Carrying a second debit card and WiFi security.

WiFi security in Europe is no different than it is in the US that I know of. If someone wants to steal your stuff they will. The operative words are "want to steal YOUR stuff." Why would they? If they would in your opinion then be careful. Many hotels have a secure WiFi option. A separate travel account with debit card is a good idea. It doesn't matter if it is a different bank or not as long as the travel account isn't linked to any other accounts. If it is linked it defeats the purpose of having the account, which is safety.

We take a backup debit and credit card. We carry them separately, i.e. my husband carries one set and I carry the other. We presume the chances of both of us getting pick pocketed at the same time is low as is the chance of both cards being otherwise compromised. We split the cash between us for the same reasons. Our debit cards are from the same bank but different accounts. We take copies of each others passports and carry each others driver's licenses for the same reason. WiFi security is the same here as there. We don't give credit card or other important numbers over public WiFi, nor no we log into email accounts that have sensitive info.

David,
Technology is good WHEN it works as it should - but it doesn't aways work as it should. For that reason, opening an account at a different bank is a good idea -what if the first bank's computers are having problems? Stuff happens. It's happened to us. It is also a good idea to have credit cards (a Visa & a Mastercard) from different banks. We have encountered various problems such as one card not being "readable" (although it did fine another place ten minutes later) but having the wife's different charge card work aok. I'm not a pessimist just a realist. Murphee's law is still in effect. If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. Always have a back up plan. TC

The online banking system I use, only allows me to view balances and transfer money between accounts. So in the unlikely event that a bad guy did manage to steal my password, the worst thing they could do to me is transfer money between my checking and savings account. Annoying, but nothing to loose sleep over;) Make sure the passwords you use to access your email and other sites are completely unique.

David, I'm not sure that it matters whether the backup card is with the same financial institution or another. I have a different card tied to my primary travel account, as well as cards with an entirely different institution (nothing like covering all the bases). I'd suggest speaking with your Bank on the aspect of opening another account. Note that travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. Regarding Wi-Fi security, it's best to assume that there's some risk. It's very easy for "Wi-Fi Sniffers" to monitor Wi-Fi signals and use keystroke loggers to obtain passwords and other confidential information. My approach to Wi-Fi during travel is to assume that public areas such as airports, McDonalds, Starbucks and places like that are higher risk than a small Hotel that uses a password-protected site. Usually only Hotel guests will be in range of the Wi-Fi system. I try NOT to check Bank accounts or financial accounts when I'm on "public" Wi-Fi, but do that occasionally at Hotels. If I'm just checking the HelpLine, I don't usually worry too much. For those travelling with Smartphones, I've been told that accessing Bank accounts or other "sensitive" websites is safer when using 3G, as it's all encrypted. However, that raises the issue of expensive data roaming charges. When at home I can check my account balances just by sending a text message (which is very safe), but unless I'm roaming with my home cellular network, that option doesn't work in Europe. Cheers!

I prefer to have my backup card with a different financial institution. That way if the error is with one business (say CapOne screws up and freezes my account despite my notice to them about being out of the country), it's less likely that BOA will do the same thing.

As Michael posted, my wife and I each carry two debit cards tied to checking accounts in different financial institutions. In the last 10 years that saved our bacon once when Chase closed down our account when charges showed up from Ireland after we called them and told them we were going to Europe and would only be in Ireland. No more Chase for us.
We also each carry a different credit card that we seldom use since we pay cash for almost everything, not staying in expensive places. We use our primary ATM debit card for local currency when we reach our final airport. We take no electronic devices, like computers and the such, to Europe so do not have to worry about loosing personal information.

Ciao tutti, Thank you all for your responses. We've decided to split our existing bank account into two accounts with separate pins. When checking balances, I'll avoid using public WiFi and stick to the hotel WiFi. Cordiali Saluti,
David

We found a reason to keep accounts at separate banks. My daughter was leaving for 7 weeks in France, and her bank was bought by another. The switchover was to happen about 3 weeks into her trip. New debit card wouldn't be available before she left, and old one wouldn't work after the switch. We had to scramble to get a new account and card at a different bank. And, Ken, you don't think it's important to have a secure wifi connection when you're just on the Helpline? JUST on the Helpline??!! What if someone steals your persona, and starts giving terrible advice? Our heads would spin.

We use a back up card from the same instiution but from a different account. We have cards made up for both of us. It really doesn't matter if it is from the same institution as long as it is from a different account. As far as Wi Fi security, you always run the risk. Don't put anything too sensitive on your computer.

@Karen, Good point (LOL)! I'll try and limit my HelpLine posting to more secure areas such as Hotels, and never use open public connections.

Accessing a bank's web site over wifi is fairly secure in that everything you send to or receive from the bank is encrypted. Look for the "s" in the HTTPS on the address bar. There are ways for sophisticated thieves to fool your computer but thieves have so many other ways to get information, it usually isn't worth the trouble.

Accessing a bank's web site over wifi is fairly secure in that everything you send to or receive from the bank is encrypted. Look for the "s" in the HTTPS on the address bar. There are ways for sophisticated thieves to fool your computer but thieves have so many other ways to get information, it usually isn't worth the trouble.