Top Travel Tips When Using Your AIB Debit & Credit Card Abroad

As summer comes into full swing, your well-deserved getaway may be coming closer and closer. While it’s great to be able to be free from some of your usual responsibilities while on holiday, it’s important to remember to stay sharp about how you use your AIB Debit or Credit Card when abroad.

AIB brings you a quick guide to how you can make life easier and keep your finances secure while travelling:

Know your PIN

Don’t forget to memorise your PIN for your AIB Debit Card and AIB Credit Card. However, do not write it down or stick it in your wallet or purse! This is never a good idea.

Customer Service
Our Customer Service Representatives are here to assist you 24 hours a day, no matter what time zone you are in.Simply call us at 01 668 5500.It’s a good idea to key this number into your mobile phone before you go.Don’t forget, it’s also written on the back of your card.

Accepted Worldwide
Remember, your debit and credit card are accepted worldwide wherever you see the Visa or MasterCard logo.

AIB Card Reader
Just in case you need to transfer funds while you’re away, remember to bring your AIB Card Reader with you.

Lost or Stolen
If your AIB Debit or Credit Card is lost or stolen, please call us immediately on + 353 1 668 5500 available 24 hours a day. You can also log onto AIB Internet Banking to action this.

Emergency Cash
In emergency situations, if your credit card is lost or stolen when abroad, we can, on approval, provide you with emergency Cash up to US$5,000.00 (subject to available credit, Cash Advance and Currency Conversion fees & charges may apply).

Different payment methods
Just in case disaster strikes and you lose either your card or cash, it’s always a good idea to bring a range of payment methods including credit card, debit card and cash.

Local currency
For your own convenience, just bring enough local currency for your immediate spending needs. This will ensure you’re not carrying excessive amounts of cash on you at any point.If you select Euros when paying by card, the shopkeeper can apply an unfavourable exchange rate to the transaction and add their own handling fee on top. The total cost will typically be higher than if you had opted for the local currency. So simply choose Dollars in New York, Sterling in London and Baht in Bangkok to help make your holiday money go further.

Check your dates
While you’ll definitely double check your flight dates, make sure the expiry dates on your AIB Cards are valid for the duration of your holiday too. Pro tip: you might want to double-check the expiry date on your passport also!

Log out
When using AIB Internet Banking on any computer, never leave the PC unattended and always make sure you log-out of the service when you’re finished.

Spread out your valuables
Don’t keep your cards, money and passport all in one place. Take good note of where you keep them and this makes it more difficult for you to lose them or have them all stolen.

Shield your PIN
Whether you’re using an ATM or Point of Sale Terminal, always block your PIN no matter how safe it appears.

Keep your card in sight
When paying for goods and services, keep your AIB Debit or Credit Card in sight at all times.

Contactless
On your debit card, you can pay using the Contactless payment option wherever you see the contactless symbol.

Register for AIB Internet Banking online
Don’t forget to register for AIB Internet Banking before you travel so you can keep track of all your finances easily while travelling. You can quickly register online here now.

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.