International Safety and Security
UW-Madison International Division
An image from Venice, Italy, featuring photos of everyday street scenes, hanging from a ceiling as decoration.

Financial and Data Security

Read through these financial and data safety resources and recommendations to help you protect your money and identity before, during, and after international travel.

Read this primer from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) about using mobile devices abroad.

An image of black text above colorful, illustrated credit cards with a white background. The text states, "Pro Tip: Safe Banking. Check your credit and debit card accounts often."

Safe Banking

  • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your dates of travel and destination(s). When you return to the U.S., request replacement cards.
  • Change your PIN number while abroad and again as soon as you depart for home. Some credit card companies will allow you to change your PIN number by phone.
  • If you use a debit card while traveling, leave only the amount that you likely will need in the account.
  • Check your destination’s exchange rate before departing.
An image of black text above a purple, illustrated ATM with a white background. The text states, "Pro Tip: ATM Use. If in doubt about an ATM's security, do not use the machine and go elsewhere."

Prepare Backups

  • Make two copies of your passport ID page and credit/debit card phone number(s). Leave one copy with a trusted individual at home, and keep another copy in your luggage/room. You can also email a copy yourself.
  • Bring two valid photo IDs and store them separately in case one gets lost or stolen.

Securing Mobile Devices

  • Enable screen-lock and timeout functions on your cell phone or other electronic devices.
  • Disable the “remember me” function on your device for any pages that you visit often.
  • Always manually enter your username and password while abroad.

Carrying Money

  • Use a money belt or other “hidden” place to carry money, a credit card, and a copy of your passport. (Some countries require you to carry your original passport.)
  • Never carry more cash than needed for an outing, and divide it up in several places in your clothing, bags, pockets, etc.
  • Purses and bags should be closed securely and have straps that are not easily cut or pulled free.
An image of black text next to an illustration of a yellow wallet with pink paper current sticking out of the top of the wallet. The image has a white background, and the text states, "Pro Tip: Situational Awareness. Stay vigilant and beware of pick pockets. Keep one hand on your belonging at all times."

Using an ATM

  • Use ATMs only when you are with others and inside of a reputable name-brand institution (an international hotel chain, a public institution or known banks).
  • Look at an ATM’s keypad and the machine itself for any signs of tampering or a “newly added feature” that does not appear original to the machine.
  • Use one hand to shield your PIN from view when entering it into the keypad.
  • Ensure you are not followed by anyone after using an ATM; if you suspect that you are, enter a business to find help.

Other Financial and Data Security Resources