Can I use my debit or credit card while traveling internationally? (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to use a debit or credit card when traveling internationally? ›

Credit cards are generally the recommended choice of payment method to use when traveling.

If you're traveling outside the U.S., your bank might hit you with a foreign transaction fee when you use a debit card at a merchant or ATM. Foreign transaction fees generally range from 1% to 3% of the amount of an in-person purchase or ATM withdrawal.

Using credit cards for purchases when possible and using ATMs to get local currency for when you need to pay cash are by far the best ways to pay for things when abroad because you will get the wholesale exchange rate rather than the less favorable retail rate posted in currency exchange facilities or at bank teller ...

You can use them just as you would at home as a way of paying for things. Plus, if you need to, you can take out a cash transaction at an ATM or use to obtain local currency.

Because a debit card pulls funds directly from your bank account, potential charges incurred by a thief will stay on your account while your bank investigates. For that reason, I limit my debit card use to cash-machine withdrawals. To make purchases, I pay with a credit card or cash.

Visa exchange rate

This is the exchange rate used by Visa to convert the transaction into sterling on the day Visa processes the transaction. This might not be the same day when the transaction took place. A 2.99% fee charged by us for using your debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or for refunds.

Generally, you won't have trouble using an ATM in a foreign country as long as you let your bank know where and when you're traveling. You can do this online or by calling your bank. However, depending on your account and the ATM's operator, you may have to pay additional fees.

This is because most credit card providers charge fees and interest on withdrawals from overseas ATMs. Getting some local currency in advance of your trip, so you can arrive at your destination with some euros or dollars in your pocket, is also a good way to avoid card charges abroad.

You can avoid all transaction fees by paying for your purchases in cash while you're abroad. Banks and currency exchange stores will exchange U.S. dollars for most major currencies, and you can do this before you leave.

Should I get cash before going abroad? ›

“You generally want cash on you, always, in case of an emergency,” Granite said. Cash is also useful for gratuities and small purchases. For larger transactions, he recommends credit, provided there are no foreign transaction fees.

If you want to keep a tab on the spending, a debit card can be a good option. Credit cards, on the other hand, are handy if you face a shortage of funds while travelling abroad.

If you are travelling abroad it is advisable to register your travel plans with us as this will notify our transaction monitoring systems that you will be using your personal card abroad. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of your card transactions being blocked abroad.

International ATM fee: This is usually a combination of a flat fee and a percentage of the amount withdrawn. Typically, fees range from $1 to $5. Foreign transaction fee: Also known as a currency conversion fee, this fee can range from 1% to 3% of the total purchase amount.

Even if you've got a card that doesn't charge you for overseas use, always check you're paying in the local currency. Remember that if a retailer or ATM offers to carry out the conversion for you so you can pay in pounds sterling, you'll likely end up paying more.

Both. “You generally want cash on you, always, in case of an emergency,” Granite said. Cash is also useful for gratuities and small purchases. For larger transactions, he recommends credit, provided there are no foreign transaction fees.