As the possibilities for international travel open up, you may be eager to travel abroad for business opportunities, a family vacation or solo adventure trip. However, with pandemic restrictions still affecting travel in many parts of the world, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for changing conditions and travel requirements. Here are some steps to help you get ready for safe and smooth travels abroad.
1. Check Travel Advisories
Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories page for important travel information including entry and exit requirements. Each country is assigned a safety ranking from level 1 to 4 that that are updated regularly. You can sign up for the Smart Travel Enrollment Program to receive new updates and alerts based on your travel dates and destinations.
2. Review Health Requirements
Visit the CDC’s Traveler’s Health page to get information about vaccine requirements and current health updates for your destination. You may need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within a specified timeframe before traveling to another country. Some locations may require that you quarantine when you arrive. Review the guidelines for your destination and ensure you have all documents prepared before making your travel plans.
3. Notify Your Bank
Before leaving, contact your bank to let them know your travel dates. Otherwise, transactions may be flagged as suspicious and your accounts could be frozen. For flexibility and safety, consider packing multiple forms of payment along with a list of contact numbers in case you need it.
- Debit and ATM cards are accepted globally but may incur out-of-network or foreign conversion fees. Contact your bank about restrictions when making foreign transactions or using ATMs overseas.
- Credit cards provide a safe way to pay. But beware of using credit cards that charge fees on foreign transactions (typically about 3% of the purchase price). Amegy Bank Visa® Credit Cards have no foreign transaction fees on purchases made while traveling outside of the U.S.
4. Convert Foreign Currency Before You Go
When traveling outside the U.S., you may want to bring foreign currency with you or convert cash when you arrive. Keep in mind that airport and hotel exchange windows can be costly. For the best exchange rates, find a financial institution for foreign currency exchange services before heading overseas.
Amegy Bank Foreign Currency Services buys and sells about 80 international currencies. Visit a branch location for foreign currency exchange before you take off on your next international trip. We can help you get a handle on the best ways to pay so you’ll feel confident wherever your travels take you.
Looking for more ways to get your travel fix this summer? Check out these 2021 travel trends for inspiration as you start planning your next adventure.