Whether it’s for business or pleasure, travelling overseas can be exhilarating. But beneath that excitement, there is usually a worry that everything may not go according to plan.
We all make mistakes when travelling, whether it's packing the wrong clothes, missing flights, or forgetting to get an eSIM for international travel so we can stay connected when we land.
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when going overseas.
Waiting until arrival to figure out mobile data
Nothing can put a damper on your overseas vacation or business trip like a lack of connectivity. Still, many Canadians land in another country without a plan for internet access, only to end up with surprise roaming charges.
Even when traveling to exotic locations, you’ll absolutely need connectivity. Otherwise, simple tasks like calling a rideshare, accessing hotel bookings, and checking maps become more of a hassle than they need to be.
While you can still stay connected using your Canadian SIM, that can become extremely costly after just a few days abroad. Additionally, buying a local SIM at the airport kiosks can also be expensive and inconsistent, depending on where you land.
Switching to an eSIM for international travel lets you save money while enjoying reliable internet throughout your stay.
Paying unnecessary fees for a visa
Canadian tourists have lost millions to online visa scams. Many of these scams are designed to look like official government websites and will charge fees for services that should be otherwise free.
The Canadian government has warned travellers to beware of false or misleading messages that appear to be from Global Affairs Canada. There have also been reports of “shady” experiences at Canadian visa hubs abroad run by VFS Global. Some travellers have complained about being charged a fee to get service when faced with a tight deadline.
To avoid getting stuck, start your visa application early enough to ensure there are no last-minute issues.
Getting ripped off when exchanging money
Dealing with a new currency can be confusing, and it's easy to get ripped off,, especially if you’re in a hurry. Exchanging money at the airport can cost you as much as 10 percent of your money due to poor exchange rates and sky-high service fees.
The best move here is to exchange your money before you leave. Many banks offer currency exchange services with better rates than airport bureaus. In addition, most waive off fees for account holders.
Alternatively, you can use credit cards that offer free currency exchange. But you should watch out for hidden fees,, as this is how some fee-free credit card companies make their money. It’s important to always select the local currency, not CAD, to keep your bills low.
Forgetting to check entry requirements
Entry requirements are always changing. For instance, the EU has implemented a new Entry/Exit System that now requires Canadians to provide personal data at the border.
According to the EU website, this includes a photo of your face and a scan of your fingerprints. Luckily, you can register some of your data in advance and avoid delays at your port of entry.
Failing to notify banks before travelling
One of the most common problems Vancourites face abroad is card freezes. This happens when your bank mistakenly flags your overseas purchases as fraudulent and blocks your card. Make sure you notify your bank before leaving.
It’s also advisable to carry more than one card so you don't get stuck if one of your cards gets flagged and frozen.
Skipping travel insurance
Travel insurance may seem unnecessary until something actually goes wrong. Anything from lost luggage to a delayed flight to a medical emergency can become quite expensive abroad.
Getting travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars. If something happens and you need to cancel your trip, it helps you get reimbursed for non-refundable expenses like flights and hotels.
From packing well to managing connectivity and checking your passports, spending a little extra time preparing before takeoff can save money and make your trip much more enjoyable.
