Traveling abroad has a certain “je ne sais quoi” that makes it glamorous and alluring. While\u00a0any travel experience is eye-opening and invigorating, it can also be a headache if proper precautions aren’t taken.<\/p>\n
So before you pack your bags and grab your passport, you\u2019ll want to freshen up your travel knowledge. Here are a few tips on how to make your overseas journey as safe and as simple as possible.<\/p>\n
Decide how you will obtain cash<\/strong> Be wary of where you keep money<\/strong> Check your passport\u2019s expiration date<\/strong> Set your cell phone up for international travel<\/strong>
\nThe most important thing to plan ahead for is how you will attain money<\/a>. Carrying large amounts of cash overseas is never wise, and if you decide to use ATM machines, you’ll be charged a fee every time you use one that’s out of your network. Instead, try signing up for Charles Schwab and Fidelity before heading out of town. Both banks offer checking accounts without minimum balance requirements and reimburse you for all ATM fees, including those from overseas. Also, be sure to notify your bank you’ll be out of the country before you leave. Otherwise, the bank will likely freeze your account once it notices overseas charges.<\/p>\n
\nYou\u00a0shouldn’t keep all of your money in one place when traveling abroad. In your day-to-day adventures, only carry as much money as you’ll need<\/a>. Keep the rest in a small safe or locked in your luggage wherever you’re staying at. Also, be wary of keeping your wallet, cell phone, or keys in your back pocket. You’d be surprised how many times things fall out without you even noticing.<\/p>\n
\nBe sure to check the expiration date<\/a> on your passport before booking your trip. While the United States allows you to use your passport up to the expiration date, some foreign countries deny travelers entry if the passport expires in less than six months in case you decide to stay longer than expected.<\/p>\n
\nThere’s nothing worse than seeing your phone bill after a trip. Avoid the headache of international charges<\/a>\u00a0by buying a prepaid phone or SIM card, or by turning off your cellular data. Instead, use apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Viber that allow you to call or text anywhere in the world for free.<\/p>\n