before you leave:

  • Make sure your contact information with the Credit Union is updated, especially updated cell phone numbers. Your financial institution could reach out to you via text message while you’re gone if a suspicious transaction is identified. Be sure to set your travel alert with all of your credit and debit cards as well.
  • If you plan to use your VISA debit or credit card, check the expiration date before you leave. Cards expire on the last day of the month indicated. If your card will expire while you’re away, contact us and ask for a replacement card early so you’ll receive it before you leave. Activation must be done while you’re still in the U.S.
  • If traveling abroad, carry enough foreign currency in cash to get you out of the airport. Airport exchange rates are high. Many large commercial banks offer this service, but you’ll need to notify them in advance.
  • Create a list of the contents of your wallet: debit, ATM, and credit card numbers, and anything else you might need to replace if your wallet is lost or  stolen. Include the overseas lost/stolen numbers. For Allegacy cards, you would need to call 336.774.3400. Toll-free 800 numbers are not accessible from overseas. An added tip would be to copy your passport if leaving the country.

While You’re Traveling:

  • Have a variety of payment methods available, such as credit cards, debit card, and local currency, so that something unforeseen, such as an ATM attendant strike or a network interruption, doesn’t leave you in a pinch.
  • Contact the credit union and any other financial institutions to note on your account that you anticipate transactions from areas outside your typical purchase locations. It is crucial that you update your contact information. Atypical transactions could trigger a fraud alert. If that happens and a financial institution is unable to contact you, you could find yourself away from home with your VISA credit or debit card frozen.
  • Take advantage of local ATMs – If traveling outside the US, local ATMs withdraw from your checking account and dispense funds in local currency. A small exchange fee may apply, but it is usually less than at a bank. Most ATMs offer a choice of languages; the British flag is used to represent English.
  • Keep your list of plastic card numbers and their lost/stolen reporting numbers in a separate location from the cards. Don’t photocopy your cards; this could give thieves all the information they need to transact on your account.

With a little planning and forethought, you can be assured that your vacation will be less stressful should something unforeseen happen. Have a safe and happy trip!

 

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