We all dread the thought of credit card fraud when we’re travelling overseas.

Imagine you’re in a foreign city, trying to make a purchase when your card is declined. You try another, only for the ATM to swallow it. You check your phone to find missed calls from your bank’s fraud department, and you realise you have only a small amount of local currency left, with days still remaining on your trip. 

If you’ve never experienced this, consider yourself fortunate. If you have, you understand the panic that sets in when you’re left without access to funds far from home. 

Here’s what to do when everything goes wrong, and how to prepare in advance so it doesn’t happen at all.

When Disaster Strikes: Your First Hour Matters

If your card stops working or if you are robbed, act quickly to minimise the damage. The sooner you respond, the less time fraudsters have to misuse your card information.

Your immediate priority should be to contact your bank or card issuer to report the issue. You must block any potentially compromised cards to prevent further unauthorised transactions. Then, reach out to the relevant card networks, such as Visa or Mastercard, which provide support for international travellers and can help you block the card and arrange a replacement.

Additionally, file a police report. This step is necessary for insurance claims and fraud disputes, and it will also assist your bank in processing any claim for lost funds.

Your priority list looks like this:

1. Call your bank to block everything
2. Contact the card networks directly
3. File a police report

The Phone Numbers That’ll Save Your Trip

In any financial emergency abroad, the following numbers should be saved both on your phone and in written form. In case your phone battery runs out, having these numbers on paper is essential.

Malaysian Banks:

• Maybank: +603-7844 3696 (general) or +603 5891 4744 (fraud)
• CIMB: +603 2295 6888 or +603 6204 7799 (credit cards)
• HSBC Malaysia: +603 8321 5400

Card Networks:

• Visa: +1-303-967-1096
• Mastercard: +1-636-722-7111

Visa and Mastercard allow free “collect calls” in many countries. If you’re not sure how to place one, ask the hotel reception or contact your local mobile service provider such as Maxis, Celcom or Digi for help.

Getting Money Fast: Your Rescue Options

Once your cards are blocked or lost, the next step is to get cash. Several services can help send money to you from home, but the speed and convenience of each service vary.

The Fastest Options (Minutes to 1 Hour)

Western Union: A quick option to receive money from home, which you can collect at any Western Union agent location. While the exchange rate may not be ideal, it is a reliable way to access funds when urgently needed. You will need identification and a tracking number to collect the funds.

MoneyGram via Maybank: Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram allows someone in Malaysia to send you money that can be picked up at a MoneyGram location. The daily limit for this service is RM10,000, which is usually sufficient for most emergencies.

The Smart Money Move (Same Day to 3 Days)

CIMB SpeedSend: If you are in the UK, Singapore, India, or Hong Kong, CIMB SpeedSend offers instant transfers with no overseas charges. The time it takes for the funds to reach you depends on the destination country but can be as quick as the same day.

Touch ‘n Go eWallet: Available in more than 50 countries, this service offers a flat transfer fee. Funds can be sent to a local bank account, a pickup point, or another e-wallet.

When You’re Not in a Rush (1-5 Business Days)

Foreign Telegraphic Transfer (FTT): This method involves an international bank-to-bank transfer, which typically takes between one and five business days. It is a secure option for larger amounts of money but is not ideal for urgent needs.

Building Your Financial Safety Net (Before You Leave)

The best way to manage a financial emergency abroad is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Taking a few simple steps before your trip can help ensure you’re prepared for anything that comes your way.

The Rule of Three

Never rely on a single card or source of funds. Carry your main card, a backup card from a different bank and network, and cash.

Store these in separate locations: keep your main card in your wallet, your backup card in your luggage, and your emergency cash in a separate, secure place.

The Multi-Currency Hack

Use a multi-currency card. Cards like the RHB Multi Currency Account allow you to manage multiple currencies and lock in exchange rates before your trip. Alternatively, the Wise card offers a similar service for over 40 currencies. These cards help you avoid the need for currency exchanges at high rates.

Tell Your Bank You’re Leaving Town

Always notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations. This will prevent your bank’s fraud detection system from mistakenly flagging international transactions as suspicious. You should also set up SMS alerts to receive notifications each time your card is used. This can help quickly identify fraudulent activity.

Quick Reference: Emergency Transfer Services

Service	Best For	How to Send
Western Union	Quick cash pickup anywhere	App/online/in-person
MoneyGram	Maybank customers	Visit Maybank branch
CIMB SpeedSend	UK, Singapore, India, Hong Kong	CIMB app/website
TNG eWallet	Tech users, flat fees	TNG app
Bank Wire (FTT)	Large amounts, not urgent	Bank branch/online

Lost your passport too? Contact the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate. Find their details on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you need them.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Even with the best planning, things don’t always go as expected. Banks experience outages, cards may be declined, or systems can fail. The difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disruption often comes down to how well you’ve prepared in advance.

Before your next trip, spend some time setting up backup options, saving emergency contact numbers, and ensuring that your bank knows where you will be. This preparation can save you from unnecessary stress and help you manage a financial emergency more efficiently.

For further advice on managing finances abroad, visit RinggitPlus for more tips on smart travel planning.

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• TAGS:
• CIMB SpeedSend
• How To
• MoneyGram
• Travelling