Which bank to choose for a world tour?

When planning to go on a world tour, the question of bank arises quickly. Is it still better to stay loyal to your current bank or should you consider changing to a bank more suited to this type of travel? The choice of bank can be crucial for a successful world tour. There are numerous criteria to take into account: withdrawal and payment fees abroad, availability of customer service, bank card offer, etc. This article will help you see things more clearly.

The importance of choosing the bank when traveling around the world

When planning a world tour, we often think first of plane tickets, visas, vaccines, itineraries… But the choice of bank is just as important. Indeed, bank charges abroad can quickly add up and represent a significant portion of the travel budget.

The ideal would be a bank that offers free withdrawals abroad, fee-free payments in all countries, and Bank card accepted all over the world. Unfortunately, this ideal bank does not yet exist. However, some banks stand out for their offers adapted to travelers and can allow you to make significant savings.

Traditional banks: an option to consider?

Traditional banks have long been the only options for travelers. However, their prices are often high, especially for operations abroad. In addition, their bank card offering is generally limited to Visa and Mastercard, which are not always accepted everywhere in the world.

Despite everything, some traditional banks have made efforts to adapt to the needs of travelers. They sometimes offer specific packages, including travel insurance and reduced withdrawal fees abroad. It is therefore recommended to check with your current bank before making a decision.

Online banks: a wise choice for a world tour

Online banks have revolutionized the banking world, offering flexibility and prices that are often more attractive than traditional banks. In addition, they generally offer a wider range of bank cards, including Visa and Mastercard, but also more high-end cards, accepted in more countries.

Online banks also offer the advantage of being able to manage your accounts remotely, which is particularly practical when traveling around the world. However, they may be less responsive in the event of a problem, due to the absence of a physical advisor.

Neo-banks: the future of travel?

Neo-banks, or mobile banks, are a new generation of completely dematerialized banks. They offer many advantages for travelers, such as free withdrawals and payments abroad, and great flexibility in managing their accounts.

Furthermore, some of them offer bank cards accepted in all countries, which can be a real asset for a world tour. However, neo-banks are still little known and some may be unreliable. It is therefore important to research carefully before making your choice.

Which bank to choose for a world tour: the verdict

There is no single answer to this question, because the choice of bank depends on many criteria: your traveler profile, your budget, your needs in terms of banking services…

However, one thing is certain: for a world tour, it is essential to choose a bank that offers free withdrawals and payments (or at reduced fees) abroad, a bank card accepted in as many countries as possible, and a Responsive and available customer service. Whether it’s a traditional bank, an online bank or a neo-bank, the main thing is to do your research and compare the offers to make the choice best suited to your needs.

The choice of bank card for a world tour

The choice of Bank card is an essential point for the smooth running of a world tour. Indeed, it is essential to opt for a card that is widely accepted across the globe, and which offers advantageous withdrawals and payments.

The most accepted cards internationally are Visa and Mastercard. However, not all are equal. Many banks offer Premier Visa or the Mastercard Gold, which offer insurance and travel assistance included. This can be a considerable asset in the event of a problem abroad.

Some online banks, such as Boursorama Bank, go further and offer cards from the range Visa Infinite Or Mastercard World Elite at more attractive rates than in traditional banks. These high-end cards offer many benefits for travelers, such as high withdrawal and payment limits, and even more comprehensive travel insurance.

However, you should be careful with cards with systematic authorization, which may be refused for certain payments abroad. It is therefore preferable to opt for a classic or premier card for a world tour.

Withdrawal and payment fees abroad: a determining criterion

Withdrawal and payment fees abroad can represent a significant part of the budget when traveling around the world. It is therefore crucial to choose a bank that offers favorable conditions for operations outside the euro zone.

Many online banks and neobanks offer free withdrawals outside the euro zone. This is the case, for example, of Boursorama Banque, which offers free withdrawals from all ATMs around the world with the Visa Premier card. However, these free withdrawals are often limited to a certain number per month.

When it comes to payments, some banks charge no fees for payments in foreign currencies, while others charge a percentage on each transaction. It is therefore important to research carefully before making your choice.

Please note that some countries apply local fees for card withdrawals and payments, which are in addition to your bank’s fees. It is therefore recommended to carry a certain amount of cash to avoid these fees.

Conclusion

Choosing the bank for a world tour is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Whether you opt for a traditional bank, an online bank or a neo-bank, the most important thing is to compare the offers and choose the one that best meets your needs as a traveler.

To do this, don’t forget to take into account the fees for withdrawals and payments abroad, the type of bank card offered, the availability of customer service, and the reliability of the bank. And don’t forget: even the best bank cannot replace good preparation and rigorous management of your budget!

Around the world is an extraordinary adventure, and choosing the right bank can help you enjoy it to the fullest, without worrying about financial problems. Have a good trip !