Travel security: how to protect your privacy, devices, data and money from abuse and theft

We updated the article in 2026 - we went through the text, links and illustrative images.

Since we are a remote company and like to travel a lot, we bring you a list of tips on how to protect your data and especially money from misuse.

When we travel, our electronics often fly with us. This is usually a smartphone and a laptop, some also use a tablet, a PSP, a dedicated GPS or a mobile hotspot. All devices are tempting targets for hackers and thieves. That's why we decided to write down basic advice on how to protect your personal belongings and devices while traveling.

We are traveling more than ever before in history. Cheap flights and affordable accommodation tempt us to explore our dream places. However, some of us also got to know the less fortunate side of traveling, when something was stolen from them. Travel safety should not be underestimated. So let's look at what we can do to minimize the risk.

Make copies of your passport and other documents

Let's start with the basics. In the event that your smartphone breaks down, or if you get robbed, you can still have a black-and-white copy. Therefore, it is good to do the following before you start traveling:

• print tickets,
• print the accommodation confirmation,
• print travel insurance,
• make a copy of your ID card and passport,
• take 1-2 passport-sized photos,
• make a note of important contacts for the Slovak embassy and local emergency services.

So if, God forbid, your wallet and documents go missing, at least you have something to show to the police or the embassy. But let's hope it doesn't come to that.

Update your devices

Before you even travel, make sure your devices are updated to the latest version. One of the ways hackers can get to your data is through vulnerabilities in the operating system or applications. Updating fixes flaws and makes it harder for hackers to access your data.

Do not use public computers

If you've left your devices at home, it can be tempting to use the hotel computer to check your email, bank account or just message your loved ones on Facebook. But be careful, because you don't know if the computer is safe or if it hasn't already been infected with a virus or malware.

You should never log into your email, bank, social media or other accounts like this because you never know who might steal your password. However, some less risky things like searching for restaurants, bars or local attractions using a public computer are fine.

Policy for using public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are like an oasis in the desert where you've come across blessed internet, whether it's in airports, coffee shops or public parks. However, public Wi-Fi can also be dangerous, putting you at risk of being spied on.

So use a VPN. If you're connected to malicious Wi-Fi hotspots that try to lure you into phishing scams, a VPN will remove these unwanted steps and let you surf the Internet without a hitch.

It is a common practice for companies on business trips to ask their employees to use a VPN while traveling. However, you can also pay for the service for a few euros per month and get the same security benefits.

Lock everything with a password

Lots of people have their computers set up to log in automatically, skipping the need to enter a password. You should change that while traveling. Therefore, set a secure password on your laptop that you will have to enter every time you turn on the computer. Make sure your computer asks for a password every time you wake it from sleep.

The same applies to smartphones and tablets. Make sure you set up a PIN, touch ID, or pattern lock, or other authentication you need to enter when you turn on or unlock your device.

Use strong passwords

This should be a principle not only when traveling. Use long passwords that contain multiple characters or numbers. Some systems, like WordPress, generate strong passwords by default. If you can't remember your password, you can use a password manager like LastPass.

A handy safeguard is also to change your password after you return home. This will make sure that if someone gets hold of your password while you're traveling, they won't be able to access your accounts. If you're traveling for longer than a few months, think about changing your password regularly, e.g. 1x per month.

Track your devices

Make sure you set up device tracking, remote locking, and remote wiping in advance. It's easy on most smartphones and tablets. Android devices offer integrated tracking through Google Find My Device. Apple, on the other hand, offers integrated tracking through the iPhone, iPad and Mac Find My iPhone in iCloud.

Turn on this feature before you travel. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the web interface for tracking your devices. Features like remote wipe may not be enabled by default, so you'll have to check them yourself.

With computers, it's a bit more difficult. Windows, Chromebooks, and Linux computers don't have their own program. Therefore, you can install e.g. software Prey Anti-theft, which offers a free version and is available on Windows, Linux and Mac.

Windows tablets also lack built-in tracking like Android tablets and iPads have. You will therefore need to install third-party software on these devices.

Encrypt all data

Encryption ensures that no one can access your data after the device is stolen. Android, iOS, Chrome OS, Linux, and Mac OS X offer built-in full-disk encryption that's easy to turn on or already turned on by default.

However, Windows lags behind in this. If you have a Windows 8.1 laptop or tablet, data can be encrypted using the "device encryption" feature. However, this only works when you're signed in with a Microsoft account and not a local account.

If you have an older device, you'll need to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 Professional and turn on BitLocker encryption.

Back up data in different locations

Backups are just as important as remaining security measures. However, they are often overlooked and undervalued. Backups can help you restore your precious data if your device is stolen or damaged while traveling.

