Plan your trip: A complete guide for a stress-free journey

Dreaming about your next trip? See our tips to help you plan so you can enjoy your time away.

Before you leave

Whether you’re going away for a week or a month, planning a trip takes time. Here’s how to get started.

Review your finances

Plan your budget

Estimate the cost of your trip and set a budget. This can help reduce travel stress. Use our budget tool to calculate how much you can save every month. You can also set up automatic transfers in AccèsD with our Savings goals tool to reach your goal at your own pace.

Order foreign currency

Get cash before you leave to cover unexpected expenses. Check the exchange rate and use our currency converter to estimate how much you need.

Protect your accounts

Check that notifications are turned on in the app and on your mobile device. Then make sure your information is up to date in the app. Under the More tab, select Security, then Identity verification and alerts to turn on security alerts.

Make the most of your Odyssey credit card

Our Odyssey^® credit cards have a variety of benefits for travellers.

BONUSDOLLARS^® Rewards Program

Earn rewards when you buy plane tickets or book accommodation, for example, thanks to the travel category.

Auto rental collision and loss damage insurance

Get insurance to protect yourself financially if your rental car is damaged or stolen.

Desjardins Odyssey Lounge^® at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport

Travelling internationally? Enjoy the comfort and services of one of our 2 lounges while you wait for your flight.

Comprehensive travel insurance

These cards come with travel insurance coverage so you can have peace of mind.

Check out our FAQ on credit card travel insurance

Protect yourself with insurance

Travel insurance

Build a plan that works for you and travel with peace of mind. Coverage options include emergency healthcare, trip cancellation or modification, and baggage.

Car insurance

Check if your car insurance policy covers renting a car or driving your own car in Canada and the US.

Home insurance

Check what’s covered in your insurance policy. Contact us if you’re going on an extended trip or if you’re renting out your home while you’re away.

During your trip

What you need to know about using your credit and debit cards on your travels.

Use your credit card anywhere in the world

There’s no need to let us know you’re going on a trip. Our fraud prevention systems are designed to detect suspicious transactions 24/7, no matter where you are in the world.

Have questions about using your credit card abroad? See our FAQ.

Limit ATM fees

You can save on ATM fees by using Desjardins ATMs or those affiliated with the Interac^®, Visa^*, Mastercard^® or PLUS* networks. Certain fees may apply. To find an ATM close by, use the Global ATM External link. locator, available through Visa.

If you’re a Desjardins member

You can use Groupe Crédit Mutuel-CIC ATMs in France and Desjardins Bank ATMs in Florida.1

If you have a Desjardins Bank account

You have access to over 56,000 ATMs with no additional fees in the US and certain regions of Europe.

FAQ

How long does it take to get foreign currency at my caisse or branch?

The timeframe for receiving foreign currency depends on the caisse or branch and on the currency ordered. Make sure you place your order a few weeks in advance so you have your money in hand for your trip.

To order foreign currency, call us at 1-800-224-7737 This link opens your phone app..

Do I need to take out travel insurance if I have one through my credit card?

Your card comes with some travel insurance coverages but may not include everything you need for your trip. Review your credit card travel insurance policy to find out what’s covered as well as the terms and conditions. Depending on your situation, you may need additional insurance.

See all questions on using your credit card abroad

The information on this site is intended to help you understand the product by providing a simple, clear summary of the nature and conditions of the insurance. Only the insurance contract will be used to settle legal disputes. Refer to the insurance contract for a full list of terms and conditions.

Damage insurance products are underwritten and distributed by Desjardins General Insurance Inc., provider of automobile, property and business insurance.

BONUSDOLLARS can be redeemed for eligible products and services within 60 days of buying them. BONUSDOLLARS will be deducted from the accrued balance at the time of redemption. They do not earn additional BONUSDOLLARS. BONUSDOLLARS exchanges for qualifying transactions cannot be used to cover the minimum card payment. Minimum redemption of 20 BONUSDOLLARS.*

Odyssey ^® is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.

BONUSDOLLARS^® is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec. 

Odyssey Lounge^® is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.

Interac^® is a registered trademark of Interac Corp. Used under licence.

Mastercard^® and World Elite^® are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

^* Trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under licence.

Additional fees of $1.50, $3.00 or $5.00 may apply to withdrawals made from non-Desjardins ATMs affiliated with the Interac and PLUS^* networks. Some ATM operators also charge their own fees to use their machines. They must notify you via an on-screen message before processing the transaction, so you can choose to cancel the transaction. These fees are added to the amount of the withdrawal and are paid directly to the ATM operator. For more information, see the Service fees page.