Money management for a short overseas trip
Whether it’s the holiday of a lifetime, a quick trip across the ditch, or attending a major sport or music event, there’s lots to think about when you’re heading overseas. Knowing how you'll manage your money is one of the most important things when it comes to safe travel.
01
Getting organised
The secret to a successful trip starts with being well organised – and that includes your money. Here's a few things worth remembering.
Prepare a budget
It’s easy to overspend when you’re overseas, especially when you’re juggling different exchange rates. So before you go, work out roughly how much you’ll need each day.
Organise your travel money
It’s good to have a few different ways of paying for things. Foreign cash is always useful from the moment you arrive, credit cards and debit cards are great for bigger purchases and a Multi-currency Cash Passport card is a handy way to have extra funds for backup. It's also safer than carrying large amounts of cash.
Order foreign cash
We supply a variety of currencies. If we don’t sell the specific local currency, we can advise on any alternative currencies that are accepted in the countries you are visiting.
Arrange your foreign exchange now
Foreign exchange can be easily arranged online through FastNet Classic internet banking, at any ASB branch or by calling ASB TravelLine on 0800 925 566.
02
Essential cards and insurance
Credit or debit cards are good for backup - even if you’re not planning to use them. And whatever you do, don’t forget about travel insurance!
ASB Visa Debit card
An ASB Visa Debit card allows you to access your own money to make purchases or get cash out from ATMs whilst you're overseas. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, plus it offers the extra protection of microchip technology when you use your card at an EFTPOS terminal.
ASB Visa credit cards
Even if you don’t plan to use a credit card each day, it’s a good idea to have one as a back up. All ASB Visa credit cards have microchip technology for extra security and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
ASB Card Control
You should also consider using ASB Card Control, available through the ASB Mobile app. It gives you the power to manage your ASB Visa cards anywhere, anytime. You can also temporarily lock your card if you lose it, turn off ATM withdrawals, set up spending limits and much more.
IMPORTANT
Make sure you check that your cards aren’t about to expire while you are away.
Arrange your travel insurance
Having personal travel insurance is important when travelling overseas. If you have an accident or fall ill when travelling, medical expenses can add up very quickly. So make sure you’re covered before you take off. If you’ve paid for your flights using your ASB Visa Gold or Platinum credit card, you and your family may already be insured.
Note down our details
Make sure you know how to get in touch with us while you’re away.
You can always call us on +64 9 306 3000 or contact us through our website.
Take a look at our short video on how to travel on a budget – it might just save you a few dollars on your trip.
03
Managing your money while you're away
If you’re away for a few weeks or more, you’ll want to make sure your bills and other responsibilities are looked after. Here’s some ways to manage your money from afar.
Paying bills automatically
If you have bills due while you’re away, it’s easy to set up bill payments and make sure they get paid automatically. You can also pay most bills by direct debit.
FastNet Classic internet banking
If you have an internet connection, the easiest and most comprehensive way to manage your accounts, pay bills etc, both at home and away, is with FastNet Classic internet banking. Make sure you’re registered before you leave.
Mobile banking
For added convenience on-the-go wherever you are, try the ASB Mobile app.
There’s a lot you can do on your smartphone; from paying bills to transferring money and checking your accounts – even ordering foreign currency. Find out more about all the many things you can do on the ASB Mobile app.
Remember, data roaming charges can really start to add up – so you may want to buy a roaming bundle from your telco. You can normally top it up while you’re away, plus you’ll know how much you’re spending.
Make sure you have Netcode set up for your mobile, so that you can easily and securely pay for items which fall outside your daily set limit.
FastPhone International
You can also check balances, move money and pay bills with our 24/7 FastPhone service. Once registered, you just need to dial +64 9 302 4800.
But remember, carrier charges may apply for overseas calls.
04
Staying secure online
We are constantly monitoring and improving our levels of online security to counter any new threats. But it’s equally important that you are aware of what to look out for while you are away.
Probably the most important thing to remember is to never divulge personal PINs, passwords or anything of a financial nature to anyone.
Internet Cafés
If you are using a public computer in an internet café, be aware of the people around you – and always double check for the ‘https://’ at the beginning of the ASB web address. It’s also vital to logout and close your browser window after you’ve finished using internet banking. Remember to logout if you’re leaving your computer – even for a short time.
Using WiFi
In many countries, free hot spots in places like hotel lobbies, airports, coffee shops and malls are becoming more and more common. Free is always tempting, however it is worth making sure it is a trusted connection.
The ASB Mobile app features the same level of security as FastNet Classic internet banking, including Netcode.
Netcode for extra security
Netcode is an extra level of security for FastNet Classic internet banking and the ASB Mobile app that you can set to double check that it's really you making transactions online. It's a randomly created code, a bit like a temporary PIN, that we can either text to your mobile phone, or generate on a Netcode token.
05
While you're away
Understanding exchange rates
The most important thing about spending money overseas is making sure you understand the exchange rates.
FastNet Classic internet banking has a useful foreign exchange calculator for a wide range of major currencies, plus you can select foreign notes and cheques or international money transfers and compare rates. If you need to do a quick check on the go, you can check out the latest exchange rates on the ASB mobile app.
Keep things separate to keep them safe
It’s a really good idea to keep your credit card separate from cash or other secure documents. Most hotels have an in-room safe – but don’t forget to empty it before you leave! The Online Vault on FastNet Classic internet banking, is really handy for keeping important numbers and soft copies of documents such as your passport details and flight bookings.
Stay up to date
For the latest safe travel information about where you’re headed, check out www.safetravel.govt.nz, the official source of advice for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas.
Arrange your foreign exchange now
Arrange your foreign exchange online
You can order notes, foreign cheques or send an international money transfer using FastNet Classic internet banking.
Call us from overseas
You can call us during New Zealand business hours (international toll charges apply).
Other helpful guides
ASB’s terms apply.