Relying only on cash or only on one card while on holiday is impractical. If the wallet is lost, a single source of money can quickly be blocked. A small emergency reserve kept separately makes the travel funds more robust without carrying large amounts of cash.
Quick check before departure
- Are debit and credit cards usable at your destination?
- What daily and cash withdrawal limits apply?
- What fees can apply for withdrawals and payments?
- Is your current phone number registered with your bank or card issuer?
- Where can you find the blocking option without having to search for the card first?
Store the official blocking contacts of your bank or card issuer separately from the card. Photographs containing full card details, the security code or PIN do not belong on your phone. The PIN should never be stored together with the card.
Divide travel funds into three parts
- Daily amount: A small amount of cash and one card go into the wallet for the current day.
- Second payment option: Another card is kept separate and secure.
- Emergency reserve: A manageable amount of cash is kept in another secure place and is used only if needed.
When multiple adults travel, not all cards and all cash should be kept in the same bag. In hotels or holiday apartments, valuables should only be stored in the secure facilities provided for that purpose. Do not leave money or cards in the car.
When paying and withdrawing cash
Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and do not be distracted at the ATM. Suspicious attachments or an unusual card slot are reason to use another machine. Check transactions regularly via your bank's official access.
If a conversion to euros is offered when paying abroad, compare carefully. Immediate conversion by merchants or machines can involve unfavorable rates and additional costs. The Chamber of Labour recommends checking fees and the conversion before confirming.
What to do in case of loss
- Block the card immediately via the bank's or card issuer's official channels.
- Check account activity and report suspicious transactions.
- In case of theft, consider filing a report with the local police or file one as required by the provider.
- Use the separate reserve only for necessary expenses.
Link to your holiday budget
The emergency reserve is not an additional holiday budget. It remains outside the daily allowance. How accommodation, food, entrance fees and incidental costs can be arranged per day is shown in our article Plan your holiday budget per day. For spontaneous bookings, the checklist also helps Book a holiday apartment at short notice.
Sources and further information
Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.
