Tips for using your credit card abroad

If you have ever traveled outside the U.S. you know that using a credit card is one of the easiest and safest ways for paying for purchases and even for withdrawals. However there are a few tips to know even before you leave for your trip in order to avoid unpleasant surprises such as the card not working or surprise fees when you get back home.

• Take a card that works abroad - e.g. Visa or Mastercard
• Contact your card company - tell them you are going to - wherever you are going - they will make a note of your travel in their system. It is extremely frustrating to have your card activity suspended by the company if their fraud sensors think there is something funny going on, except it is just you using your card abroad.
• Call your card company and ask about any fees that may be associated with purchases made outside of U.S. or fees if you withdraw money from a foreign ATM. Typically the exchange rate is better when you use your card, however fees may offset that quickly.
• Look up or ask about a contact number for your card company when calling from the country of your destination - this is typically different from what is on you card for call from within U.S.
• Check your daily withdrawal limits, expiration of the card/s and credit limit + available balance on the card/s
• Keep all receipts and compare with your statement when you get back home.

Having a credit card with you when you travel abroad can make dealing with money easier and safer.