Not all those who wander are lost. Go for it!

Discover the world for the first time on your own. Go for it.

You just want to get away. Ideally right this minute, and without your parents for a change. No matter what your plan is: language stay, city trip, or world trip – a trip abroad must be organized well. To this end, we have gathered a few useful tips and practical banking solutions for you.

Tips and links

Before letting your wanderlust overcome you, it's worth keeping a cool head and planning your trip well. So that you can go out in the wide world and come back safe and sound.

Book cleverly
Avoid the peak season.

Book early. That is usually cheaper.

Or book last minute. But then you have to be flexible in terms of destination.

Whether you're booking with a travel agency or online: it's worth comparing. For instance, using skyscanner.ch, ferienpiraten.ch, opodo.ch, or swoodoo.ch.
Experience more
Interrail helps you travel cheaply by train across 30 countries.

Aupair.com brokers positions with host families abroad.

Workaway.info lets you earn your room and board.

Language stays are useful, but can be expensive. Compare before booking.
Make payments abroad
Find out more here in a timely manner about the best payment methods for your destination country.

In many countries, the import and export of cash is limited or even prohibited. However, you can find ATMs or an exchange office at the airport. Learn about the applicable conditions and limits for your destination.

The Maestro card is best suited for cash withdrawals; however, fees are charged for each ATM withdrawal and for each payment transaction.

Avoid cash withdrawals with a credit card*: that can be expensive.

Bring some cash in the local currency for smaller expenses or tips. Some exotic currencies must be ordered in advance – so plan your visit to one of our branches early.

Paying with a credit card^* in the local currency is often the best option abroad. And, if you comply with the due diligence obligations, also the safest.

Store the emergency numbers of your cards^* separately – in case you lose them and have to block them.

Travel safely with the Travel Cash card: Expenditure is only possible to the extent of the credit balance loaded on the card and, in case of loss, it is replaced with the balance included.

^*_{Credit cards issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH}
Know the risks
You can find an overview of the current security situation of your travel destination on eda.admin.ch.

In travel forums such as TripAdvisor, you will find useful tips on how to safely navigate the country and which places you should avoid.

Regularly check the news about your destination.
Travel insured
Is your health and accident insurance valid abroad?

Do you need luggage and theft insurance?

For road trips by car, you need accident and breakdown coverage.

For rental cars, full accidental damage insurance is recommended.

As a Swiss Air Rescue patron, you will be flown home if necessary.
Check beforehand
Passport valid?

Need visas or vaccinations?

Insurance coverage sufficient for abroad?

Save your passport, visa, and emergency addresses in the Wallet app.

Write down the helpline for card blocking.

Download the Credit Suisse Direct app to your smartphone for an overview of your finances.

Worldwide access to your account

The Viva Banking Package provides you with all important banking services for free. And with online and mobile banking, you can also carry out your banking transactions on the go, with full control over your account.

Easy and fast

With the Credit Suisse Direct app, you can simply scan payment slips and be done. In addition, you can receive information about your account via push notifications.

Security and protection

Maestro and credit cards^* provide maximum security via chip and PIN. The adjustable country settings protect against skimming.

^* _{Credit Cards, issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH.}

Make payments and withdrawals worldwide

With a Maestro card and, in an emergency, also with a credit card,^*you can withdraw cash at over 2 million ATMs.

^* _{Credit Cards issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH.}

Easy mobile payment

Make easy, secure, and fast payments via smartphone, smartwatch or tablet.

Convinced? Fill out the form and we’ll happily call you back.

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Crismiel's going for it.

Crismiel wants to see the world and is traveling for the first time alone to Milan. See what she experienced here.

Fly the nest. Go for it.

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