Tools for online banking: what is it, and where can you get it while on a trip or while backpacking?

What is online banking?

Internet banking supplies are all the things you need to be able to manage your banking digitally while you are hopping around the world. Think of your bank card, a working smartphone with your banking app, access to the internet, and any verification codes or devices such as an e-dentifier, random reader or digipas.
Authorize someone at home to be able to manage your banking, when you do not have the facilities to do so.
A secure, reliable internet connection is also necessary for payment transactions. For this you can use a VPN if you use public wifi, for example, or your own simcard.

Checking your balance to see if you can surf for another week or have to clean up in a hostel.
Transferring money to your own savings account, your travel buddy or that friendly guide with WiFi.
Enabling or disabling your bank card for use outside Europe.
Adjusting limits (in case you suddenly book a 5 star camel safari).
Paying credit card bills, so that you are not suddenly refused at a pizzeria.
Keeping an eye on whether someone on another continent is also suddenly a fan of your card.

Always. Yes, even if you think “I only use cash”. You never know when you might suddenly need to transfer money quickly, block a stolen card, or call the bank.
Before you leave, take screenshots or notes of your customer number, bank account number, and your bank’s emergency number with you – but don’t save them on your phone with your passwords.
Install and test your banking app before you’re at the airport with only airport wifi.
Make sure you can redownload or reset the app if your phone crashes (tip: write down login codes on a secure piece of paper or use a password manager).

Internet access is key: buy a simcard with data locally (often dirt cheap in Asia or Latin America).
You can bank at internet cafes, but make sure you have a VPN and delete your data afterwards.
No longer have a smartphone? Some banks also allow you to call or use a browser version (for example in hostels or libraries).
In emergencies, you can sometimes still arrange payments via Western Union, Moneygram, or via friends or family back home.

Loss or theft of your phone: often insured under baggage cover of your travel insurance – check the conditions, deductible and the maximum amount (spoiler: often less than your new iPhone).
Abuse of your account after loss or theft of your card? This is often covered by your bank itself, provided you block it immediately and did not have a PIN code on your card.
Costs for replacement (of your card, phone or laptop) are sometimes covered by your cancellation or travel insurance – check whether this is under ‘assistance’ or ‘emergency costs’.
Some banks also offer ‘safe online banking’ guarantees themselves: if money disappears due to phishing, you will get it back under certain conditions.

Access:

Public

Check related topic!