You're Boarding a Flight—Have You Prepared Your Bank Account?

For many travellers, preparing for an overseas trip means confirming flights, packing luggage, and checking travel documents. 

However, one important area is often overlooked—your banking. 

Whether you're travelling for business, a family holiday or a weekend city break, spending a few minutes preparing your finances before departure may help reduce unnecessary inconvenience once you arrive. 

Here are six practical checks worth considering before your next international journey. 

1. Check That Your Payment Method Is Ready 

Imagine arriving overseas only to discover your preferred payment method cannot be used as expected. 

Before travelling, consider checking: 

• your debit card is active / your Worldwide Scan & Pay is ready

• your payment limits are suitable for your trip 

• your digital wallet is set up if you use one 

• your contact details are up to date 

Being prepared before departure can help make everyday purchases more straightforward during your travels. 

2. Consider Which Currencies You'll Need 

Different destinations have different payment habits. 

Some countries rely heavily on cards, while others continue to use local currency for smaller purchases or transport. 

Planning ahead allows you to think about: 

• which currencies you may use 

• whether you'll need more than one currency during your trip 

• how you intend to exchange money 

For travelers visiting multiple destinations, managing different currencies in one place may offer additional convenience. 

3. Understand How Foreign Exchange Works 

Exchange rates can vary between providers and over time. 

Before converting money, it is worth understanding: 

• how exchange rates are applied 

• whether fees or charges may apply 

• the total amount you'll receive after conversion 

Reviewing pricing before completing a transaction can help you make informed decisions. 

4. Think About Accessing Cash 

Although digital payments continue to grow worldwide, cash remains useful in many situations. 

Depending on your destination, you may need cash for: 

• public transport 

• local markets 

• smaller retailers 

• tipping where customary 

Checking how you'll access cash before travelling may help avoid unnecessary stress during your trip. 

5. Learn How People Pay at Your Destination 

Payment preferences vary around the world. 

For example: 

• Contactless card payments are common in many European cities. 

• QR payments are widely used across many parts of Asia. 

• Cash remains important in certain destinations and smaller businesses. 

Understanding local payment habits before travelling can help you choose the payment method that's most convenient for different situations. 

6. Keep Your Everyday Banking Simple 

Travelling often involves moving between currencies, making purchases, and checking balances while away from home. 

Many travelers prefer having these services accessible through one banking relationship, allowing them to: 

• view multiple currencies 

• make payments 

• exchange currencies 

• monitor transactions in real time 

An integrated banking experience can help simplify everyday money management while traveling. 

Prepare More Than One Way to Pay

Different destinations may favour different payment methods, so it can be useful to have more than one way to pay while travelling.

Alongside your iFAST Global Bank UK Debit Card, eligible customers can use Worldwide Scan & Pay through the iFAST Global Bank app to make cross-currency payments by scanning supported QR codes in participating markets.

This can give you greater flexibility in destinations where QR payments are commonly used, helping you adapt to local payment habits without relying on a single payment method.

Before travelling, check whether Worldwide Scan & Pay is supported at your destination and familiarise yourself with how the feature works in the app.

A More Connected Way to Travel 

For customers who travel internationally, iFAST Global Bank brings together everyday banking features in one place, including: 

• A Multi-Currency Current Account supporting up to eleven currencies.* 

• Worldwide Scan & Pay, allowing customers to make cross-currency QR code payments regardless of where they go.*

• A UK Debit Card linked to your account for everyday spending. * 

• Competitive foreign exchange available through the mobile app and online banking. 

• Real-time account access through the iFAST Global Bank mobile app.* 

Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, preparing your banking before departure can help you feel more confident managing your money while overseas. 

Key Takeaway 

Packing your suitcase is only one part of preparing for an international trip. 

Taking a few moments to review how you'll spend, access and manage your money before departure may help make your travel experience smoother and more convenient. 

Disclaimer 
*Terms and conditions apply. 
Debit Card: 
https://www.ifastgb.com/en/service/debit-card 
Foreign Exchange: 
https://www.ifastgb.com/en/foreign-exchange 
Multi-Currency Current Account: 
https://www.ifastgb.com/en/interest-rates?prod=mca

Worldwide Scan & Pay supports cross-currency payments only and does not support transactions made in the same currency as your account.

Availability of Worldwide Scan & Pay and supported QR payments may vary by country and merchant. Terms and conditions apply.