Today we present a guest article
Travelling is a great way to get away from everyday life, relax and gain new experiences that will become lifelong memories. But sometimes things don't go as planned when you're abroad.
In these situations, being in a strange place can be uncomfortable. Especially if you find yourself in an emergency situation where there is not enough money. So how can you avoid these situations and what can you do if you find yourself in such a situation?
Why is there not enough money to go abroad?
Most of us set a budget for our trip before we set off on it. The budget usually includes the price of airline tickets, the hotel, food and drink, local transport and various activities. But sometimes people underestimate the price once they are there.
It could be that the exchange rate has changed, the activities were more expensive than you expected or you simply forget how much money you spent.
But there are other things that can put you in a difficult financial situation. For example, you may receive a hayg hospital bill if you become acutely ill or have an accident abroad and do not have travel insurance. You may also be the victim of a crime, such as someone stealing your bank card or robbing you - and in these situations it can be difficult to get help locally.
What can I do if I need money abroad?
Fortunately, there are several ways you can deal with the situation. According to the Swedish Embassy you are expected to solve the problem on your own first, for example by contacting friends or relatives.
Another option is to apply for a so-called instant loan, or SMS loan. These types of loans are usually granted very quickly. The amounts are usually between 1000 - 50 000 SEK. However, keep in mind that interest rates, repayment periods and conditions may differ between competitors. It may be a good idea to use websites such as creditchoice.com which compares and ranks all banks by their customer reviews, interest rates, fees and more.
If you have lost your bank card or similar, the Embassy can help you withdraw cash from your own account. The embassy can also provide a temporary loan if you are in an emergency situation that is not self-inflicted and when all other possibilities have been exhausted, so that you can return to Sweden. If you really need help, do not hesitate to contact your nearest embassy.