Google Pay or Apple: Which Payment Methods Should You Trust while Travelling?

Share

508

Think about this: You’re on a fantastic vacation, visiting magnificent locations and immersing yourself in different cultures.

But, in the midst of all the excitement and adventure, have you ever considered the safety of your hard-earned money?

In an increasingly cashless society, understanding which payment methods to trust is critical.

New developments in technology mean that there are more options than ever.

Tech giants such as Google and Apple are leading the way in this area with their e-wallet Apps.

Online spaces such as casinos and retailers are benefiting from Google Pay, Apple Pay, and other online payment methods, as they are paving the way for quick and easy transactions while also providing peace of mind for the customer and merchant. 

This also applies to land-based stores and merchants, and the worldwide reach of these applications means that stores and vendors in tourist destinations can offer these payment methods to their potential customers.

With this in mind, Google Pay and Apple Pay are fast becoming the first choice for people when they are making payments while traveling. 

Join us as we explore the world of mobile financial security, discovering which payment methods are not only handy but also secure.

Popular Payment Methods: Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, etc.

There are a lot of payment methods out there, and it can be hard to keep track of which ones are some of the most reliable ones.

In this article, we’re going to go over some of the most popular payment methods and tell you what you need to know about each one.

Google Pay

Google Pay is the trusted payment platform for numerous online merchants where security is the number one priority.

Google Pay lets you save all of your cards and use them through your phone via wireless tap or for online payments.

Transactions that require data privacy and reliable transfer of funds such as airline bookings, hotel reservations, and online casinos consider it one of the safest payment methods available.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is similar to Google Pay, in that it stores your card details in the wallet app on your phone and allows you to use them for payments in-store or online.

It also links with banking apps such as Revolut, allowing you to instantly deposit funds when needed.

Like Google Pay, it is universally accepted which makes it a great option for holidaymakers.

When it comes to choosing between Google or Apple Pay, it is much the same as when you are choosing a Google or Apple product. 

PayPal

Paypal is a well-known name in the online payments field and has been around for quite some time.

It is a safe and secure method of making payments online in retail spaces and on websites like eBay.

It is also great for making instant transfers to friends and family, removing the transfer fees with the “friends & family” option.

Similar to Google Pay and Apple, many vendors worldwide will offer PayPal as an option to make in-store transactions, so it is useful for people traveling abroad.

Credit & Debit Cards

Credit cards are generally a safe bet when it comes to payment methods.

They offer fraud protection and allow you to dispute charges if something goes wrong.

However, you should be aware that your credit card information can be stolen if you use it on an insecure website or network.

Debit cards contain many of the same protections as credit cards and are linked directly to your bank account.

If your debit card is stolen, the criminal can’t access your bank account.

However, avoid using your debit card online or on public Wi-Fi.

Selection Criteria for Payment Method Security

When you’re making payments on the go, it’s important to choose a secure payment method.

Here are some selection criteria to consider when choosing a payment method:

• The security of the payment platform. Make sure the platform is secure by checking for features like encryption and fraud protection.
• The company’s reputation. Do some research on the company to make sure they have a good reputation for security.
• Your personal security preferences. Consider your own security needs when choosing a payment method. For example, if you are using Google Pay with your Android device, make sure the access features are in line with your personal preferences.

Tips for Keeping Your Money Secure When Traveling

If you’re traveling with a large sum of money, here are a few tips to help keep it safe:

1. Keep it hidden – When carrying cash, keep it tucked away in a secure location such as a front pocket or money belt. If you store valuables in your backpack or pocketbook, keep them close to your body and zipped up to make them less appealing to criminals. While some destinations such as the UK score high on our travel safety index, they do still have a high risk of pickpocketing, especially in tourist hotspots. 
2. Don’t flaunt it – It goes without saying that flaunting large sums of money invites difficulty. If you must withdraw money in public, do so discreetly.
3. Divide it up – If you have a lot of money, don’t store it all in one location. Keep some in your room safe, divide it up into different pockets, or hide smaller amounts around your stuff. That way, even if you do lose some money, you will not be utterly adrift.
4. Purchase travel insurance – If your money is lost or stolen while on your vacation, having travel insurance will help reimburse you for any losses. However, be careful to read the fine print because there may be limitations on how much coverage you get and what is covered under the policy.
5. Digital Security – If you decide to use an e-wallet like Google Pay, make sure that your phone has all of the security features turned on, and that you keep it close to you at all times. In the event of your phone being stolen or misplaced, be sure to contact the bank and cancel all of your cards.

Conclusion

With so many different payment methods available, it can be hard to know which one is best for you when it comes to protecting your money.

Ultimately, the decision rests with you as a consumer – and being familiar with the risks associated with each method of payment will help you make an informed choice. 

Credit cards may offer the highest level of security but often come with increased fees; while e-wallet apps like Google Pay provide much greater flexibility and convenience but could leave your information vulnerable if not used carefully.

No matter what option you choose, taking steps to protect yourself from fraud or theft is essential for ensuring that your finances remain safe and secure at all times.