Prepare for travel.
Get ready for your trip with these savvy financial tips, then relax and enjoy your adventure.
Key things to do before you go.
Here’s a checklist to follow before your trip.
Stay connected and secure your access:
- Update your registered email address and phone number through Manage My Visa Card or with Vancity so you can continue receiving important notifications while you’re away
- Set up fraud alerts by email and text message if your card is blocked due to suspicious activity
- Check out additional alerts you can set up for security and convenience
- Confirm with your mobile provider that you’ll be able to receive incoming text messages while where you’re going. You may need texts to verify purchases, respond to fraud alerts, and unblock your card if suspicious activity is detected. You may also need to receive a one-time verification code by text message to sign in to online banking or access your accounts
- Won’t be using your mobile number? Review your multi-factor authentication (MFA) settings before you leave and switch to a verification method that will work without your number or text messages
- Write down our contact information in case you lose access and can only call us
Ready your wallet.
- Secure foreign currency in advance
- Prep your credit card and debit card
- Check expiry date and available balance on your cards
- Confirm ATMs in your area
Secure foreign currency.
Getting foreign cash before travelling outside Canada will save you time, reduce your exchange fees and eliminate stress. All Vancity community branches carry US Dollar, Euro, and the British Pound. Our Foreign Exchange department can provide any denomination you need — just give us two days for processing in case we need to order your funds.
Understand dynamic currency conversion.
When travelling internationally, your purchases can be converted into your home currency through dynamic currency conversion (DCC) by merchants instead of Visa*. DCCs are optional; they allow you to see the exact price of your item in your home currency at the point of sale instead of having to check your credit card statement afterwards. We advise that you ask the merchant whether they charge commissions or fees for this service.
Cash, debit, credit and ATMs
When travelling, we recommend carrying a mix of cash in the local currency, credit cards and debit cards to ensure payments can be accepted wherever you go.
Your enviro™ Visa* card and Vancity MEMBER CARD® debit card can be used wherever our partner card networks operate. Please note, acceptance may vary by individual merchant and country.
For cash withdrawal at ATMs:
Canada
Vancity and Ding-Free ATMs and Interac
International
Cirrus (Mastercard ATMs)
Don’t forget about your bills.
Arrange from your Vancity bank account or enviro Visa account to avoid missing your monthly payments or late charges. To set up pre-authorized payments, contact each service provider and provide them with your account information.
Purchase travel insurance.
Protect yourself from unexpected emergencies with travel insurance from TuGo™ Travel Insurance^. If you’re an enviro Visa cardholder, you can purchase optional travel medical insurance even if a pre-existing medical condition is present.
For more details, review the coverage certificate, get a quote or call TuGo at 604-231-3067 or 1-866-590-8472 (toll-free).
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Trademark of Visa Int., used under license
The language in this website may not be the same as the actual policy wording which will prevail in all instances and is available upon request. Certain exclusions, limitations and conditions may apply. TuGo is a registered trademark of and is administered by North American Air Travel Insurance Agents Ltd. d.b.a. TuGo, a licensed insurance broker in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, represented by licensed insurance agents Kathleen S. Starko and Bradley G. Dance in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and P.E.I. 11th Floor - 6081 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC Canada V6Y 2B2. Insurance is underwritten by Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc., Industrial Alliance Pacific General Insurance Corporation and certain Lloyd’s Underwriters, severally and not jointly.