So, you have many credit and debit cards and wonder which one/s to take with you on your overseas trip? Do not fretโฆ
Check the terms and conditions
Most importantly, check whether your current credit/debit card provider charges any of the fees outlined in our bank fees guide and how much they charge. To do this, search for the credit/debit card terms and conditions on your Card Issuer’s website.
- If you have several cards, take the card/s with the lowest fees.
- Make sure you Check your cardโs expiry date well in advance of your trip and apply for an early reissue if it expires while you are overseas.
If you have time to shop around, look for credit/debit cards with lower fees than your current provider. Allow sufficient time for your application to be processed and your card issued.
Cash and purchases
When comparing cash advance fees (F) between cards/providers, think about how often you will need to withdraw money (and how much per transaction):
- First, check your guidebook to see if credit/debit cards are accepted at your destination. In many (so-called) developing countries, cash is still king.
- Then, ask yourself how much you would be prepared to lose if someone stole your cash. Only withdraw that amount each time you go to an ATM.
- Be aware of the daily withdrawal limit imposed by your card issuer. You can find it in the credit/debit card terms and conditions on your Card Issuer’s website.
- In most cases, overseas ATM providers also impose withdrawal limits (per transaction and/or day), meaning you may have to withdraw money more often than planned.
Ideally, you should travel with more than one card (in case one is scammed and locked by your provider) and different brands (for example, a VISA and a MasterCard) if one is not accepted when you want to use it.
Notify the bank of travel plans
Finally, notify your card provider of your travel plans to prevent your card from being locked when potentially suspicious but legitimate transactions occur (for example, if you have recurring debits from your card in your home country and use your card overseas simultaneously).
Want more tips like this to stretch your travel budget further? Follow our handy guides below.
What debit and credit card money tips can you share?
I wrote this travel finance article based on my own experience. If you, like most people, travel overseas and use your debit or credit cards to make purchases or at the ATM and have something to add, please feel free to contact me.
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