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Getting finances organised in advance when you travel can help tremendously.

Handy tips for overseas travel

So you’re heading off overseas? What an exciting time! To ensure you will enjoy a hassle-free trip, here are some tips to help keep you and your money safe when traveling:

  1. Notify us before traveling. You can let us know your travel plans using the Sydney Mutual Bank mobile app (access Menu / Travel Overseas), calling us on 13 61 91, or visiting us in branch before you go. This will ensure that your cards aren't suspended for unusual activity.
  2. Check the expiry date on the cards you intend to use on your trip, and that their PIN numbers are current. It is a good idea to take a backup card with you, and not keep the backup card together with your main card. If one is lost or stolen, you will not be stranded with no means of payment. Also, if you have not used the cards you intend to take with you in your trip in the 30 days preceding your travel, it is worthwhile trying to use them and make sure they work correctly.
  3. Consider taking a Cash Passport™ Platinum Mastercard1 with you on your travels so you can lock in exchange rates2 and load up to 11 currencies. In case your card is lost or stolen, via the 24/7 Global Assistance a new card will be organised for you, free of charge and you can even get emergency cash3 so you can keep enjoying your holiday. You can order your Cash Passport™ Platinum Mastercard® online or in one of our friendly branches.
  4. Keep a record of all the cards in your wallet and the telephone numbers to contact should you have to report lost or stolen cards. Save a picture of every important card or document in your wallet, including the photo page of your passport.
  5. If you lose or misplace your card, remember that you can always temporarily block the card from the Mobile Banking app. Use this option when you think you're likely to find the card. You can also unblock the card from the app if you manage to find it. If you want to report your Sydney Mutual Bank cards as Lost or Stolen you can do this using the app as well - this will cause all transactions against the card to be declined (including any recurring payments and balance updates).

    To report a lost or stolen Sydney Mutual Bank Visa card while travelling overseas please call us on +61 2 9678 2111 during business hours Mon - Fri: 8am - 7pm, Saturday: 8.30am - 11.30am (Sydney time). Outside of business hours please call +61 2 8299 9101 (Vigil Helpline) or Visa International Helpline. Fees & charges apply when you replace a card, please refer to the fees and charges schedule
  6. Organise your travel insurance cover as soon as your trip is booked and don't forget to take a copy of your Certificate of Insurance with you as it may come in handy. You can always contact us for a quote as we are offering Travel Insurance via our partner CGU. To see more details about your CGU travel cover options, please click here.
  7. If you need help overseas, Smartraveller can assist you. The Australian Government also provides 24hr consular assistance from overseas. Call +61 2 62613305.

Stay safe and have an amazing trip!

1Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Multi-currency Cash Passport™ and Cash Passport™ Platinum (“Cash Passport”) in conjunction with the issuer, Heritage Bank Limited (ABN 32 087 652 024, AFSL 240 984). You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant Cash Passport available at www.cashpassport.com.au before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. MasterCard® and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.
2Lock-in your exchange rates means the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
3T&Cs apply. Customer must contact Customer service to report lost or stolen card. Emergency cash can be arranged up to the balance on your Cash Passport, subject to availability of funds at the approved agent location.