Travelling overseas without getting locked out of your accounts

Overseas, your usual SMS codes may not arrive and a flat or lost phone can lock you out entirely. A little preparation before you fly avoids a holiday spent on hold to support lines.

1. Before you leave, switch your important accounts to an authenticator app, which works on wi-fi with no mobile signal needed.
2. Print or save your backup recovery codes and carry them separately from your phone.
3. Set up your authenticator on a second device, such as a tablet, as a spare.
4. Confirm your trusted phone numbers and recovery email are current, in case you need account recovery.
5. Avoid relying on SMS codes, as overseas roaming and local SIM swaps often break delivery.
6. Keep your IT provider’s contact details handy, written down, not only stored in the phone you might lose.