8 Money Tips for Smoother Overseas Travel

A well-packed suitcase goes a long way in minimizing vacation stress. A well-packed wallet is no different – particularly when it comes to international travel. It could be the difference between scrambling for an acceptable method of payment and having everything at your fingertips.

Save time, money and vacation headaches by being as thoughtful with what you put into your wallet as with what you put into your suitcase. Below are 8 tips for managing your money to make travel smoother.

Before You Go

1. Make the most of credit card perks. Make sure you’re not missing out on unredeemed credit card rewards points that can help defray the cost of your trip. Your wallet will thank you later. See if you can cash in on airline miles or hotels points or take advantage of cardholder travel benefits. Some cards, like the Zions Bank Premier Visa® Credit Card*, offer upgrades on hotel rooms and other perks.

2. Get current on the local currency. Before you embark on an international trip, verify the currency of the country or the cities you plan to visit. This will eliminate the inconvenience of finding yourself in Sweden without any krona — or any other country without the right currency.

In addition, research or ask about the local practices around the use of cash, cash apps and cards for specific situations. Do the buses or trains take cash and card? What do taxi drivers expect? How about small family restaurants off-the-beaten-track or street vendors? And even if U.S. dollars are a commonly used currency, it’s always a good idea to have a small amount of the local currency, just in case.

3. Exchange foreign currency ahead of time. While credit cards offer convenience, cash is king in many countries when it comes to paying for incidentals like transportation, tips and, in some places, restroom access. Don’t wait until you’re in a busy airport or remote village to figure out the ins and outs of the local practices.

Sandra Arguello, senior vice president of International Banking and Foreign Exchange at Zions Bancorporation, recommends buying the currency you need at least a week before you depart. This will help ensure that even with any unforeseen delivery delays for less common currencies, you’ll be all set. 

Arguello also stresses that purchasing foreign currency from your trusted bank before leaving the country comes with many benefits, including:

4. Pack the right credit cards. Your wallet should contain a widely accepted credit card, like a Visa, and a back-up card should the first get lost or declined. Some card issuers charge a foreign transaction fee — typically 3% — on every purchase made when traveling outside the U.S.

To help keep your vacation budget in check, bring a credit card — or apply for a new card — that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Zions Bank’s suite of Visa credit cards offers the best of both worlds — a broad Visa network that is accepted in more than 200 countries and territories, plus no foreign transaction fees.

Notify your credit card company. Let your credit card company and bank know of your travel plans so overseas purchases won’t be flagged as fraud. Zions Bank clients can schedule travel notifications on their computer or through the bank’s mobile banking app.

On Your Trip

1. Wait to exchange leftover bills. Foreign currency exchange kiosks at airports are notorious for high exchange rates. Hang onto extra bills until you can exchange them back home and you’ll likely come out ahead.

2. Spend spare change. While bills are easily exchanged, finding a place to exchange coins is more difficult. “Travelers should spend their extra coins while in the foreign country or plan to keep them as souvenirs,” Arguello says. Zions Bancorporation only buys back bills**.

When Plans Change

1. Check your credit card coverage. If you experience a delay, cancellation or untimely end to your trip, your credit card benefits could help save the day. Some credit cards offer built-in travel insurance to reimburse cardholders in the event of cancelled or delayed trips, lost or delayed baggage, or accidents. Because benefits vary widely between issuers and cards, check with your provider to see what safeguards come with your credit card.

2. Sell back your foreign currency. If your trip gets canceled or shortened, or you have leftover bills, Zions Bank will buy back your unused foreign currency bills.

Traveling internationally? Let Zions Bank handle your foreign exchange needs***. Exchange foreign currency near you at any Zions Bank branch. Select branches offer on-the-spot exchange services, and you can order in advance at any location for more than 80 currencies.

Additionally, Zions Bank provides current currency exchange rates, a currency exchange calculator and currency exchange near you to make planning easier.

Call or visit a Zions Bank branch for more information, or contact our Foreign Currency Service team at foreignexchangeservi@zionsbancorp.com or 800-818-0344 for more information and answers to your questions about our foreign currency offerings.

*Credit cards subject to credit approval. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. See a banker for details.

**We do not guaranty or promise to repurchase any foreign currency purchased through us.

***Some services may not be available to non-clients.