0

Traveloka PH

20 Oct 2017 - 2 min read

7 Money-related Things To Know Before Traveling Abroad

1. Know the visa requirements of the country you're visiting

As of the moment, Filipinos have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 61 countries or territories. Before buying your plane tickets, check if you need to get a visa first. Depending on the country you're visiting, getting a visa can take anywhere between a couple of days or even weeks. Your application may even get denied. Find out the country's visa policy first before doing anything.

2. Make sure your passport is up-to-date

Aside from making sure if you need a visa to visit a country, you also need to make sure your passport is still valid for more than six months. This is because dozens of countries won't let a traveler into their country if their passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel. If your passport has less than six months of validity left, don't buy that plane ticket and renew your passport instead.

3. Look into getting travel insurance

Getting sick is expensive - even more so when you get sick abroad. Depending on the insurance you get, you can be covered for medical expenses and hospital stays, baggage delays, and even trip cancellations. It may be an added cost, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

4. Call your bank so you can use your ATM or debit card abroad

Sure, you can have money changed at the airport or at money changers. But you'll probably lose anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pesos, depending on the exchange rate being used. Asking your bank to let you use your cards abroad minimizes any losses since you'll be withdrawing the local currency straight from ATMs. Notifying your bank will also prevent them from blocking your credit card if you engage in a surprise shopping spree.

5. Check if your credit card has international transaction fees

Sure, you had a great time swiping your card left and right. But will you still have a good time once you get your bill? Ask your bank if your card has international transaction fees so you can properly budget and won't be surprised by your bill.

6. Check your mobile phone plan

Talking about bill shock, it's probably best you check your mobile phone plan before you travel abroad. Whether you're on a postpaid plan or a prepaid one, check how much they charge for roaming. Would it be cheaper if you just bought a local SIM card instead? It's best to know this before you leave so you can research what SIM card works best for you.

7. Research how much things cost

You've probably shelled out a lot of money to go on this trip. It would be a shame if you end up spending more than you needed to because you didn't know you were being overcharged. Do your research so you'll know if you're being taken advantage of abroad. Tick these items off your international travel checklist and you'll be sure to have a much more relaxing trip abroad! Checked all the items? Then book your flight and hotel onTravelokanow!]]>

Always Know the Latest Info
Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel & lifestyle recommendations and exciting promos.
Subscribe