You can use:

• Cloud so službou online zálohy ako je CrashPlan alebo BackBlaze.
• Vhodné je využiť aj externý HDD.
• Synchronizujte svoje kontakty cez Gmail,
• Čo sa týka mediálnych súborov, ako sú vaše fotky a videá (nielen z dovolenky), môžete využiť Google Photos alebo iCloud.

For maximum security, store backups in at least two places and have them in multiple services.

Whatever you do, don't just keep the backup on the external HDD you brought with you in your laptop bag. If you lose your laptop bag, you'll lose everything in it, including your backup. Take it really seriously.

Back up your phone

Also secure your data on your phone and back it up on your computer. Whether you have Android or Apple, it's easy either way. Android offers several ways to make a backup. The easiest and shortest way is to go to Settings => Google => Deposit.

Apple offers iCloud backup by default. Just go to Settings => Your name => iCloud => iCloud Backup. On the latest iOS, backup is turned on automatically.

Keep an eye on things

Let's go back to the beginning. Road safety is not just about software. You must also be careful about your physical belongings. Stick to simple advice. Keep your smartphone in your front pocket, not your back pocket. When you go to the toilet, don't just leave it lying on the table in a cafe or restaurant.

The same goes for laptops. Don't leave them logged in on a coffee shop table when you're not with them. It is true that in many countries the risk of theft in decent businesses is small, but you never know for sure. Therefore, keep an eye on your devices at all times.

When you're not actively using your laptop, leave it in your bag so it doesn't become an unnecessary target. If you're in hotels, any devices you don't need during the day should be locked in a safe if the hotel offers it. If not, at least keep it in your suitcase or backpack.

Check the exchange rate before exchanging money

In some countries you can pay everywhere with a card, in others you can't go a step without cash. However, following the exchange rates and knowing by heart whether it is worth exchanging money at a given exchange office can be a bit of a challenge.

Fortunately, you can use apps like XE Currency here too. It is available on both Apple and Android and allows you to track the current rates of each currency. In addition, it also works offline. Just download the country's conversion rate before you visit and you'll be good to go.

Only use bank ATMs

When it comes to data security, it's not just about securing your phone or laptop. Your banking information is sensitive data that becomes vulnerable to attack while traveling. The general advice is to avoid ATMs found in shops or hotels. There is a greater risk that they are hacked with a card reader that steals your information when using ATMs. Withdraw money only from bank ATMs. They are regularly checked and have less risk.

Withdrawing money through Revolut

Another way to withdraw and spend money abroad safely and at the best possible rate is the application Revolution. It allows you to exchange currencies at the best rates without fees, transfer money between accounts without fees and spend money around the world. There is a free and premium version available.

The free version already offers:

• account in euros and dollars,
• interbank exchange rates,
• interbank transfer in 25 currencies,
• ATM withdrawal up to 200 euros.

Study international laws

When traveling abroad, it is important to understand local laws. Depending on where you travel, you may be required to provide access to your accounts. Some governments monitor your internet activity and may do so without your knowledge.
Make sure you know what to expect when traveling to a new country so you don't accidentally expose sensitive data you thought was safe.

And what to do when you get robbed?

If you get ripped off, don't be too hard on yourself. You are not the first, nor the last, to whom this has happened. When it comes to money, there is always money to be made. Stolen documents are a bigger concern. They won't let you on the plane without them. You must therefore obtain a replacement travel document.

Proceed as follows:

1. Visit your local police station to ask for a document theft certificate. Write down the address of the police station, the date and time and, if possible, the rank and name of the person you spoke to.
2. Ask for a telephone conversation with the Slovak embassy. Report what happened on the phone and dictate your personal information such as name, surname, date of birth and address of permanent residence in the Slovak Republic.
3. A photo is required for a replacement document. Have it drawn up before you go to the embassy.
   The replacement document will be used for the shortest possible journey home. However, it also applies if you travel home through several countries (e.g. via connecting flight).

If your money and documents were stolen

You can get money through an international service Western Union. In Slovakia, you can deposit money in Western Union through Slovak Post, Tatra banka or VÚB banka. Your friend will fill out the submission form and notify you by phone.

You can pick up the money at one of the many Western Union payment points. There are over 100,000 branches in the world. You should be able to receive the money within one hour.
If you cannot or do not want to use Western Union, you can use the consular office of the Slovak embassy. Here they should give you advice on how to obtain foreign exchange through additional sales, after which the embassy can grant you a loan.

If there is no Slovak embassy or consulate in the country, visit the embassy of a member state of the European Union and ask for help. It will take longer, but they shouldn't turn you away.

Stay smart, stay safe

Mobile devices are incredibly easy to steal. Don't increase stats unnecessarily. Use common sense and stay safe. I've traveled across Europe, North America, and Asia and have never lost my device or had a problem with compromised public Wi-Fi. But even so, I don't leave my things on the table when I'm not with them. In 99 cases out of 100, nothing will happen to you, but the hundredth time can be very expensive.

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