On the Occasion of the New Year Holiday and as Part of Its Support for the "Diraya" Campaign

As part of its ongoing support for the “Diraya” campaign, and on the occasion of the New Year holiday, Gulf Bank has provided a set of valuable tips to help travelers manage their finances wisely, protect their banking information, and ensure a comfortable and secure travel experience.

Gulf Bank advised all travelers to update their contact information with the bank to ensure prompt communication in the event of any unusual activity. The bank also emphasized the importance of activating instant notifications through the mobile application, allowing customers to receive real-time alerts for every transaction made on their accounts or bank cards. This enables them to monitor their spending and verify transactions with ease.

The bank also presented a set of important guidelines that are recommended to be followed before, during, and after travel to ensure a pleasant journey, as follows:

Before You Travel

• Ensure your bank cards are valid throughout your travel period.
• Check your account balance and confirm that your credit limit is sufficient to cover travel expenses.
• Activate SMS and push notifications to receive real-time alerts on all financial transactions. Review every message carefully to confirm the validity of each transaction.
• Download the Gulf Bank App and log in to keep track of your spending and card activity while traveling.
• Confirm you can access online banking services before departure.
• Update antivirus and security software on devices used for online booking.
• Make sure your travel insurance is active and covers your entire trip.
• We recommend storing your valuables in Gulf Bank’s secure Safety Deposit Boxes.

Tips While Traveling

• Keep your cards in a secure place and never leave them unattended. Use your hotel’s safe to store valuables.
• Store your cards separately and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or high heat.
• Never share your card information or PIN with anyone. Ensure the card remains visible during any transaction.
• When using ATMs, check for any unusual attachments or signs of tampering. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and never accept assistance from strangers.
• Always review receipts carefully before signing or entering your PIN. Do not leave the "tip" or "total" fields blank.
• Check the payment terminal screen (POS) and verify the merchant name and amount before confirming the transaction.
• Regularly monitor your card activity via the app or online banking.
• Activate international roaming or provide the bank with an alternative contact number for quick communication in case of emergencies.
• Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. If necessary, use a trusted VPN connection.
• If your card is lost or you suspect fraudulent activity, immediately freeze or temporarily block it through the app. You can also contact our Customer Service .
• Always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid additional currency conversion fees.
• Keep all your receipts and review them upon return to reconcile with your account statement.

After Returning from Travel

• It's advisable to change your card PIN at any Gulf Bank branch or ATM.
• Review your card statement carefully to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions.
• Contact the bank immediately if you notice any discrepancies or suspicious activity.

The bank emphasized that it does not request personal information via email, text messages, or phone calls. It advised customers not to click on any links received from untrusted sources, to update their passwords regularly, and to ensure the use of strong and unique passwords.