Using your Credit Card in Foreign Countries
By Rizki Akmanda Zaymi • Jul 28th, 2008 • Category: Credit Card, FinanceOne of the main advantages of credit cards is the fact that almost every mayor credit cards can be used in foreign countries and, therefore, can avoid carrying money from one place to another with the risk of theft. In addition, there are many other benefits and drawbacks associated with this aspect that we analyze in the following paragraphs.
Credit card insurance
Most Credit Cards came with an insurance policy to cover any loss or theft of your credit card which will be replaced as soon as possible once you contact the credit card issuers. When you receive your plastic get a list of phone numbers (usually the call is free) where you can call in case you lose your card or get it stolen. Always keep this list in a safe place as in the case of theft or loss of the card as soon as you report, the better.
The policy covers their expenses, while the replacement is sent to you as well as reimbursement of all purchases made with the card after the loss or theft. Note, however, that each credit card issuer has different insurance programs and you must ensure that the cover before making their trips.
Reimbursement Insurance
Note that although his house you are covered by the refund policy if you buy products that are not to his satisfaction, to travel abroad must first check with your credit card company before making purchases of expensive goods such as you might not get a refund if there are no agreements between the issuers of credit cards and supplier of the goods. Legal systems change from one country to another and not all of them have this kind of customer protection programs.
Exchange rate
When traveling abroad, foreign currencies are always a problem. The exchange rate varies between banks and financial institutions, not to mention the unofficial currency changers who roam the streets in some countries. With a credit card can always be sure that if you go to an ATM and to recover cash, get a secure transaction with an average exchange rate, thus avoiding being ripped off.
Note, however, that in some countries, official exchange rate differs greatly with the foreign exchange market rate and you may want to consider exchanging their currency before travelling or somewhere else if you are already on the foreign country. Always check with trusted people, mostly staff of the hotels and restaurants will let you know how everything works.
Beware of fees
Credit card companies usually charge additional fees to monitor transactions. There are other costs involved for them when purchases are made in a foreign country. However, these rates are usually calculated on a percentage basis should not exceed 2% of the purchase price. Before travelling check with your credit card issuers how they are charging for purchases abroad. Compare rates and decide which of their credit cards must use when you are abroad. This way you save money and enjoy their holiday knowing that they’re making the most out of their money.
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[...] money news blog - Just another WordPress weblog wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptOne of the main advantages of credit cards is the fact that almost every mayor credit cards can be used in foreign countries and, therefore, can avoid carrying money from one place to another with the risk of theft. In addition, there are many other benefits and drawbacks associated with this aspect that we analyze […] [...]