Travel Safety Tips

Preparing for a trip is much more than booking hotels and making sure you’ve packed everything. It’s just as important to keep yourself, your devices and your data safe while traveling.

Before you leave, review the tips below to help equip yourself with best practices on how to travel safely.

Before You Go

  • Confirm your financial institution has up-to-date contact information so they can reach you in case of fraud.
  • Make sure to set up alerts with your bank and credit card providers to ensure you are alerted immediately of anomalous activity on your card that could indicate fraud.
  • Keep a hard copy of important numbers on hand in case you lose or misplace your phone, and make copies of the important documents (license, passport, etc.) you’ll be bringing with you. If your wallet is stolen, you will have the information you need to get help.
  • Back up your devices and ensure that any sensitive information has been secured or removed before packing them.

When You’re on the Go

  • Keep your personal information, payment cards and devices with you and under your control or safely locked away.
  • When using the internet, be sure to use a virtual private network (VPN) or a secure connection and be cautious with public Wi-Fi especially when accessing your bank accounts. Opt for connecting to the internet through data roaming instead of public Wi-Fi when possible.
  • Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on all devices – even smart luggage – when not in use.
  • Be wary of public charging stations (including at airports) as fraudsters can modify USB ports or leave data cables that can transmit your information and data to them. Bring your own charging ports or banks to use.
  • If your card can make contactless payments, make sure you have a radio-frequency-identification (RFID)-blocking wallet or card sleeve. Made from metal or specialized fabrics, these help to block radio waves used by RFID readers and prevent fraudsters from skimming your card’s information.
  • Be suspicious of anyone emailing, calling, messaging or approaching in person, claiming to need your personal information. Before responding to an email, call, text or message that appears suspicious,  disconnect and reach back out through a legitimate channel to verify legitimacy.
  • If you scan a QR code, a web link will show up. Review it carefully for anomalies and type in legitimate website addresses rather than clicking links sent to you. Don’t scan a QR code that has been affixed by sticker, as it could be fraudulent.
  • To avoid card reader fraud, look for loose or damaged parts, and always give card readers a jiggle. If they move, that could mean there is a skimmer installed; don’t insert your card. 

Ready to Come Home and Unpack

  • Wait until you return home to start posting your vacation photos on social media. Posting about your travel can alert criminals that you’re not at home and enable scammers to target friends and family.
  • Check your accounts when you are back for any anomalous charges. If you spot any suspicious activity, contact your financial institution immediately.