If you're heading off on an overseas adventure, use our travel checklist to make sure you've got everything covered.
1. Take a mix of cash and cards
Consider taking a mix offoreign cash, aTravel Money Card, debit andcredit cardswhen you’re travelling rather than relying on cash alone.
Not only is it good to have a bit of flexibility when it comes to paying for things, you’ll also have a back-up if anything gets stolen.
And it goes without saying that the time to get foreign cash, or load up your Travel Money Card, is when the exchange rate is in your favour. Watching it long before you go is key. Time it right and you may be able to make your dollar stretch a lot further.
2. Get travel insurance
Travel insurance is really important, without it you’ll be counting the cost if the unexpected happens. Some CommBankcredit cards include travel insurance,if yours doesn't you can purchase a policy and tailorCBA travel insuranceto your specific needs.
Regardless of the insurer you choose, make sure you tell them if you’re going to take part in an adrenaline filled activity – some policies exclude ‘dangerous sports’.
3. Review home and contents insurance
You want peace of mind that your home and belongings are protected while you’re away.
Check you’ve got the right level ofhome and contents insurancethat covers events like fire, flood and theft.
4. Check your limits
Getting your card rejected because you’ve exceeded your credit limit can put a dampener on your holiday.
Check yourcredit limitand daily ATM/ debit card withdrawal limit inNetBankto avoid getting caught out.
If you want to stick to a budget while you’re on holiday, you can alsoset a limit per transactionon your credit card so you don’t overspend.
And if you decide to get aTravel Money Card, you can log on to NetBank to set up alerts (by email, SMS or as a NetBank message) so you know when a currency dips below your chosen limit.
5. Check the expiry date on your cards
Take a look at your credit and debit ATM card a few weeks before you leave.
Let us know if any are due to expire just before, or while you’re away, we can sort out a replacement for you - simply log on toNetBankor theCommBank app.
While you're at it, check the expiry date on your passport too.
6. Consider paying bills and credit cards automatically
Missing abill or credit card paymentwhile you’re on holiday can lead to late fees. If you’re a habitual late-payer it may also impact your credit rating.
Consider setting up BPAY View AutoPayso your bills are automatically paid on time (up to a set limit of your choice), a direct debit orcredit card AutoPaywhere you determine whether to pay the minimum or a full repayment.
7. Know the fees and charges
Thinking aboutfees and chargescan be a holiday buzz-kill. But it’s important to remember that if you pay for things in Australian dollars on your credit card, you may pay more than you think.
Overseas merchants tend to charge a higher conversion rate for the trouble of converting your money into their currency. It may be cheaper to pay in the local currency.
And while it’s great having cash in hand, use overseas ATMs sparingly - you get charged every time you use them. Carrying lots of cash around isn’t a good idea, but paying fees every time you withdraw a few dollars isn’t either.
8. Tell us before you go
Log on toNetBankor theCommBank appto tell us when and where you’re going.
We can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on your accounts and credit cards while you’re away.
9. Have a back-up plan
Keeping your cash and cards separate is always a good idea. A money belt, while not an in-demand fashion item, may be a practical solution.
Even the best laid plans go awry though, so it’s best to have a back-up plan in case anything is lost or stolen. Stashing your cash and spare cards in a safe, or a lockable case, can give you a fall-back option if you need it.
10. Emergency details
Keep a digital and printed copy of important contact details somewhere safe in case of an emergency.
Access online and security support
- Lock, Block, Limityour CommBank credit card or lock your Travel Money Card
- Cancel and order replacement CommBank cards in NetBank or the CommBank app
- Call us on +61 2 9999 3283 to report lost or stolen CommBank cards
Travel insurance
For 24 hour travel insurance emergency assistance, call Cover-More in Australia direct and toll free on +61 2 8907 5641. You can also call from:
- Canada on 1844 345 1662
- New Zealand on 0800 632 031
- UK on 0808 234 3737
- USA on 1844 345 1662
Charges apply if calling from a mobile or pay phone.
