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

FAQs

Can I use my debit or credit card while traveling internationally? ›

Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fee

When making payments in a foreign country to vendors you've never encountered, the fraud protection on credit cards and the ability to dispute unauthorized charges make this payment method desirable and super-safe. Credit cards may also be necessary when booking a hotel stay or car rental.

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.

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.

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 ...

A debit card offers a convenient way to access money when you're traveling, whether you're on a Greek getaway or a Rocky Mountains ski trip. Using a debit card while traveling may not be the best option, however, due to limitations in fraud protection and the potential for fees.

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.

Guide to Disadvantages of Using a Debit Card Abroad

However, it can bring big problems. For one, a blocked card by bank could leave you without money. Also, high foreign transaction fees of 2.75% to 2.99% can increase your spending ¹. If you withdraw cash, expect a 2.99% foreign fee plus the ATM's charge ¹.

Do I need to tell my bank I'm going abroad? ›

If you intend to use your personal debit or credit card abroad it is best that you let us know. Telling us in advance that you're travelling will notify our transaction monitoring systems you will be using your debit or credit card abroad. This will help us to reduce the likelihood of your transactions being blocked.

Your credit card company or bank may not need to be notified before you take a trip. That's because of improvements in fraud detection technology and security. If you choose to set a travel alert, you can usually do it over the phone, online or in your bank's or credit card issuer's mobile app.

“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.

On top of the cash withdrawal fee, you will also need to pay interest on the cash you withdraw using your credit card. Avoid using a credit card abroad if you plan on making cash withdrawals due to the excessive charges that come with them.

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.

Check with the merchant if to confirm if you'll be charged an international transaction fee. The best way to avoid the international transaction fee is to look for debit and credit cards that allow you to shop overseas without being charged international fees.

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.