Gone are the days of relying on cash and travelers checks when traveling overseas. Today you can use the same credit cards you use at home abroad; however, there are a few important things that you should know.
Bring More Than One Credit Card With You
You’ll want to make sure you bring more than one credit card with you on your trip. The main reason being, if your one credit card ends up getting declined, you’ll be out of luck. When you bring a few different cards and one of them gets declined, you’ll be glad you brought a backup. There are a plethora of credit cards on the market that that offer extra rewards for spending money at places like hotels and restaurants. You can also look for cards that don’t have foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up and eat away at your vacation budget, so investing in one of these credit cards may be a wise move.
It’s also important to note that if you’re traveling to Europe, most credit card readers require the latest chip and pin technology. Over the past few years, many US banks have start issuing cards with a chip, so if you already have one of these, you’re in luck.
Let Your Bank & Credit Card Company Know You’re Traveling
Before you hop on that jet plane and head to Paris, it’s critical to make sure you notify your bank and credit card company about your upcoming international travel itinerary. If you fail to do this, there’s a good chance your credit card and debit card will not work abroad. Your bank may think that your debit card has been stolen because it is not used to seeing international transactions on your account.
Use A Widely Known Credit Card
If you have a credit card from a small credit union, you may run into some issues during your trip. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across the globe. American Express can also be used internationally, but it will be accepted at fewer merchants.
Take Advantage of International ATMS
While you may be tempted to buy foreign currency before you leave the United States, we recommend waiting until you arrive at your destination city. This is because most exchange booths at the airport will charge a very high commission rate for their services.
Use Your Credit Card At Airport Lounges
If you are lucky enough to have a luxury travel credit card, you likely have access to airport lounges. Some credit cards offer members the Priority Pass network. This allows you to visit lounges overseas during your travels. Most of these lounges offer complimentary drinks, food, and sometimes preflight spa offerings.
If you’re taking an international trip and flying out of the Denver International Airport (DIA), park your vehicle with ParkDIA. We offer affordable and convenient uncovered and covered airport parking near DIA. Check out our parking rates and options online or download our mobile app on your smartphone to reserve your parking space today.
