2024-09-15 17:41:47
On a big journey
What travelers should pay attention to when using money and cards abroad
14.09.2024 – 14:38Reading time: 3 min.
In the coming weeks, many holidaymakers will be heading back to warmer climes. It is important to clarify in advance how and where you can safely withdraw money abroad.
In just under two and a half weeks, the autumn holidays will begin in the first federal states. But before you head off to warmer climes abroad, you should know where you can withdraw money, which cards are accepted and how much it costs. For security reasons, some banks set the foreign limit for debit and credit cards to zero euros – even within the EU.
It is advisable to check in advance whether the foreign limit is activated for the countries on your planned travel route. If this is not the case, bank customers can activate their card for the relevant countries themselves via online banking. Alternatively, you can ask a bank advisor for help. Experts generally recommend always taking several means of payment with you – in addition to some cash, you should also pack a debit card and a credit card.
Travelers should be aware of additional costs when visiting foreign countries outside the eurozone. The banking association recommends avoiding offers to convert money into euros, as this may incur additional fees. Instead, consumers should have the amount displayed in the local currency when paying at a cash register or withdrawing money from an ATM.
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On cruise ships, passengers can usually pay for all expenses conveniently using their boarding pass. To avoid any unpleasant surprises at the end of the trip, vacationers should clarify in advance which payment methods the shipping company accepts for the final bill.
It is also advisable to regularly check the current balance of your on-board account in order to keep track of the expenses you have already made. For your shore excursions, it is best to take your debit card, some cash and a credit card with you – as you would for any other vacation. More information on debit cards versus credit cards and why they differ.
You should only use the phone on board a cruise ship in emergencies, otherwise it will quickly become expensive. Your personal cell phone contract is only valid on land, as there is no cell phone coverage at sea. So that you can still make phone calls, there is a ship’s network that works via satellite technology. It is best to find out about the costs from your provider before you travel.
To prevent fraud, you should always enter your PIN in a hidden way. If a payment card is lost or stolen while you are out and about, travelers should have it blocked immediately. This is the advice of the joint venture of German banks and savings banks, EURO Kartensysteme (EKS). This also applies if the digital versions – i.e. payment cards on your smartphone or smartwatch – are stolen or lost.
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Within Germany, the service is free of charge via landlines – however, charges may apply for calls from abroad or mobile networks. Blocking hotline 116 116 cannot be reached from abroad, there is an alternative number: +49 30 40504050It is advisable to save this number on your smartphone before travelling. You should also have important information such as the IBAN to hand.
And here’s another tip for when you get back home from your vacation: EURO Kartensysteme recommends keeping receipts for all expenses and cash withdrawals. This has the advantage that you can use the documents to check whether all entries on the credit card statement and bank statements are correct when you return.
Unauthorized charges can be identified quickly. Find out here why you should check your bank statements after your vacation. If you do notice incorrect debits, according to the EKS you should immediately inform your bank or savings bank and have the payment cards blocked as a precaution.