TIPS FOR FRAUD PREVENTION
Credit & ATM card fraud is a reality. Following a few simple rules will help protect you from disaster.
Avoid Public Computers: All over the world you’ll find internet cafes where you can rent a public computer to manage your online banking. It’s relatively easy to install a key logger on these machines, which will track every keystroke you make, giving a hacker all of your login details. If you must, make sure to use a secure password manager like Last Pass.
Call Your Bank Before You Travel: Let your bank & credit card issuer know what dates you’ll be in certain countries. This will help them identify & block any fraudulent activity on your account. It’s also important if you want your cards to work when you get there!
Keep Eyes on Your Credit Card: When paying by credit card overseas (especially at restaurants & bars), never lose sight of it. Don’t let anyone “take it out back” to swipe the card. If the machine is not near you, ask to accompany the cashier. Card skimming scams are often accomplished this way.
Don’t let all of this scare you too much though. International travel is a very safe activity, despite what you watch on the evening news. The key to having a great time is to be prepared for all of these possible scenarios. Chances are you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Use a VPN: VPNs encrypt your web traffic. Go to the section of VPNs on this page. The cheapest are Chrome Extensions.
PROTECT YOUR CASH
Cash is what I use most while traveling internationally because it’s accepted everywhere. But the problem with cash is that it’s not traceable, so if it’s stolen you’ll never see it again. Go to the post on Travel Security on the Travel page.
Taking proper precautions when carrying cash is a must. Secret pockets sewn into my pants & shorts are the safest and a lot cheaper to make ($3-$7) then buying travel pants with a similar feature built in.
Many travelers use money belts that are worn under their clothing, but I’ve never been a big fan. These removable pouches are uncomfortable and it’s easy to forget them somewhere.
It’s also wise to hide a stash of emergency cash in your luggage somewhere. My favorite places include: dirty socks, toiletry kits, under shoe inserts, sewn behind a patch (attached to your bag).
Dummy Wallet. In particularly risky locations, you can also carry a dummy or mugger’s wallet. This is a cheap 2nd wallet that’s filled with about $20 in local currency, an old driver’s license, some receipts, and an expired credit card. It’s used as a decoy, so if you’re ever mugged, you can throw it at the thieves and run away. Helpful against pickpockets too. The tactic is best used in cities with high crime rates — I’ve carried one before in Guatemala City, Managua, and Tegucigalpa.
Bank fees can add up to some serious money over the course of a long trip. If you want to save money, you need to be proactive when it comes to banking and currency exchanges. Be smart and bank smart. Give the banks less and your trip more. I haven’t paid a bank fee in years and you shouldn’t either.
And with these simple tips, you’ll never have to again.