Read through these financial and data safety resources and recommendations to help you protect your money and identity before, during, and after international travel.
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.
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.
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
- Preventing Financial Scams and Fraud Brief
- Cyber and Data Security
- Avoiding Virtual Fraud and Scams Discussion
- U.S. Department of State Traveler's Checklist
- U.S. DHS Cyber Lessons
- U.S. CISA Protecting Portable Devices: Data Security
- U.S. CISA National Cyber Awareness System
- UW-Madison ISSD's Best Tips on Data Security Abroad
- OSAC Best Practices While Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices