Nobody dreams about bank cards and insurance documents when planning a trip. But when a card gets swallowed by a cash machine or you need a doctor at 3am, these are the things that decide whether it is a small problem or a disaster.
Money
- Carry at least two cards from different banks, and keep them in different places. If one is lost or blocked, you still have access to money.
- Use a travel-friendly card with low foreign transaction fees and fair exchange rates. Fees of 3% on every payment add up quickly over a long trip.
- Always pay in the local currency. When a machine or shop asks if you want to pay in your home currency, say no — the exchange rate is almost always worse.
- Tell your bank you are travelling if your bank still needs this, and make sure your banking app works abroad.
- Keep emergency cash — a small amount of US dollars or euros is widely accepted for exchange.
Phone and internet
- eSIMs let you buy data before you land and switch it on as soon as you arrive. Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
- Local SIM cards are often the cheapest option for long stays. You will usually need your passport to register one.
- Download offline maps and a translation app before you arrive.
- Use two-factor authentication on important accounts, and keep a way to receive codes if you change your SIM.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is the one thing you should never skip. Medical care abroad can be extremely expensive, and an emergency flight home can cost more than your whole trip.
- Check that it covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
- Check activities: scooters, diving, trekking and adventure sports are often excluded unless you add them.
- Long-term travellers and digital nomads may need a policy designed for long trips, as normal holiday cover often has a maximum trip length.
- Save your policy number and the emergency phone number in your phone and on paper.
Documents and backups
- Passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages.
- Photos of your passport, visas, insurance and cards saved securely online.
- Spare passport photos for visas and SIM cards.
- An international driving permit if you plan to drive or ride a scooter.
- A list of emergency contacts and your embassy's details.
Before you leave: send a copy of your route and documents to someone you trust at home.
Next: plan your route with our Southeast Asia budget guide, or find ways to earn while you travel.
This checklist is general information, not financial advice.