Travel Smart with Your Money
Questions about choosing forms of payment wisely and protecting your money are top of mind when it comes to planning a trip. At American Southwest Credit Union, we can help you get a handle on the best ways to pay so you’ll feel confident wherever your travels take you.
A Well-Balanced Wallet
For flexibility and safety, pack multiple forms of payment along with a list of account information and contact numbers in case you need it.
Cash isn’t going out of style. It’s a great travel companion as long as the amount is reasonable and you keep it in a safe place. Skip the airport or hotel exchange window and find a financial institution for the best foreign currency exchange rates. Before heading overseas, ask about changing foreign currency in advance.
Prepaid gift cards are easily replaceable if lost or stolen.
Credit cards provide a safe way to pay but can sting you with additional fees on foreign transactions (typically about 3% of the purchase price). Consider packing two credit cards – one that you use and the other to keep in a separate place in case of emergency.
Debit and ATM cards are also accepted around the globe but may incur out-of-network or foreign conversion fees (usually the same or less than credit cards). You can use your ATM or debit card in foreign countries, but it’s important to notify American Southwest Credit Union that you’ll be traveling abroad so we can determine if there are any restrictions.
Visit Us Before You Go
Stop by for prepaid gift cards to make your on-the-go spending simple and safe
