Tips for managing money while traveling abroad

Even experienced travelers can’t foresee every financial need.

We recommend carrying at least two means of payment: first, a combination of credit, debit, and ATM cards; and second, foreign currency cash to pay for taxis, meals, and tips. Our branches no longer have foreign currency cash on-hand available for over-the-counter same-day purchase and we no longer can take foreign currency cash orders over the phone.

Please note: Rates for foreign currency wire transfers, checks, and drafts differ from rates for foreign currency cash.

Before your trip

• Confirm your contact information is up to date so we can contact you if we detect unusual activity.
• Turn on international usage for your debit card in card controls if you're traveling outside of the United States.
• Make a list of important international phone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards.
• Talk to your bank before you leave about how to send a wire when you’re abroad. Some banks require you to enroll for wire transfer services prior to travel.
• Make sure you have wifi or cellular service overseas if you plan to access your accounts while traveling.
• Prepare for completing security verifications for your digital banking transactions while abroad by reading our Text Message FAQs.
• If you'll need to complete money movement, such as Zelle^® or wires, during your trip, consider obtaining an RSA SecurID^® device for security verification, since some forms of verification may not be available while abroad.
• As digital technology differs by country, consider taking physical credit and ATM cards with you if you typically use a digital wallet.
• Ask your card companies about foreign transaction fees, fees for withdrawals at an international ATM, your card's compatibility with international ATMs, and your daily card limits to make sure they'll fit your needs.

During your trip

• Consider taking copies of key documents with you. This can sometimes help speed up the replacement process, if needed. Be sure to keep copies separate from the originals.
• For help with your personal account, use these international access codes to call us toll-free from outside the U.S. You can also reach us through the Wells Fargo Mobile^® app. Please note that outside of the U.S., Wells Fargo does not have offices that provide service to personal or small business customers.

After your trip

• Contact your bank about buying back any unused foreign currency cash. Wells Fargo can often buy back unused foreign currency cash at any of our branch locations. We don't buy back all currencies and buy-back rates differ from rates for ordering cash. We don't buy back coins.