10 Tips for Foreign Travel with a Credit Card
If you plan to travel the world this summer, it may be a good idea to have your credit card, just in case. If you do take your card, here are 10 tips to make your life a little easier while traveling.
Tip # 1: Expect Fees
While most of us expect this anyway, it’s important to understand that there could be fees. If you’re using an ATM, you’re probably going to get a foreign ATM fee which will vary depending on your card issuer; however, some charge as high as $5 per foreign ATM transaction. In addition to ATM fees, you may get charged for a conversion fee if you’ve had money converted from one currency to another.
Tip # 2: Call your credit card company beforehand
If you live in New York and suddenly there’s activity on your credit card in Africa, the credit card company is going to be concerned. They will likely try to contact you by phone first, but if they can’t reach you, then they’re likely to shut down your card. This is especially important if the credit card is your sole source of funds on the trip.
Tip # 3: Get an in-country phone number
If you’re from the U.S. and you’re traveling abroad you’ll want to call the credit card issuer and get a phone number that will work in the country you are traveling to. And, since you’ve got them on the phone, find out about replacement cards should you need one sent to you. They can usually get a new card to you within a day or two, but it may come with a fee. Knowing ahead of time will make it easier should anything happen.
Tip # 4: Know your credit limit and expiration date
It will be an embarrassing issue if you suddenly can’t pay for vacation expenses when you’re already overseas. Make sure you know what you’re leaving with before you start using the card. And just make sure that your card isn’t going to expire while you’re traveling as that can make things especially difficult as well.
Tip # 5: Have your account numbers written down and somewhere secure
This will make your life easier if your card is lost or stolen. Just make sure these numbers are as safe as possible. It’s also a good idea to have a second card from a different bank as a backup in case something happens with the first.
Tip # 6: Stick to using just one card
Now, I know I said to take two cards with you, but the second one is only for emergencies, like losing the first card or having it stolen. If you’re going to a country where tourists are pick pocketed frequently, it may be a good idea to leave the second emergency card in a safe in your hotel room. However, using just one card helps with planning and budgeting, as well as keeping you from overspending on your trip.
Tip # 7: Keep the receipts
If you keep the receipts, it will be easier to reconcile your charges on your statement. You’ll want to look for any strange charges that shouldn’t be there, but if you’ve been on vacation and aren’t sure, you may chalk it up to the three martini’s you sucked down in an hour. Keeping the receipts will help with your bookkeeping when you get home.
Tip # 8: Carry cash or travelers checks
While the credit card is safer, particularly if you’re robbed, not everyone will accept a credit card as payment. It will make things easier and less expensive if you have a little cash on hand for these occasions.
Tip # 9: Watch out for double-billing
If you reserve a hotel room with your credit card and then decide to pay in cash, it’s not uncommon to find that the hotel billed your credit card anyway. Keep the cash receipt if you pay in cash. When trying to dispute the extra charge, if you don’t have the cash receipt, you’re not going to get very far.
Tip # 10: Be careful at restaurants
If you’re paying your meal at a restaurant with a credit card, but decide to leave a cash tip, be sure you notate that on the receipt. Something to the effect of “tip on table” in the tip field would suffice. If you’re unfortunate enough to get a dishonest waiter, they could fill in the tip amount for you and take the money from the table. It’s better to just be careful when you’re traveling.
What other tips can you share for traveling abroad with a credit card?
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If you have a capitalone card, bring it. They don’t charge currency conversion fees.
Thanks for the tip, PT! Unfortunately, I don’t have Capital One so I’ll be traveling without it.