9 tips for smarter—and safer—travel

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, chief information security and privacy officer at 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. “This prevents cybercriminals from intercepting your data and gaining access to sensitive information.”

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. "By keeping your operating system software and apps updated, you improve your device’s ability to defend against potential 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. Consider carrying at least two different credit or debit cards from separate banks or networks (e.g., Visa and Mastercard). This provides a backup option to ensure you do not find yourself without access to your funds if one card were to be compromised.

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. Digital payments add an additional layer of security through encryption, as card numbers are not visible and are not shared with retailers when paying with your phone, protecting against cyberattacks.”

Another advantage is that digital wallets minimize how much you need to carry when traveling, she added. “Just remember to set fingerprint, facial recognition or PIN access to your phone to protect your digital payments in case your device is misplaced, and keep in mind that while most major retailers accept digital payments, mom-and-pop shops might not offer this option.”

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. “While most places accept U.S. dollars, having the local currency can give you more negotiating power and help you stick to your spending budget. I also suggest ordering the currency you need at least one week before your trip to ensure it arrives on time."

Another benefit of having foreign currency in advance is peace of mind, knowing you already have what you need and don’t have to rush to exchange money upon arrival, she said.

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. "Combining vigilance with a secure bag can help better protect your IDs and credit cards from being stolen and you from potential identity theft." There are plenty of anti-theft bags available, with features such as slash-proof straps, locking compartments and RFID-blocking material.

Smart traveling begins with you

Preparation is the passport to worry-free travels. By taking the time to implement these small steps, you can travel with greater peace of mind, knowing that you are better protecting both your personal information and your money.