There is nothing quite like the excitement of going on holiday – the countdown to your flight, the joy of curating your itinerary, and that unbeatable feeling of zipping up your suitcase, knowing adventure awaits. But amid all the excitement, it is easy to overlook the little things that can throw a wrench in your plans and put unexpected dents in your travel budget, like unfavourable exchange rates, surprise foreign transaction fees, or a cancelled flight.

The good news? A few smart moves and the right tools can save you both stress and money. Here is how to stay travel-ready, from takeoff to touchdown, with a little help from OCBC.

Tip #1 Snag the best travel deals with your OCBC cards

Big dreams often come with big-ticket expenses, and we often find ourselves endlessly hunting down offers just to save a few extra bucks.

But here is the good news: you can now book it all with your OCBC debit or credit card, and score some incredible savings while you’re at it.

We’re talking sweet discounts on everything from flights to accommodations and even activities. Take your pick from OCBC’s wide array of featured deals on platforms like Agoda, Trip.com, Klook and many more. This means you can now free up more of your budget for travel experiences that really matter. A win-win.

Tip #2 Don’t forget travel insurance

No one likes to think about what could go wrong on holiday, but travel hiccups do happen, and it is better to be safe than sorry. After all, a missed connection, a lost suitcase, or an unexpected trip to the doctor can easily throw your plans (and budget) off track. That is where the Explorer Travel Insurance steps in, giving you peace of mind with up to S$700,000 in medical coverage, 24/7 emergency assistance, plus protection for delay, damage or loss of baggage.

Applications can be made on the OCBC app in minutes. Claims are equally easy-breezy, with payouts sent directly to your bank account via PayNow (yes, that is convenient).

Tip #3 Lock in better exchange rates before you fly

The thought of touching down in a new destination is always a thrill — until you find yourself at the airport exchange kiosk with sky-high rates that make you question your entire travel budget.

But what if you could skip the stress altogether? Imagine locking in your ideal exchange rate before you even board the plane. No last-minute scrambling, no overpriced counters – just a smooth arrival and more spending power from the get-go.

With OCBC’s Global Savings Account and Foreign Exchange Auto-Execute Orders, you are set. Start your journey with peace of mind, thanks to zero admin fees and no fall-below charges when you withdraw foreign currency abroad. Now, that’s the way to travel – no surprises, just smooth sailing.

Tip #4 Ditch costly foreign exchange fees with your Global Savings Account

Nothing kills the joy of a perfectly brewed Kyoto matcha or a late-night gelato in Rome like realising you have been hit with unexpected foreign transaction fees after payment. Link your OCBC debit card to your Global Savings Account, and enjoy zero foreign exchange fees – as long as the spends are in any of these currencies in your account - AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD or USD. No surprises, no exchange rate fees on your credit card statement – just tap to pay, and go. It is like spending in local currency... because you actually are.

Tip #5 Scan & Pay like a local

Cash might have been king once, but these days, carrying wads of it around is more hassle than help (and a temptation for pickpockets). With OCBC Scan & Pay, you can travel lighter and pay smarter in more than 40 destinations – including China, Malaysia and Japan – directly from your OCBC account via the OCBC app without any registration and funding of wallets.

OCBC Scan & Pay works seamlessly with payment networks like Alipay+, UnionPay, DuitNow, PromptPay, QRIS, and more, so you can pay like a local wherever you go. Say adios to fumbling for small change.

Tip #6 Turn big spends into bite-sized bills

So… you might have gone a little overboard on souvenirs or splurged on that once-in-a-lifetime experience. Life is too short for regrets, but if that post-holiday credit card bill is making you sweat, OCBC PayLite offers you a simple fix.

With OCBC PayLite, you can split your credit card transactions of at least S$100 each into fixed, interest-free monthly installments – with an Effective Interest Rate (EIR) starting from 9.50% p.a. Don’t let your post-holiday glow fade into budgeting blues.

Tip #7 Stay travel-ready with OCBC

Travelling should be about exploring, not worrying. With OCBC, you are covered from the first booking to your last swipe abroad, so you can holiday with confidence and peace of mind.