As the summer travel season gains momentum, millions across the UAE are preparing to head abroad. Whether reconnecting with family, discovering new destinations or taking advantage of cooler climates, travel is once again at the top of mind.
Yet amid the excitement, one important detail often goes unnoticed: The security of financial identity during international travel. We live in an era where the traditional wallet has been enhanced with incredibly powerful tools. Today’s payments ecosystem is built around digital interfaces, biometric verification and tokenized transactions.
Consumers are no longer limited to physical cards or cash. They navigate a connected world of mobile wallets, contactless payment and seamless cross-border transactions. But with this digital shift comes new vulnerabilities that cannot be ignored.
Read: The Middle East is on the cusp of a digital payments revolution
From unfamiliar payment terminals and market environment to dynamic currency markups, travelers are exposed to risks that can compromise convenience and financial safety. This is especially relevant for a digitally mature market like the UAE, where mobile-first behavior is the norm and adoption of advanced payment tools is accelerating.
According to IDEMIA Secure Transactions’ 2024 Global Consumer Payment Survey, 83 percent of UAE respondents have already adopted digital payment cards, and 92 percent expressed interest in numberless cards. These figures reflect a rising demand for payment experiences that are both intuitive and secure. With the value of UAE card transactions expected to surpass $150 billion in 2025, the stakes have never been higher.
For executives and decision-makers, the issue goes beyond personal travel. It speaks to a broader imperative to lead in creating payment ecosystems that are resilient, consumer-centric and future-ready. With that in mind, here are five key principles that can help individuals and organizations alike ensure safer, smarter financial practices while travelling.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi when accessing banking or payment apps
Unsecured networks may be easy to connect to, but they present a significant risk. Public Wi-Fi is a common gateway for cyberattacks, allowing hackers to intercept sensitive data or redirect users to fraudulent websites. When managing financial tasks during travel such as checking bank balances or making payments, travelers should always rely on mobile data or a trusted virtual private network (VPN). A few moments of convenience are not worth the potential compromise of personal information.
Choose cards that are built with security-first features
Tokenization, biometric authentication and co-badged cards are no longer optional. They are essential tools for protecting payment data, particularly while traveling. Tokenization replaces real card details with encrypted digital tokens, rendering intercepted data useless to criminals. When you use a digital wallet, like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Wallet, your actual card number is not shared during the transaction.
Instead, it is replaced with this unique digital code, called a token, that only works for that specific payment. This means even if someone intercepts the data, it is useless to them. Biometric cards, which require fingerprint authentication, provide another layer of protection and eliminate the risk of misuse if a card is lost or stolen. For frequent travelers, co-badged cards offer global compatibility without sacrificing local functionality.
Always select the local currency to avoid hidden conversion fees
While many merchants abroad offer to process payments in the traveler’s home currency, this often includes a dynamic currency conversion markup. These fees are rarely disclosed upfront and can significantly inflate the cost of purchases. By opting to pay in the local currency, travelers allow their own bank to handle the exchange at a more transparent and typically fairer rate.
Regular global travelers usually prioritize cards with lower international fees and advanced digital functionality. Tap to Select option, provided by some banks, addresses the inconvenience of switching cards across borders by enabling the modification of card features, such as credit/debit options and the currency used for transactions, with a simple tap on a smartphone via their banking app. This simple habit can save money and ensure better financial clarity while greatly facilitating international card usage.
Activate card controls and alerts before your trip begins
Modern banking platforms and digital wallets provide powerful tools for financial oversight. Features such as real-time transaction alerts, spending limits and location-based controls allow users to monitor and manage card activity with ease.
Some options, such as Tap to Verify, also allow consumers to confirm significant transactions by tapping their physical bank card on their smartphone via their banking app, enabling the bank to verify the identity of the person using additional possession factors which in return fosters customer confidence and promotes trust. Many banks also offer the ability to freeze or unfreeze cards instantly. These capabilities are particularly valuable when traveling, offering peace of mind in the event of suspicious activity or payment system anomalies.
Secure your smartphone before you leave, just as you would your passport
A traveler’s phone is now their boarding pass, hotel key, payment device and digital identity. Securing it should be a top priority. Before departure, travelers should update their operating systems, enable biometric authentication and avoid saving sensitive information such as PINs or card numbers in unprotected apps or browsers. While mobile wallets use undefeated tokenized security, strong device usage habits ensures that the underlying access remains protected.
The UAE continues to lead the Middle East in digital payments, with mobile wallet usage on the rise and two-thirds of residents using smartphones for retail purchases. This growth is a clear indication that consumers are ready to embrace technology while expect it to work securely and seamlessly.
For financial institutions, payment providers and technology leaders like IDEMIA Secure Transactions, the challenge is not just to innovate but to embed trust at every touchpoint. This means designing payment solutions that prioritize data protection, minimize friction and empower users to remain in control of their data regardless of where they are in the world.
Travel is about discovery, freedom and connection. It should not come with the burden of financial insecurity. With a few simple habits and the right technology in place, travelers can focus on the moments that matter, confident that their financial wellbeing is safeguarded.
Hennie du Plessis is the SVP – Payment Services, Middle East & Africa at IDEMIA Secure Transactions.
