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Before leaving, check the expiration date of your credit card and make sure you renew it before your departure if the expiration date occurs during your trip.

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- To have a hassle free usages of your credit card, please check before departure with your bank if you card would work for your destination.  Also check the maximum withdrawal limit and number of transactions allowed per day.

 

- Today, most countries have distributors (called ATM) that can withdraw cash in the local currency. Although be careful that you use only ATMs that are genuine, attached to a recognized bank. Most of the time, you will get a better change at the ATM than at the change office (where we already experienced a 20% exchange fees)

- North America, Australia or Europe, it is easy to pay by credit card. In some European countries, Visa or MasterCard are generally accepted while cards like American Express are accepted generally in more upmarket establishments.

- Asia, South America, Central America or Africa: situations can vary. Usually there are no problems in the upmarket areas but you should verify the possibility of paying by credit card prior to your departure locations functions and selected facilities and needs. Some traders also require 3 to 5% of service charges to pay bank charges.

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- It is desirable to have two credit cards if you go as a couple (even for single person), each must take his card. You may have a problem with a card and it is desirable to have an alternative.

- Check that the cash machine (ATM)  has not been tampered. This fraud is called  "skimming" in English. Skimmers may be installed on ATM machines, and sometimes you can’t even notice them. A small device goes over the normal card reading slot and reads your card’s magnetic stripe.

 

​ - Retain your card, when possible, when you set up a tab: it is always possible that a dishonest employee will copy the number sequence, including the security code and expiration date for fraudulent purchases on the internet. While charging your card while you’re out at dinner, for example, a scammer can run your card through a skimmer as well.

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​- Regularly check your statements to detect fraud: all countries are affected and call your bank in case.

 

We recommend that you have some money in cash; some small shops do not accept credit cards or traditional markets, restaurants, tips etc... Obviously, depending on the security situation in the country, it must be carried in a pocket or in a money belt (see stores for travel items).

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Traveling with Credit Cards