Going on holiday? We’ll help you get everything ready!
3 min
The bookings are confirmed and the suitcases are almost packed. All that remains is to finalize the details and ensure everything is perfect! From insurance and bank cards to budget planning and useful tips, a little preparation makes all the difference. Read on to discover the key points that will help you set off on holiday with complete peace of mind.
Before travelling abroad: prepare your payment cards
- Check the validity of your debit and credit cards.
- Check your payment and withdrawal limits and adjust them if necessary.
- Check the geographical area of use – Europe or outside Europe – and change it if needed.
- Note the Card Stop number: 078 170 170, available 24/7 to quickly block your card in case of loss or theft.
- Do not forget to take your card reader if you use one.
- Activate your Easy Banking App notifications to be informed after each payment.
Manage your debit and credit cards with Easy Banking App
With Easy Banking App and Easy Banking Web, you can view and manage your card settings yourself, before and during your trip. Changes are applied instantly, wherever you are.
How does it work? Read our practical articles to find out more about managing your debit and credit cards.
Tip: check that your Easy Banking App is up to date, that your login details are valid and that your contact details (phone number, email address) are correct via the Settings tab.
What insurance should you consider when travelling abroad?
For a trip abroad, several types of insurance can be useful:
- Annual travel insurance
- Temporary travel insurance
- Family third-party liability insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Car breakdown insurance
Taking out additional travel insurance
You can choose between annual travel insurance and temporary travel insurance. Please note that family liability insurance may also cover certain risks relating to your holiday accommodation, rental car and personal belongings.
Check with your health insurer to see what cover you already have, and take out additional travel insurance if necessary.
Travel cancellation insurance
When making your booking, remember to consider taking out cancellation insurance. This can protect you financially in the event of unexpected circumstances, helping you to avoid losing the costs associated with your reservation. Take a moment to check what cover is included with your credit card. Some credit cards automatically include cancellation insurance. Therefore, taking out additional cover could be unnecessary and represent an avoidable cost.
Which insurance should you consider for a car trip?
Before setting off, it is wise to consider suitable protection for unexpected events. Depending on your needs and situation, several types of insurance may be relevant. With options such as Top Assistance insurance* as an extension to your car insurance or a Touring Go breakdown assistance contract from AG*, you can travel with peace of mind wherever the road takes you in Belgium or abroad.
At your destination: a few practical tips
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking operations.
- Never share your codes (PIN, password).
- For your first small expenses (taxi, snacks…), for example when leaving the airport, keep a few euros or some local currency in your pocket.
- Monitor your budget in real time: during your stay, regularly check your upcoming payments, balance and spending using the budget management tool in Easy Banking App.
Which bank card should you use to pay or withdraw cash abroad?
In general, when abroad, it is best to prioritise card payments and limit cash withdrawals.
Within the euro area, payments by debit card and credit card are free. Withdrawals with a debit card are also free, while those made with a credit card involve fees.
Outside the euro area, paying with a credit card is generally the least expensive option.
Consult the full list of fees related to the use of debit and credit cards and discover a few practical examples.
Find the answers to your questions in your Easy Banking App
- Ask your question 24/7 to Samy, your virtual assistant in Easy Banking App. It responds quickly and directs you within the app according to your request.
- You can also consult our FAQs. In Easy Banking App, click on Help and contact. You can also report fraud or contact Card Stop there.
- Can’t find what you are looking for? After selecting your topic, click the Call the Easy Banking Centre button.