How to Manage Financial Emergencies While Traveling

Sep 30, 2024
 |  1 min read
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Touring is always an exciting process, which provides an opportunity to have new experiences and create incredible memories. But, it is important to be financially ready for any incidences that may occur during your journey. From misplaced wallets to a medical crisis, having the resources to deal with a financial crisis can be the difference between a small hiccup and a vacation-ruining event. In this blog post, we will see how can you prepare a financial safety net before traveling so that you can be ready for any financial crisis that may come your way. 

What Should One Do for a Financial Backup Before Going for a Trip? 

It is advisable to set your financial house in order before you go on your journey. First of all, it is necessary to open an emergency fund for travelling only. This should be a dedicated fund to cater for incidental expenses including changes in accommodation, transport or medical bills that may arise and are not catered for by insurance. It is advisable to allocate about 10-15% of the total budget for travel expenses for contingencies. 

Another important part of your financial protection is travel insurance. Some of the most common travel insurance are trip cancellation insurance, medical insurance, and baggage insurance. Credit cards can be very useful for travellers as they provide rewards, purchase protection and emergency services.. 

How Do Digital Banking and Apps Help Manage Travel Finances? 

In the current world where everything is going digital, it is very easy to manage your finances while on the move. How can digital banking and apps aid in managing travel finances? Mobile banking applications enable you to view your account balances, transfer money, and pay your bills from any part of the world. Before the trip, get acquainted with the bank application and make sure that all the necessary information for entering the application is saved. 

Mobile payments have become popular since they allow people to make transactions without physically touching cards or cash. Most of the countries now enable contactless payments, so it will be useful to install digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone. 

In fact, currency exchange is better done online as the rates are higher than those offered in the airport kiosks or exchange offices. Search for reliable online currency exchange services. It is wise to order foreign currency prior to your travel in order to get a better exchange rate. For the currency requirements in the middle of the journey, there are applications such as XE Currency or Currency that can be used for the conversion of prices and for making rational decisions on spending.

Measures to Have a Financial Contingency Plan for Travel Emergencies? 

How can you create a backup plan for your finances in case of travel disruptions? Despite the best of planning, there are always likely to be hitches in travel. It is always important to have a contingency plan for your money. First of all, it is necessary to choose the emergency contacts who can help you financially if necessary. Make sure these people have access to your account information and the ability to transfer money to you in the event of an emergency. 

Photocopy your passport, visa, insurance, and credit cards so that in case of loss, you have copies. It is recommended to save these copies in the cloud or with a close relative. This precaution can be very useful if you lose or have your documents stolen. 

Digital payments are safe and easy, but it is advisable to carry a little bit of cash in your home currency and the currency of the country you are visiting. This cash can be a lifesaver in situations where digital payments are not accepted or where technology lets you down. 

It is important to get acquainted with the crisis management resources available to the travelers. It is also important to know the address and phone number of your country’s embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting. These institutions can offer instant travel loan in cases of emergencies such as offering of financial aid in the most desperate situations.

Conclusion

Thus, it is possible to state that managing financial emergencies during the trip is all about planning and using both conventional and innovative tools. Having a financial cushion, using digital banking resources, and having a contingency plan, you can travel without worrying about the financial problems that may occur. In case of emergency you can avail urgent loan online with mPokket. As we have mentioned earlier, stress-free travel is all about having the best plans for the best experiences but also having plans for the worst-case scenarios. Safe travels!

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Gaurav Jalan

Gaurav Jalan is the Founder and CEO of mPokket, a digital lending platform serving underserved Indian youth. He leverages technology and experience to deliver cost-effective credit to marginalized populations. In his role, he provides strategic direction and oversees execution to fulfill mPokket's mission.