Keep your money, cards, and banking secure when you're overseas

Before you go

• Tell your bank/credit card company when you're travelling overseas as some institutions will freeze your account if they see unusual activity, especially in another country.

• Keep the international help number for your bank in a safe place in case you need help fast.

• Check into SMS payment security.

• Get internet banking so you can transfer money from accounts and check your online statements and ensure there are no unauthorised purchases.

• Leave a photocopy of all your tickets, passport pages, and internet banking information with your parents or a trustworthy friend at home.

• Scan all travel documents and email them to yourself. That way you'll have them accessible overseas.

While you're away

• Don't keep all your money or valuables in one place. Stash a little cash in one pocket (or a bra!), some more in another, a credit card or Visa debit card in a money pouch underneath your clothes, valuables in another bag.

• Be safe at the ATM  - ATMs that are inside or connected to banks are generally the safest to use as the usually have security guards or staff checking them.

• If you are traveling overnight on a boat, train or bus, make sure you padlock your bags shut and chain them to your chair/bed. If you're leaving your luggage at your hostel while you go sightseeing, it's a good idea to do the same.

• Don't look like a tourist with maps and travel guides spread out in front of you or flapping in the breeze. Check where you need to go before you leave the hostel, or find a discreet place to look up information so pick-pockets don't mark you and your wallet as an easy target.