Top tips to get the best out of this summer’s World Cup

ON June 14, offices around the world with fall silent, sickies will be thrown, bars will fill and hopes and dreams will be raised or dashed. The World Cup is coming and if it’s anything like last time, over one billion people will tune in to the final alone.

Regardless of whether you’re a football fan travelling to Russia or an armchair enthusiast, get planning for the biggest event in the football calendar now with these tips:

I’ve previously highlighted the Foreign Office’s warnings about travel to certain countries including Russia. If you’re travelling to the games, read the official advice in advance, be sensible, take out comprehensive travel insurance and save a copy of your passport and emergency numbers should something go wrong.

The Foreign Office has put together a guide for World Cup travellers. You can read it here: gov.uk/ guidance/be-on-the-ball-worldcup-2018

Don’t use ticket touts. FIFA is entitled to void any ticket which has been purchased through a tout or resale agency (any website that isn’t the official World Cup one, basically). You’ll also need a fan ID document to get into the match and could be held up for some time if there’s a problem. Check the official guidance for match screening in public areas.

If you’re looking for an apartment during the World Cup, be aware that there are lots of scams doing the rounds. Genuine sites like Airbnb can sometimes have fraudsters advertising apartments that aren’t theirs. You’ll know something dodgy is going on if you’re asked to go ‘off-site’ and send money by international transfer. Never leave the site and only ever pay through the official methods if you want buyer protection. Paying by credit card is a good idea too (don’t forget to pay it off straight away!)

If you’re taking a punt on the World Cup matches, make sure you’re clear on the T&Cs before handing over your cash. Resolver has recently seen a notable increase in complaints from gamblers about unclear rules, late-placed bets and free offers that aren’t such a bargain.

Watch out for merchandise rip-offs. Replica kits are always overpriced. But there are lots of ways businesses will part you with your money. The Mirror recently reported that it costs on average £773.60 to fill the official sticker album. So why not encourage the kids to focus on – ahem – some less costly options! The supermarkets are all gearing up for your cash. So don’t bulk buy the beer and barbeque meat in a rush. Those BOGOF deals often aren’t bargains at all. And keep your receipts in case you need to make a complaint.

Hate football? Then make the most of the great bargains that will abound over the World Cup as retailers, cinemas, restaurants and leading events try to tempt you out of the house. The footy means takings are down in all these areas and more, so take advantage of the deep discounts. You might even dodge the whole thing! The Adidas ball which will be used as the official match ball of the World Cup

Resolver can help you make a complaint about anything from delayed flights, dodgy hotels, retail rip-offs and much, much more.

Get started at resolver.co.uk and let me know your stories at yourstories@resolver.co.uk