Are you planning an overseas trip? Do you have questions about the best way to make purchases? Are you interested in using your credit card, but unsure if it’s a good idea?
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you grab your plastic and jump on a plane:
1. Check With Your Credit Card Company
Call your credit card company to let them know about your overseas trip. This does two things:
- Allows you to learn more about its features, such as whether or not you’ll be charged a foreign transaction fee with each purchase
Lets your credit card company know you’ll be overseas, so they don’t mistake a purchase for fraud
- With a foreign transaction fee typically in the three percent range, you need to carefully watch what you’re doing if this will come into play.
2. Take a Backup
If you have more than one credit card, consider taking at least two with you. Here’s why: if something happens to your primary card, you can always pull out your backup and rely on it until you return back home.
You never know if your first card will be lost, stolen, or compromised for any reason. If it is and you don’t have a backup, you could find yourself in financial trouble.
3. Know Your Destination
Many travelers overlook the fact that not all credit cards are accepted in all countries. For example, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted the world over. However, American Express and Discover are not nearly as popular outside the United States.
Along with the above, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you as well. You can use it if your credit card isn’t accepted. You can also use it in the event that you lose all your credit cards. If northing else, it will give you peace of mind.
When was the last time you took an overseas trip? Did you use your credit card? Do you have any other tips to share?
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.