How to Handle Money Safely While Traveling

  Beware of pickpockets. Anyone can be a pickpocket. Generally, a pickpocket will use an accomplice to distract you while your pocket is being picked. Men should not carry there wallet in their back pocket. Women should carry their purses over their shoulders on the side farthest from the street with the bag in front and their hand on the clasp.

  To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, change your travelers’ checks or withdraw money from ATMs, as you need currency. The safest place to exchange currency is at the airport upon arrival. Anticipate your local currency and change what is required upon arrival. Many of the banks are located within the secure area of the airport allowing you to place a small amount of currency in your wallet while hiding the balance in a money belt or other device.

  Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction. Use only one card during the trip keeping the other as a backup if fraud occurs on the card in use. Establish online access to your credit card accounts so you can monitor for unauthorized charges while traveling.

  Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money. Do not change money on the black market.

  If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of credit cards, traveler’s checks, airline tickets and your passport. This will be much easier to accomplish if you have remembered to photocopy the contents of your wallet and if you have written down the overseas contact numbers of your credit card companies. Contact the local embassy or consulate to replace your passport. Items of great personal or sentimental value should not be taken on trips.