QUESTION: Security of money and cards: what backup payment methods should you have?
To ensure your trip goes smoothly and unforeseen financial difficulties do not catch you off guard, it is extremely important to think ahead about backup payment methods. Experienced travelers recommend always having at least two or three alternative ways to access money to successfully deal with possible payment system failures, card blocks, or a lost wallet. Having a well-thought-out Plan B not only guarantees your financial independence abroad but also effectively saves your nerves in stressful situations.
As your first backup tool, make sure to take cash in a stable world currency, such as US dollars or euros, which are accepted for exchange almost anywhere in the world. Keep this amount separate from your main cards and documents, dividing it into several parts and hiding them in different places in your luggage and clothing. Having cash will help you out in situations where cashless payment terminals are temporarily not working due to communication failures or power outages in the region.
The second reliable method is to obtain cards from several different banks, preferably operating in different payment systems, as well as using digital wallets and virtual cards.