Using a credit card abroad (2024)

FAQs

Using a credit card abroad? ›

While you'll always need some cash, using a credit card for your spending needs can significantly simplify overseas travel. You won't really have to deal with converting currency and, armed with the right credit card, you won't pay unnecessary foreign transaction fees.

While you'll always need some cash, using a credit card for your spending needs can significantly simplify overseas travel. You won't really have to deal with converting currency and, armed with the right credit card, you won't pay unnecessary foreign transaction fees.

You're not required to notify your credit card company when you're going away on vacation, but it is highly recommended. By letting your credit card company know where you're going and for how long, your company will know that any card transactions from that location were likely authorized by you.

Most credit card providers charge you a fee for currency conversion when you're abroad – and for withdrawing cash abroad you may also be charged a cash withdrawal fee. Your exchange rate will be set by your payment scheme provider – either Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Use your credit or debit card when possible

Fees aside, using your credit or debit card is probably your safest bet for getting an exchange rate that's closest to the market rate. But be aware that while your card's issuer bases its exchange rate on market conditions, it does set its own exchange rate for transactions.

While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It's just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won't accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason.

Credit cards are generally the recommended choice of payment method to use when traveling.

If you intend to use your personal debit or credit card abroad it is best that you let us know. Telling us in advance that you're travelling will notify our transaction monitoring systems you will be using your debit or credit card abroad.

Unlike cash, credit cards provide fraud protection. For starters, most international merchants require EMV chip cards, which are automatically more secure than their magstripe counterparts. Though many card-issuing banks also provide liability coverage and the ability to cancel your card if it's stolen.

When you use a credit card in a foreign country, the issuer automatically converts the local currency to dollars based on up-to-date exchange rates. For this conversion service, the issuer may charge a nominal fee, a percentage typically between 1-3% of the total purchase.

How can I use my credit card internationally without charges? ›

The Travelex Money Card is a multi currency card that can be used in most countries around the world. Widely considered the best travel money card for overseas travel, the Travelex Money Card can be used in the US, Europe, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, and many more countries.

If you have not activated the overseas usage feature, Magnetic Stripe Transactions on your Card cannot be processed. However, please note that EMV Chip Transactions on your Card will still be processed and you will be liable for these transactions.

We recommend always carrying a travel-safe wallet or a travel money belt with enough cash to cover three days' worth of expenses, based on the local cost of food, a place to sleep and a little extra for transportation, if needed.

If you're bound for Europe, be warned: your foreign credit card won't always work. Thanks to technological advances, tax evasion, and merchants' disgust with fees, you may find that credit cards in Europe are not nearly as welcome as other payment methods.

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe? Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors.

Yes, you can use your credit card for international transactions. It offers convenience, security, and rewards for your purchases abroad.

Foreign transaction fees are common and apply to most credit cards. The fee is presented as a single percentage, usually 3%. Chase, Citi, and U.S. Bank all charge a 3% fee. The American Express fee is 2.7%.