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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Pack Your Bags...5 Tips for the First Time International Traveler

Summer time is a popular time for international travel. If you have your passport and you're ready to go, consider these five tips to put your mind at ease before you even get in line for security.


1. Scan your passport and email a copy of it to yourself. Make sure your photo and passport number is visible. If for some reason, you lose your passport, it will make it easier for you to get it re-issued if you have evidence of the documentation
2. Call your bank and credit card company. Let them know your travel dates and that should reduce any chance of your charges being denied overseas.


 

3. Speaking of banking, make sure you have a 4-digit pin for the ATM; otherwise you may not be able to use the foreign machines.
 
4. Call your bank and find out their partner bank overseas. If you use these for your ATM withdrawals, you will not have to pay the ATM fees.
5. Find out what your credit card charges in foreign transaction fees. One of the main benefits of the Capital One Ventures card that we have, in addition to miles accumulation, was no foreign transaction fees. If you're paying exorbitant transaction fees, make sure you have cash and save the credit card for only the emergencies. Save where you can.




They're simple tips, but they can make a real difference. Knowledge is power and having things taken care of before your trip can save a hasty decision in the heat of crisis.

Buen viaje!
Un besote...

21 comments:

  1. Good to know for sure!! Taking a picture and emailing your passport to yourself is a genius idea!

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    1. Welcome to Besote, Falen. The passport gives me peace of mind. Whether it truly makes things less complicated, I'm not sure, but it's nice to know that I have the number I need, just in case. Thank you for your visit. I hope you come back again soon. :-)

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  2. Such great tips! One that came in handy for me is to make sure you put a note inside your luggage with your name and contact number in case the bag gets lost and the tags come off or get removed. Also, give a copy of your itinerary to someone at home in case of emergencies.

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    1. Hi Winnie! What a great idea! I also email my itinerary to someone at home, becasue you're right...it's better to be safe than sorry. Thanks for the visit and the tip! :-)

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  3. Hey there! Here from the Blog Hop! Just wanted to let you know I'm following you via GFC and bloglovin'! I'm also following via all your social networks! I hope you'll get a chance to visit me :o) You can find me here:

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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! Thanks for stopping by...I hope you like what you see. I will be heading over to Cropped Stories this afternoon. :-) Thanks again!

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  4. Thanks so much for the follow back on bloglovin'; appreciate it! Have a great night!

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  5. Replies
    1. Hello Pinoy Fashion Bloggers. :-) Welcome to Besote! Thank you for the visit. I hope you like what you see and return again soon.

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  6. Love this! Such great tips! Wish I had looked up the partner bank of my debit card before I went abroad! Would have saved me so much money.

    xox

    Jordan

    http://thattallgirlinheels.com

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    1. Hi Jordan,
      Those fees are a killer. Not every partner bank is easy to find, but it's worth the effort. Thank you so much for stopping by. Your blog is lovely...I love strawberries too. :-) Thanks again.

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  7. These tips are just what I need - I travel but never thought to scan a copy of my passport!! Thanks for this post!

    ~J
    Luvin’ My Curves

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    1. Hi Johara,
      Thanks for stopping by. The passport scan is peace of mind. You'll probably never need it, but it's there, just in case. Have a great summer!

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  8. I love that idea about a passport scan - I would never have thought to do that!!

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    1. It's peace of mind...maybe you'll never need it, but if you do, it's there. :-)

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  9. Great tips! After a somewhat disastrous trip to Europe, I learned one other very important tip: travel with more than one bank card. An ATM at my only debit/visa card in Florence and it was a nightmare!

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    1. Hi Jacqueline~Great idea. I would rather be safe than sorry. If you never need it, fine, But if you do, it's there. Great tip! Thanks so much!

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  10. These are really good tips! I always make a copy of my passport and keep one and give one to family when I travel

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    1. Hi Sammy,
      That's a great idea too. I leave my itinerary, but never my passport. It's smart to leave that information as well; hopefully, they never need it. Thanks so much!

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  11. Good reminders even if you are already overseas! :)

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    1. Hi Tina,
      Thanks so much for stopping by! I think they work, regardless of your home base. I appreciate your visit and feedback. :-) Happy Friday!

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