Travel tips: Keeping your finances in check before setting off What's not to love about holidays abroad? Weekend getaways and relaxing vacations are the perfect break from the daily grind. Credit cards, debit cards, balances and bills should be the last concerns on your mind. By ensuring all of these are in check, you can make your travel more secure, hassle-free and enjoyable.
Here are some practical recommendations we have put together for you before you set off on your travels.
Check your cards Know the expiry dates, account balance and amount of credit available to you. By doing this, you won't be caught with a card that expires while you are away. You will also have enough credit to cover your expenses.
Let the Bank know you are travelling It is a good idea to let your bank know that you are travelling. Why? Banks use security software and other means to prevent fraud and financial crime. That way you card will not be flagged for unusual activity when you buy croissants at the Champs Elysees.
It is important that you inform us about your travel plans beforehand. Here are three ways to do this. You can:
key in the necessary information on Internet Banking
Here is the process:
Log in to your BOV Internet Banking using your User ID. Enter the log in one-time-password using your BOV Mobile app (BOV Signatures), or by using the BOV secure key.
Click on “CONTACT US” located at the top-right of your screen.
Click on “send instructions”
From the drop-down list, select “Other Instructions”
In the message tab, please include your ID Card or Passport Number. Also, add your Name and Surname. Include the Mobile Number you used while traveling. List the country or countries you are travelling to. Provide your date of departure and arrival. Finally, add the last 4 digits of the card number you will use abroad.
Click on “Next”
Click on “Authorise” and follow the instructions on screen
send an email to [email protected] including the information mentioned in point (5) above
contact our customer service centre on +356 2131 2020
Familiarise yourself with daily withdrawal limits While on the phone, ask about your daily spending limit or ATM withdrawal limit. You can use ATMs for small expenses and charge higher expenses, such as hotel bills to your credit card. Don’t forget that ATM withdrawals are subject to cash advance fees, as determined by the respective banks.
Link your card to an eWallet like Apple Pay or Google Wallet Physical cash can be stolen or lost when travelling, and credit and debit cards may get damaged. By enrolling your preferred card in Apple Pay or Google Wallet, you can keep making card payments if any of these events happen.
Another convenient feature of an eWallet is how easy it is to make payments. You just activate your phone with a passcode or use biometric authentication, like face recognition or a fingerprint. Then, hold your device close to the cashier’s terminal.
You don’t need to enter a PIN because you have already authenticated yourself when activating your phone.
Confirm your PIN It is a good idea to check your balance at one of our ATMs. This will help you confirm that you remember your PINs and that your cards are working well.
If you add money to an eWallet like Apple Pay or Google Wallet, you can make transactions without a PIN.
Although eWallet payments are widely accepted worldwide, you may still need to make an ATM withdrawal. You may also encounter instances (e.g. some car hire outlets) where the card needs to be physically presented and used in connection with its PIN.
For these reasons, it is crucial that you know your cards' PINs and confirm them at an ATM. This step is important and should be done a few days in advance, allowing ample time for any necessary adjustments or assistance if needed.
Learn about the Travel Insurance policies Our premium cards offer many benefits. These include the BOV Skypass Credit Card, the BOV Visa Gold Card, and the BOV Visa Platinum Card. One of these benefits is automatic Travel Insurance coverage. This is activated as soon as you receive your card.
If you plan to use this travel insurance, it is important to understand what it covers. You should also know about any exclusions or upgrades that may apply.
The Bank’s Travel Insurance policy is arranged through Antes Insurance Brokers Ltd. If you have any questions or need to make a claim, please call them on +356 23855800/1 or email them at [email protected].
Explore the benefits Your cards come with a range of benefits, especially when you are travelling. For example, when making big purchases like plane tickets or hotel stays, choose a card that rewards you with our points.
With our Card loyalty programme, using your premium card turns every payment into a rewarding experience.
