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| Tips for Money Safety
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Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, driving, or flying, millions of us travel and return home with good memories. A true vacation spoiler is losing all your money and credit cards due to theft. Almost all of us have heard stories of friends and relatives who have had their money or their passport taken during their vacation.
We have researched some money safety tips that might reduce the risk of an incident like this on your next vacation.
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| Tips for Money Safety |
Published On: August 11, 2009 |
- Cleaning out your wallet :
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of an incident is to clean your wallet. Example, remove unnecessary credit cards, your Social Security Card and any other documents that could compromise your identity if lost or stolen while you're on vacation.
- Keep copies of documents :
Now that your wallet is free of clutter and things you don’t need for your trip, make sure that you make a Xerox copy of all the cards and documents that you will be carrying. Keep all the copies of those documents and cards in a secure location. Do not store it in your wallet. Consider giving it to a family member or close friend. That ways you always know who to contact in case you need any of them.
- Use alternatives to cash :
It’s always better and advisable to use alternatives to cash. This is to avoid any unnecessary attention that you might attract by flashing cash wherever you go. Use traveler’s checks and credit cards while travelling.
- Travelers' checks are great because they can easily be replaced if lost or stolen and you have round the clock customer service to assist you.
- When possible, get the checks in local currency, and carry multiple checks in small denominations. Sign them as soon as you get them, and put the receipt in a separate location.
- Credit cards are also great to use, as they are easy to handle and can be canceled quickly, should they be lost or stolen.
- Researching the destination you plan to visit :
Some of the most beautiful destinations aren’t always situated alongside the safest areas. Always research the place you’re travelling to and find out about the crime rate, what surrounding areas to avoid and things of that nature.
- If you're planning on taking a trip, play it safe and check the U.S. Department of State website, it can give you an excellent overview of the risks that you may encounter when you travel domestically or internationally. The website has information sheets available for every country in the world.
- This would be an ideal first step towards ensuring a safer trip and to minimize the attention that you call to yourself, thus making yourself a less attractive target.
- Using Money Belts and Neck Pouches :
It’s comparatively safer to carry your money in money belts and neck pouches, rather than in your wallets.
- Neck Pouches are sold in travel stores and online, and, as you would probably imagine, you just hang the money pouch around your neck. You then tuck it inside your shirt or jacket to keep it out of sight.
- A money belt is another option. Keep the majority of the cash in the belt and leave some in your wallet, so that you are not constantly having to go to the belt and alerting people as to the location of your money.
- Usage of ATM’s :
Despite of all your preparations using an ATM can be unavoidable.
- If you must use an ATM, use one that is located inside a store or hotel, or a well lit area, rather than out on a street corner and put the cash away quickly.
- It is common for thieves to hang out by ATM machines waiting for a 'tourist' to withdraw money. In case you are using an ATM machine, in any such place, we strongly urge you to exercise caution.
- Dress conservatively :
The less attention you draw to yourself, the better. You don’t want to be perceived as a target. Try to blend in, or dress conservatively.
- Dress conservatively and wear a minimum amount of jewelry.
- Don't carry an expensive camera on a strap around your neck; you're only putting yourself and your camera at risk.
- While on the road :
Never get into an unmarked taxi. Find out what the local taxi’s look like from the hotel concierge and how to differentiate.
- Whenever possible, call for a cab, rather than hopping into the nearest vehicle.
- Always make note of the taxi's number and driver's identification, if available.
- Protecting valuables :
We strongly urge you to leave your valuables at home. However, in case you need to carry them, never leave them lying around your hotel room.
- Most hotels have room safes, which can be used for storing such valuables.
- Worst case scenario :
Despite your best efforts, even the best prepared travelers can face bad luck. In case you are confronted by misfortune like this.
- Try not to resist, hand over the requested items and leave the scene as quickly as possible.
- It is better to lose a few dollars than to risk being injured.
Making smart and safe decisions when you travel will not only give you peace of mind, but should help keep you out of harm's way. Next time you’re planning your vacation use caution and common sense with you to have a nice relaxing vacation. |
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