Travelling is, and should be, an exciting and enjoyable experience offering new sights, sounds, and adventures. However, the fun of travelling can quickly fade if you lose money or valuables that are unable to be recovered or hinder the rest of your holiday.
Alongside the excitement of planning and exploring, it’s essential to prioritise the safety of your money and belongings by taking a few proactive steps.
Preparation before you leave
- Research your destination:
Before leaving, research the safety and crime rates of your destination. Understanding local customs and areas to avoid can significantly reduce your risk of theft. - Make copies of important documents:
Photocopy your passport, driver’s license, travel insurance, tickets and any other essential documents. Leave these copies with a friend or family member in case anything happens to your originals. Having digital backups stored securely can also be helpful. - Inform your bank:
Notify your bank of your travel plans. This prevents them from freezing your account due to unusual activity. Additionally, inquire about international transaction fees and consider a travel-friendly credit card that can be used in most places.
Check out our Auswide Bank Low Rate Visa credit card^ that offers fraud protection** and global support. - Limit what you bring:
Only take necessary valuables. Expensive or sentimental items and unnecessary cards should stay at home. The less you have, the less you need to worry about.
Carrying and managing cash
- Don’t keep it all in the one place:
Avoid keeping your cash, cards, and any important documents all in the one place. This will reduce the risk of losing all your money and identification if your bag is stolen or lost. By dividing these across various secure locations (such as a money belt, hotel safe and a separate wallet), you can ensure you will still have access to money and identification. - Use credit and debit cards wisely:
Rely more on using cards instead of cash as they’re easier to ‘lock’ if lost or stolen and easier to replace. However, keeping a small amount of cash is ideal for emergencies or places that don’t accept cards. - Beware of ATMs:
Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, secure areas. Be cautious of skimming devices and shield your PIN when entering it. - Daily budget:
Only carry the cash you need for the day. This minimises your loss if you are pickpocketed. Store the rest of your money securely in your accommodation. - Only use reputable money exchange stores:
When exchanging currency, avoid places that offer rates too good to be true or that charge excessive fees. Reliable exchangers often have clear signage, posted exchange rates and no hidden fees. Be cautious of any small obscure stores which might scam customers by giving incorrect change or using rigged calculators.
Keeping possessions safe
- Use hotel safes:
Use the safe in your hotel room for storing your passport, extra cash, and other valuables. However, make sure you’re setting the code yourself and check that a default code such as ‘1234’ or ‘0000’ doesn’t unlock it. Alternatively, you can lock your valuables in your suitcase using a combination lock. - Carry a secure bag:
Depending on where you’re travelling you might choose to use a bag with anti-theft features such as slash-proof straps, lockable zippers, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking pockets which can help prevent identity theft. Wear it across your body and keep it in front of you in crowded areas. - Be vigilant in public:
Stay alert, especially in tourist hotspots and crowded places. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions. Thieves often target distracted travellers and sometimes work in teams to pull your attention away from your belongings. - Avoid displaying wealth:
Don’t flaunt expensive jewellery, accessories or large amounts of cash. Keeping a low profile can help you avoid becoming the perfect target. - Use tracking devices:
Consider placing a small GPS tracker such as an Apple AirTag, in your luggage or valuable items. In case of theft or loss, these devices can help track and locate your belongings. Remember to also turn on the ‘find my device’ feature on your phone.
Insurance and emergency plans
- Travel Insurance*:
When planning your holiday, you should consider the features and benefits of travel insurance. Travel insurance for your trip can offer cover for minor things, like a delayed suitcase, or significant things, like an unexpected trip cancellation or an overseas medical emergency.
We partner with Allianz Australia to offer a range of general insurance products, including Travel Insurance. Find out more or get a quote today. - Emergency contacts:
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local embassy or consulate information, your bank’s international helpline, and a few trusted contacts back home that can help you in a crisis.
You can find the Auswide Bank international number on our Contact Us page.
^Auswide Bank Ltd Australian Credit Licence 239686 is the credit issuer. This is not an offer to lend – approval is subject to credit assessment criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply – full details on application. This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice about this product based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
** Visa's Zero Liability policy covers Australian and New Zealand-issued cards and does not apply to ATM transactions, transactions not processed by Visa or certain commercial card transactions. Cardholders should notify their issuer promptly of any unauthorised Visa use. Please consult your issuer for additional details.
*Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
Auswide Bank Ltd ABN 40 087 652 060, Australian Financial Services Licence 239686 (Auswide Bank) arranges this insurance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL No 234708. Travel insurance is issued and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), for the insurer Allianz. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before making a decision, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. The relevant Target Market Determination is available by calling 1300 138 831 and for Travel is available here. To help you make an informed decision about whether to use Auswide Bank to acquire an Allianz insurance product, you should read our Auswide Bank Financial Services Guide. If you purchase this insurance, we will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with services.
