Financial tips for a carefree vacation
Everyone loves travelling. Whether you travel with a group tour, independently or solely, check out our travel checklist and overseas spending guide to get financially prepared for a wonderful trip.
Before setting off: Travel checklist to get financially prepared
- Exchange foreign currency: Once you confirm your travelling destinations, you should keep an eye on the exchange rates and decide when to exchange currency in order to get a good deal. Save time by simply pre-setting your target exchange rate and amount with FX Order Watch to convert funds automatically once your target rate is reached.
- Foreign cash withdrawal: Withdraw right before departure! You can now get foreign cash from Hang Seng foreign currency ATM located in major MTR stations and our 24 hrs Automated Banking Centres. Withdraw 12 currencies notes, including AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, JPY, TWD, THB and USD.
- Activate Overseas ATM cash withdrawal: Remember to activate the Overseas ATM cash withdrawal service in advanced via Hang Seng e-Banking, Personal Banking mobile app, Phone Banking Hotlines or ATMs, so you can have cash in hand overseas when you need it the most.
- Select a credit card for overseas spending: Select a credit card in advance that offers low overseas transaction fee and good rewards for overseas spending. Also, you can keep an eye on the latest credit card offers where you may buy international SIM cards, book hotels or flights at a cheaper price.
- Purchase travel insurance: Travel insurance is one of the most important things you should have for your trip. Apart from any accident and loss of possessions, it also covers trip cancellation or delay. Buy travel insurance via Hang Seng Personal Banking mobile app or Hang Seng Bank website within 90 days before the departure to enjoy a hassle-free trip with comprehensive protection.
- Download Hang Seng Personal Banking mobile app: Don't forget to download the Hang Seng Personal Banking mobile app which can help you deal with most of the financial matters mentioned above including activating overseas ATM withdrawal limit, applying a credit card and buying travel insurance, not to mention letting you manage your finance whenever and wherever you are.
While travelling: Play safe and pay safe
- Track your travel expenses: It's easy to get carried away and overspend while travelling. Remember to keep your sales receipts to track your travel expenses. Beware of the underlying foreign currency being charged and any additional transaction fees if you are using a credit card for overseas spending.
- Withdraw cash overseas: Upon activating Overseas ATM withdrawal, you can simply withdraw local currencies via UnionPay ATMs with ATM card in your destination. Service fee is as low as HKD20 per withdrawal.
- Getting sick: When travelling abroad, people may be more susceptible to illness in an unfamiliar environment. Travel insurance provides medical coverage in case you feel sick during the trip. Remember to get the receipt and medical report for claims. Always keep your 24-Hour Emergency Telephone Service Hotline easily accessible and call when in doubt.
- Prepare for unpredictable incidents: If you encounter any unpredictable incidents like loss of money or damaged baggage during your journey, report to the police within 24 hours upon discovery of loss and obtain a police report for travel insurance claim purpose.
After the trip: Start planning for the next trip
- Review receipts and transactions: Go through the receipts and review all the overseas transactions to make sure they reconcile with your monthly statement.
- Make any claims timely: If you need to make any insurance claims, make sure you keep all the necessary documents and receipts to file a claim within the claiming period.
- Get prepared for the next trip: The end of a journey also marks the start of another one. It's time to get financially prepared for your next trip. Make good use of Savings Planner on Hang Seng Personal Banking mobile app to save for a travel fund by establishing saving habits and tracking expenses.
Explore our products
Travelsure Protection Plan
- Insured age has no upper limit and incurs no additional premium for Single Trip Plan
Foreign exchange
- Comprehensive FX Trading Service covering up to 12 foreign currencies
- Trade currencies at pre-set target exchange rate with FX Order Watch
- Convenient FX ATM Service for both foreign exchange and note withdrawal
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Post Covid Solo travel
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Footnote
Other points to note
- To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!
- Foreign exchange involves exchange rate risk.
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Risk Disclosures
- Currency risk
Foreign Exchange involves Exchange Rate Risk. Fluctuations in the exchange rate of a foreign currency may result in gains or losses in the event that the customer converts HKD to foreign currency or vice versa. - RMB currency risk
Renminbi ("RMB") is subject to exchange rate risk. Fluctuation in the exchange rate of RMB may result in losses in the event that the customer subsequently converts RMB into another currency (including Hong Kong Dollars). Exchange controls imposed by the relevant authorities may also adversely affect the applicable exchange rate. RMB is currently not freely convertible and conversion of RMB may be subject to certain policy, regulatory requirements and/or restrictions (which are subject to changes from time to time without notice). The actual conversion arrangement will depend on the policy, regulatory requirements and/or restrictions prevailing at the relevant time.
Disclaimer
The information is provided by Hang Seng Bank Limited or its affiliates ("Hang Seng") for general information and reference only and does not constitute nor is it intended to be construed as any professional advice or recommendation. The information provided is based on sources which Hang Seng believes to be reliable but has not been independently verified. Any information provided herein are subject to changes without notice. No guarantee, representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correctness of any general information, projections and/or opinions ("Information") provided on this webpage and the basis upon which any such Information have been made, and no liability or responsibility is accepted by Hang Seng in relation to the use of or reliance on any such Information whatsoever provided on this webpage. Readers must make their own assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this webpage and make such independent research/investigations as they may consider necessary or appropriate for the purpose of such assessment. Hang Seng does not make any representation or recommendation or assessment as to whether or not any of the information mentioned herein is/are suitable or applicable to any persons and thus shall not be held responsible in this regard.