Should I use my credit card when I travel?

• Yes, using your credit card can be more valuable than using cash, so use it when you can.

• You’ll probably be able to get a better exchange rate than changing money to spend yourself.

• You’ll be in a stronger position; the credit card company can often charge back disputed charges.

• Many times your credit card will offer an extra guarantee or warranty when you purchase items with your card, but you’ll want to read the fine print for exceptions.

• You won’t have to risk your safety by carrying and displaying large amounts of cash.

• If you lose your card, most credit cards have a low maximum liability limit if you quickly report the card as lost.

Should I use my ATM card while traveling?

• Yes, with the ability to draw out small amounts of cash as needed, you can avoid the risk of traveling with large amounts of cash.  Using your ATM card can also be a good way to get cash in foreign countries.

• The ATM will issue money in local currency.

• You should exchange at the bank’s wholesale exchange rate. You may still want to shop around to different banks since some will charge a high usage fee for their ATMs. Although, even high ATM fees may be less than others will charge for currency exchanges.

• Don't wait until you're out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

How can I make sure I’ll be able to use my ATM card while traveling?

• Call your bank to make sure your PIN number will work in foreign countries.

• Find out your daily limits and plan ahead. You may need to take out money little by little or ask to have your daily limit increased.

• Use your ATM card before you go, to make sure it is still good.

• If you go through many airport security checks, remember that the security scans can demagnetize your cards. You might want to ask for a visual inspection.

• Don’t wait until you’re out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

Where can I get quick access to cash while I’m traveling?

www.visa.com/pd/atm/main.html

• Visa’s ATM locator web page. This site provides a searchable database that locates ATM’s belonging to the Visa, Visa Electron and Plus ATM network worldwide.

www.mastercard.com/atm/

• MasterCard’s ATM locator web page. This site provides a searchable database that locates

• ATM’s belonging to the MasterCard and Cirrus ATM network worldwide.

What should I know about using travelers checks?

• If the particular brand of travelers checks are accepted in the country and area you’ll be visiting.

• How widely they are accepted within the countries and areas you’ll be visiting.

• Any fees for purchasing and using the travelers checks.

• The travelers check company’s loss, replacement and refund policies.

How can I protect my travelers checks while traveling?

• Take the same precautions you would to protect your cash.  Be sure to learn and follow the procedures required if you lose your travelers checks.  You’ll also need to make copies of your travelers checks before you go and keep separate from them the following information. 

• The serial numbers of the travelers checks.

• The denomination of the travelers checks.

• The date and location of their purchase.

• The phone number to call to report them missing.