You need to stop making these money mistakes when traveling abroad so you can save up and use your money wisely.

Mistake #1: Skipping travel insurance. Yes, it’s worth it. You never know what will happen, and you might end up spending more if you don't have it. Better safe than sorry. It’s best to canvas online and not just rely on what your airline suggests, because that might end up costing more. For example, on my last trip, the airline I booked suggested travel insurance worth around Php 1,600, but I found Etiqa, a digital insurer that charged me around ¼ the price and processed my application in minutes. You can also check if your credit card offers free travel insurance. On one of my trips, since I booked my tickets using a certain card that offered free travel insurance, I got it for free!

Mistake #2: Failing to research the best roaming, pocket WiFi, or eSIM options. To avoid expensive charges on your phone bill or purchasing a costly eSIM abroad, do some research on affordable options! I also suggest asking friends who have been to your destination for advice. On my last trip, I just got an eSIM through Klook, and it cost me ⅓ the price if I just opted for my cell phone line’s roaming package.

Mistake #3: Not checking for airport transfers. Transportation options and costs to and from airports can vary from city to city. On my last trip, I used Klook and found out that the airport I was going to had a train, so I took advantage of that option. Some countries have affordable taxis or ride-hailing services, while in others, you might have to book private cars. Therefore, it's best to research and plan ahead to save on transportation costs.

Mistake #4: Not having a bit of local currency and not researching their tipping culture. I often use my credit card when traveling abroad, but I make sure I have a bit of local currency with me in case I run into places or activities that only accept cash or if the country I'm in has a prominent tipping culture. Sometimes withdrawing from your local ATM card in the country you’re in isn’t costly at all on fees and might just be the same if you try to change peso to their currency. Some countries (like Japan) even accept local e-wallets such as GCash so if you prefer to use cash but don’t want to carry around much in your wallet, this can be an option for you too. Some local e-wallets also issue cards now so you can use their cards to use up your wallet’s balance for more convenience. Usually, if you have Visa or Mastercard, you should be fine, but it’s also good to call your bank beforehand to inform them you’re traveling so they won’t suddenly block your card when you’re abroad because they think it’s a suspicious transaction.

Mistake #5: Falling into tourist traps because you didn’t plan an itinerary. It's important to prepare an itinerary, even just a rough one, complete with activities and dining options, ahead of time to avoid overspending. I also have shared Google Maps with my companions and we already pin the places we want to go to so we can check what’s near each other and this is how we base our days. I also like researching travel tips on TikTok.  Personally, I like using Klook and Agoda to book my activities and hotels because it’s so convenient, provides reviews from other users, and they have great deals. Also, be sure to look for discount codes. Every peso counts.  

Here’s a step by step guide on how to plan trips with Google Maps: https://bitly.ws/3dPG5

In the end, to make the most use of your money, just enjoy your trip to the fullest to make it 

more meaningful. Do you have any money-saving travel tips? Share them in the comments below!

Article by Mariel Bitanga Kintanar, RFP®️

Founder of Simply Finance @simplyfinanceph