Do I need to notify my bank when going abroad?

Alert Your Bank Before Travelling Abroad

International travel can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but certain precautions should be taken to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. One important step is notifying your bank and credit card providers in advance of your trip.

Why is Preemptive Communication Important?

When you make purchases or withdrawals abroad, your bank may view these transactions as suspicious activity and block them. This is especially true if you’re travelling to a new or unfamiliar country. By alerting your bank and credit card providers, you can prevent these blocks and ensure that your funds are accessible when you need them.

What to Communicate

When contacting your financial institutions, be sure to provide the following information:

• The dates of your travel
• The countries you will be visiting
• Your contact information while abroad (including phone number and email address)

How to Alert Your Bank

You can typically alert your bank about your travel plans through the following channels:

• Online banking: Most banks offer the option to submit a travel notification through their online banking portal.
• Phone: Call your bank’s customer service line to inform them of your travel.
• Branch visit: Visit your local bank branch and speak to a representative in person.

Additional Tips

• Consider getting a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. This can save you money on international purchases.
• Carry some local currency in cash in case there are any issues with your cards.
• Keep your bank and credit card information securely stored and separate from your cards.
• Monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly for unauthorized activity.

By following these precautions and notifying your bank before travelling abroad, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and enjoy your international adventures without financial worries.