Cash be sensible and safe

With regards to cash and credit cards, only take the ones you think you'll need on a trip. Tell the bank your travel plans so that they don't inadvertently cancel the card - they may think someone has stolen it and is using it abroad! Sign any cards as soon as you receive them.

When using your credit card for a transaction, always follow the card with your eyes, never letting it out of site. Cards can be copied very quickly by today's credit card phone cloners.

ATM machines really are convenient but they are also a hotspot for undesirables who want nothing more than to get hold of your card and take all your money. Don't be attempted to use an ATM in an area that doesn't feel right or any time at night. Before you use one, just survey your surroundings and make sure nobody will be looking over your shoulder when you punch in your PIN number.

It's even a good idea to cover the keypad with your free hand when punching the numbers as clever thieves have even been known to set up strategically placed cameras to get your number. One scam is where the thieves place a plastic sheath in the slot before hand when you come to place your card in there; the machine can't read it and will ask for your PIN.

Someone will then see you typing it in and when you have given up thinking the machine has swallowed your card, the undesirables will collect it when you've gone and empty your account later. Run your finger along the slot before you use the ATM; if you can feel anything I there then don't use it.