Be sure to check in with your bank before leaving the country! Otherwise, your credit/debit/check cards may be taken away or become inactive while your abroad. Without an international phone plan, this problem may become very difficult to address. To avoid this, I recommend calling your bank and credit card companies to provide them with dates you will be gone.
Next, I would create a list for both you and your families. It should include the account numbers for the cards you are bringing abroad alongside a company number that you can call (world-wide) in the event of a problem. This will also make it easier for you or your family to cancel your card if it has been stolen.
Moral of the story: Don't be like me. Do your homework before you leave and you will save yourself some cash!
Travel Safe,
Some Study Abroad Girl
October 16, 2009 Update:
Find the bank with the cheapest international withdraw rate before you go. Even if you only hope to use credit cards abroad, you will still need to withdraw money from an ATM at some point. My bank charges 4% on everything I withdraw, which I feel is pretty high. Had I thought about this before I left, I would have set up an account with another bank for when I was temporarily out of the country.
Travel Safe,
Some Study Abroad Girl
Im a communications major in college, jr year, and i wish to study in London for a term. What are some sites you can recommend or some help? Im soooo ready to go to England, so many sites and football
ReplyDeleteThe best thing you can do is visit the study abroad office at the university or institution you are attending now. They will be able to match you up with schools that provide the remaining classes you need to graduate.
ReplyDeleteLondon is amazing though. I am very confident you would love attending school there. The people are friendly and there is so much to do!