9 tips for smarter—and safer—travel
From cybersecurity protections to avoiding costly fees, what to do before you embark
Lectura de 4 minutos
PUNTOS CLAVE
- Protect your data on the go by using a VPN, updating devices and avoiding sensitive account access on public networks.
- Reduce financial risk by carrying multiple payment options, using digital wallets and understanding international fees.
- Stay prepared with bank travel alerts, local currency and physical safeguards to protect against theft and disruptions.
What do you want to take with you when a vacation ends? Memories, photos, souvenirs-of course. The effects of cybercrime-definitely not.
To prevent personal data breaches, payment issues, unauthorized bank transactions and other theft from having effects far beyond your vacation, it's important to take necessary precautions to safeguard your online security and manage your finances wisely, experts said. The following tips can help keep your money and your identity safe, wherever your domestic or international travels take you:
1. Use a VPN: Travelers should use a VPN when going online, especially in hotels or high-tourist areas, advised Paul Tucker, director de seguridad y privacidad de la información en BOK Financial®. "A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, providing an important layer of protection for your online activities on public Wi-Fi networks," he explained. "Esto evita que los ciberdelincuentes intercepten sus datos y obtengan acceso a información confidencial".
2. Keep your operating system and apps up to date: Tucker also recommended protecting devices with the latest security patches. "Treat your mobile device like your home or work computer," he emphasized. "Al mantener el software y las aplicaciones de su sistema operativo actualizados, mejora la capacidad de su dispositivo para defenderse contra posibles malware".
3. Keep private accounts, such as bank accounts, private: Even with the above precautions, there are some things you may want to avoid doing in public on your mobile device—such as accessing sensitive online accounts, including bank accounts, or email, Tucker added.
4. Carry multiple forms of payment: Relying on a single payment method can be risky if it is lost or stolen. Considere llevar al menos dos tarjetas de crédito o débito diferentes de bancos o redes diferentes (por ejemplo, Visa y Mastercard). Esto proporciona una opción de respaldo para garantizar que no se encuentre sin acceso a sus fondos si una tarjeta se viera comprometida.
5. Consider digital payments: In addition to carrying more than one physical credit card, you may want to consider using a digital wallet. As Cristina Cruces, consumer product operations manager at BOK Financial, explained, “Activating your digital wallet is a great way to ensure you can explore freely without fear of losing things. Los pagos digitales agregan una capa adicional de seguridad a través del cifrado, ya que los números de tarjeta no son visibles y no se comparten con los minoristas cuando se paga con su teléfono, lo que protege contra los ataques cibernéticos".
Otra ventaja es que las billeteras digitales minimizan la cantidad que necesita llevar cuando viaja, agregó. solo recuerde configurar el acceso de huellas dactilares, reconocimiento facial o pin a su teléfono para proteger sus pagos digitales en caso de que su dispositivo se extravíe, y tenga en cuenta que, si bien la mayoría de los principales minoristas aceptan pagos digitales, es posible que las tiendas familiares no ofrezcan esta opción.
6. Exchange dollars for foreign currency while still in the U.S.: Prior to an international trip, exchange some cash for foreign currency to avoid excessive ATM fees and ensure you have cash available in areas with limited card acceptance.
"I always suggest arriving in a country with its currency in hand," Cruces recommended. "Si bien la mayoría de los lugares aceptan dólares estadounidenses, tener la moneda local puede darle más poder de negociación y ayudarlo a cumplir con su presupuesto de gastos. También sugiero pedir la moneda que necesita al menos una semana antes de su viaje para asegurarse de que llegue a tiempo".
Otro beneficio de tener moneda extranjera por adelantado es la tranquilidad, sabiendo que ya tiene lo que necesita y no tiene que apresurarse a cambiar dinero a su llegada, dijo.
7. Be aware of international fees: When traveling abroad, it is important to understand the international transaction fees your bank and credit cards may charge. "Being aware of international fees can help you avoid unfavorable exchange rates that might be offered at your destination,” Cruces advised. “When using credit cards overseas, paying in local currency can save money as international merchants and banks often have higher fees for converting transactions to U.S. dollars.”
8. Set travel notifications with your bank: Most major banks offer the ability to set travel alerts through online portals or mobile apps. "By informing your bank of your travel dates and destinations, it can help ensure that your legitimate transactions are not mistakenly flagged as fraud, and you waste valuable vacation time trying to mitigate," Tucker said.
9. Protect your belongings from pickpockets: Don’t overlook physical security, especially in areas known for pickpocketing. "Being aware of your surroundings is key to avoiding being pickpocketed but it does happen," Cruces said. "Combinar la vigilancia con una bolsa segura puede ayudar a proteger mejor sus identificaciones y tarjetas de crédito de ser robadas y de un posible robo de identidad". There are plenty of anti-theft bags available, with features such as slash-proof straps, locking compartments and RFID-blocking material.
Los viajes inteligentes comienzan contigo
La preparación es el pasaporte para viajes sin preocupaciones. Al tomarse el tiempo para implementar estos pequeños pasos, puede viajar con mayor tranquilidad, sabiendo que está protegiendo mejor tanto su información personal como su dinero.