Credit Card Tips for Traveling Overseas

Using a Visa credit card while abroad is a very useful way to pay for purchases or to assign it as back-up emergency fund.

Visa is especially convenient because of its new chip and pin system, which is now prevalent all over the world in so many countries. The system is actually preferred over the simple magnetic swipe transaction system because it is more secured.

The new system is now applied in countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, China, the United States and the mainland Europe. Some countries may no longer accept swipe transaction system.

The chip and pin system uses a small chip which is embedded in a card. All credit card information is stored inside the chip, which is far safer than the magnetic strip. Many equipment can now illegally obtain information through cloning of the magnetic strip found at the reverse side of the card.

Visa cardholders must enter a personal identification (PIN) number in order for the transaction to be honored as legitimate. Unlike the old swipe system where anybody can forge your signature, the PIN number encoding offers a more secure way of paying for transactions.

Sound Advice for Using Your Cards while Abroad

* Look for ATMs with the Visa logo. Any authorized ATM will be able to process any Visa transaction including dispensing cash. However, note that Visa card transactions can be quite expensive.
* In case of a refused transaction, talk to the manager in order for your concern to be investigated immediately.
* If your card is still using the swipe system, try to request for a chip and pin as card upgrade.
* Inform your credit card lender beforehand that you will be going abroad.
* Ask your card provider regarding any issues related to your credit card and your travel.
* Secure a list of all phone numbers and account numbers to act as backup in case your card is stolen or lost. Keep it in a separate place from your card.
* Never write down your PIN numbers, memorize them instead.
* When abroad, pay in their local currency. It is good way to save money even during international transactions. As a card holder, you should be allowed to choose this particular option. Those merchants who insist on charging you in your own currency are just looking for reasons to charge additional fees.

There you have it. Most of the above tips are really based on common sense. Treat your card with care and you will likely have the time of your life instead of worrying about fraud and other card issues.