Do’s and Don’t’s When Traveling

 

 

We want our members to have the best and safest trips possible when traveling.  Here are a few reminders to make sure you protect yourself and get the most out of your trip when traveling! Also, click here to learn about services and options we offer for our traveling members.

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Do’s When Traveling

1. Notify your credit union in advance of your travel plans. This way credit and debit card systems can expect transactions in unusual or out-of-town places, and your accounts will not be tagged for suspicious activity.
2. Consider using travel VISA cards or your credit card.  You can use these almost anywhere, and they are the safest forms of payment when traveling in case anything goes awry. Limit the amount of cash you carry.
3. When traveling, make sure to use ATMs in the MoneyPass or COOP to avoid surcharges on your transactions.
4. Memorize important numbers such as passports, credit cards, and credit union phone numbers so you can notify your financial institution in case your wallet or cards are lost or stolen.
5. Be alert for staged distractions, such as someone bumping into you, spilling a drink on you, dropping something in front of you or causing a loud commotion; an accomplice can steal your valuables and walk away while you are momentarily distracted.
6. Wait until you are home to share pictures on social media of your trip.
7. Sign up for alerts on your debit or credit cards. This way you are immediately notified of potentially suspicious activity.
8. Make a travel budget and stick to it!

Don’t’s When Traveling

1. Don’t keep a high balance in your checking account. If someone steals your debit card, they have access to all of these funds.
2. Don’t conduct sensitive business of financial transactions over public WiFi.
3. Don’t post about upcoming travel plans.  This gives others time to plan also!
4. Don’t keep all of your cash or cards in one wallet/purse/bag.
5. Don’t pack valuables (cash, jewelry etc.) in your checked luggage. Luggage can easily be lost and you are stuck without your funds!
6. Don’t leave valuable items in public view; that includes your passport as much as your iPhone.

But above all, have a wonderful trip!