Visa International reveals the secret of a stress free holiday. To celebrate Visa’s summer promotion which offers cardholders the chance to win their entire travel expenses up to $5,000 by simply using their Visa or Visa Electron cards while on holiday, Visa has put together the ‘All You Need’ safety travel tips to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.
According to Stephen Coakley, Marketing Communications, Visa International: “The better prepared you are before you leave the less disruption and stress you will experience should the worst happen overseas.”
Make a photocopy of your cards and keep the document somewhere safe: Just in case the worst should happen overseas having a copy of your card will help when reporting the loss and make the whole process a lot less stressful.
Bring backup cards: Don't put all your faith in one card to see you through your whole trip. Pickpockets, card-eating cash machines, and misplaced wallets do happen and make sure that your cards no don’t expire while on holidays.
Do not keep cards and cash in the same place: That way you will not lose everything. In the event you lose your purse you should always have some extra money in a separate pocket. In busy tourist areas hold bags or wallets close to your body and use a money belt if possible.
Make use of the hotel’s safety deposit box: Keep your valuables, money and passport safe by storing them in the hotel’s safety deposit box.
When you pay with your credit card, check the information on the sales voucher: You are liable for the amount written in the box marked Total, so make sure it is filled in before you sign. Different countries have different ways of dealing with customer payments so don’t be caught out.
Memorise your personal identification number (PIN) on the key board: If you plan to get local currency from a cash machine make sure nobody can see your details when you are withdrawing money.
Plan on losing your card! Know your wallet like the back of your hand - you'll want to call the respective companies represented inside in the event that it goes missing. Keep a list of the numbers to call - they are usually on the back of the cards.
But what if, having taken these precautions you still fall victim to pick pockets overseas? In the event of a lost or stolen credit or debit card Visa Internal recommends the following course of action:
o Firstly – don’t panic. Unlike cash, credit and debit cards can be blocked and replaced if they are lost or stolen
o The Visa Global Assistance Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is multi-lingual so can help you wherever and whenever you need it.
o Report the loss straight away.
o Once reported your credit card company will take details of the lost or stolen card. In Visa’s case they can arrange a replacement or emergency cash advance and answer any other travel-related queries you may have.
About Visa
Visa connects cardholders, merchants and financial institutions through the world's largest electronic payments network. Visa products allow buyers and sellers to conduct commerce with ease and confidence in both the physical and virtual worlds. Visa is committed to the sustained growth of electronic payment systems to support the needs of all stakeholders and to drive economic growth.
Visa products currently generate more than $4 trillion in sales volume worldwide. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world. In addition, Visa/Plus is one of the world’s largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in over 170 countries. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.
