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Research: Before you embark on traveling with credit cards - Credit-Land.com

Compared to cash, credit cards are always a safer option when you decide to go on a vacation. However, most often than not, people who travel dependent on their credit cards, are in for a shock when they reach their destination and try using the credit card. Most of the credit cards decline the transactions, thus leaving the customer stranded. Do you want to avoid such situations when you travel out of your country on vacation? There are some simple tips that you need to keep in mind in order to ensure you are well protected when traveling with credit cards.

Call the credit card lenders

Once you have decided on the credit cards that you intend to carry with you when you travel, it is important to call the issuers of the credit cards and advise them of your travel plans. If they have not been informed in advance, banks do not process transactions when they are made from a different country. The transaction is declined in order to prevent misuse of the credit card by miscreants. However, if you inform them about your plan well in advance, they will make a note of it on their system, thus making it easier for you to transact from any part of the world.

Confirm the fees applicable

Using a credit card in a country other than the one where it has been issued attracts a foreign transaction fee. This fee can be as high as 3% per transaction. Considering the fact that you will be using your credit card for almost every transaction in the foreign country, it is going to prove to be a costly affair. Hence, consider all your alternatives and reach out for your credit cards only when you have absolutely no other choice.

Find out if the card is usable in the destination of your choice

If you have a credit card issued in the US and you plan to carry it to the UK, it is important to find out the usability of the credit card in that region. This is because the credit card technology that is used in one country is not the same as that used in another. Some kiosks in certain European countries only accept credit cards that have a tiny chip embedded in them. If your credit card does not have the chip, the transaction will not take place.

Always be prepared with a backup plan in case credit cards fail to work on foreign soil. You may want to consider the option of carrying travelers' checks.

Disclaimer: This editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the banks or credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of the banks or credit card issuer(s), and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the banks or credit card issuer(s). Reasonable efforts are made to present accurate info, however all info is presented without warranty. Consult with the issuing bank of the card or account for terms & conditions.
All rates and fees, and other terms and conditions of the products mentioned in this article/post are accurate as of the last update date but are subject to change. See the current products' Terms & Conditions on the issuing banks' websites.