Prepare for fees, cash withdrawals and card blocking

• Check daily and monthly limits, foreign currency terms and any fixed fees.
• Keep the contact details for blocking and replacing your card somewhere other than in your banking app.
• At an ATM, check the final amount shown and any additional fees before confirming.
• Keep a second payment option separate and ready to use.
• Check account or card notifications regularly, without turning every small expense into a concern.
• If your card is lost, blocking it quickly matters; don’t keep your access details in the same bag as your card.

Look up the specific terms for your card or account. Check whether use in your destination country needs to be enabled, what transaction limits apply and how withdrawals in a foreign currency are processed. Fixed fees, percentage-based charges and ATM fees may be listed separately. General information you find online is no substitute for the details provided by your own provider.

Write down the card-blocking number, your card number or a reference specifically intended for this purpose, and a way to contact your provider, so these details aren’t available only through your online account. You can store an encrypted or protected copy of the important details in your digitally secured travel documents. You should also make sure that backups, contacts and a plan B include an alternative way to manage a card block.

First check the currency and total amount shown on the ATM screen. Read any fee notices before confirming. If you’re offered a direct conversion into your own currency, compare the amounts shown and make an informed choice. If you’re unsure, it may be better to cancel than to confirm something you don’t understand.

Plan your withdrawals as part of your travel cash and daily budget. A few well-planned withdrawals may be easier to keep track of than lots of small ones, but carrying too much cash increases the risk of loss. Keep your card, cash and a second reserve separate, as explained in card, cash and a second payment option.

Check whether your daily limit is enough for your planned expenses, such as a deposit, a long journey or costs for several people. Make changes only through the secure access method provided for that purpose. Don’t write your PIN on your card or keep it with the card. When arranging car rentals and local travel, high pre-authorisations or deposits may also apply, so check in advance which payment methods are accepted.

A small cash reserve can be useful for the first leg after you arrive. Local transfers and public transport and long-distance buses and ferry connections can help you factor these costs into your arrival plans. If your route crosses a border, also consider the information in entry requirements and documents together with the order of your stops.

Block your card according to your provider’s instructions as soon as you know it’s lost. Then check which independent payment method is still available and keep a record of the block confirmation. If you’ve only lost your smartphone, your card may still work; if you’ve lost the card, you must still be able to contact your provider without using the banking app.

A second card is only a genuine backup if it’s kept separately, you know the necessary access details and its limit is sufficient. Money and payments puts these decisions in context. For general safety planning, Staying safe on the move is also a useful resource.

Before you leave, test the entire process: Is the card active? Does the PIN work? Are account notifications coming through? Can you find the card-blocking contact details without internet access? If you’re visiting several countries, check the details for each leg of the trip. Also decide who will keep the contact information when traveling together, and how you’ll access a replacement card or cash reserve if needed. That way, you can make a quick, clear decision in an emergency.

What fees should I check?

Check for fixed fees, percentage-based charges, foreign currency fees and possible ATM fees. The exact way these are presented depends on the provider and the specific transaction.

What do I need to block my card?

The designated card-blocking contact details and whatever information your provider needs to identify the card. You should be able to access these details independently of the lost device.

How often should I withdraw cash while traveling?

It depends on fees, safety, payment acceptance and your daily budget. Plan ahead so you have enough cash, but avoid carrying unnecessarily large amounts.

Do I always need a second card?

It isn’t essential, but it can reduce your reliance on a single payment method if your card is lost, blocked or affected by a technical issue.