Traveling with Credit Cards: Plan, Prepare and Pack

Travel Tips:

Plan

	Research in advance when heading to a new destination so you know what to expect. What currencies are accepted? What are the average costs for taxis, hotels and restaurants? Is there an Indian consulate office? Or a tourist help desk? Talk to your travel agent, read travel books or web sites, and talk to friends and family who have been to the destination before.
	Use your credit card for advance bookings like plane tickets, hotel reservations, travel insurance or car rentals. If you have trouble with these bookings, your credit card issuer can assist you and help secure refunds. As well, many credit cards come with built-in travel and car rental insurance benefits. Read your cardholder agreement to be sure.

Learn before you go so you can focus on having fun once you get to your destination. A travel agent will be able to provide you with insights and advice on where to go, what to do, and what to know about the local culture.

Prepare

	Make a record of your passport and credit card information, including the contact number to reach your credit card issuer in case of emergency. Keep this record in a safe and secure place away from your passport and credit cards (i.e., not in your wallet or purse). Also, leave a copy of this information and your itinerary at home with a family member or close friend.
	Secure travel insurance because accidents can happen. You should consider buying travel health insurance so that you don’t get stuck with medical bills. It can be purchased through your travel agent who will give you information on what is covered.
	Clean out your wallet by taking out everything but the essentials. The more items and pieces of information a thief gets, the more damage they can do.
	Leave your valuables like expensive watches and jewellery at home. You don’t want to lose them and they can mark you as targets for thieves.

Pack

	Never leave your card in the hotel room. Keep your credit card in your possession at all times. When making a purchase, don’t let the salesperson take the card out of sight.
	Don’t carry large sums of cash, because if it’s lost or stolen, it’s gone. Before your trip, arrange to have a few Rupees in local currency for small purchases like a cab when you first arrive, tips, or small souvenirs.
	Lock up your valuables, wear a money belt under your clothes or use the hotel safe. Never leave your money, credit cards, jewellery, cameras, or other valuables out in the open in your hotel room.
	Avoid local scams, since criminals often target tourists because they’re more likely to be carrying valuables and are less familiar with local surroundings. Only accept services from legitimate providers. Confirm exactly how much something will cost before purchasing. Only exchange currency with credible organisations like banks and hotels. Keep an eye on your valuables at all times.
	Keep receipts from your credit card purchases. When you get home cross-check them against your statement. Notify your card issuer immediately if you see any unusual or unexpected items.