Don’t just assume you know everything there is to know about the ins and outs of credit cards when traveling overseas. That could be the biggest

mistake you’ve made in a while and nobody wants that. First of all, don’t take debit cards masquerading as a credit card. You know the ones we’re talking about. They walk, talk, and look like a regular credit card, but back at the company, it’s a whole different beastie that will likely be turned down in many international locations.

The main reason to call your credit card company is to alert them to the fact that there will be charges coming through from outside the country. Otherwise, they might grow suspicious when payments for women’s lingerie in Istanbul and hand grenades in Switzerland start coming in, and shut down your card completely, thinking it is being used fraudulently.

Other issues to address with your company before traveling are:

1. how acceptable their card is in your target country

2. if your PIN works there

3. foreign exchange and cash advance policies

4. phone number to call in case of trouble

There’s one thing of which you can certain; having your credit card declined in the midst of a two week vacation to another country would be classified as the opposite of fun. Though you will likely be able to use your credit cards for cash advances while traveling, remember that the ATM will dispense funds in the local currency, so don’t freak when unusual colors and shapes come out instead of trusty Uncle Sam’s dinero. And you might won’t to take more than one credit card, in case the first one becomes mysteriously maxed out or won’t work at a particular location. Bring at least two different companies of the Big Four along for the ride: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover.

The Jetsetter Team

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Tags: traveling