Best Credit Cards for Overseas Travel - Credit Cards for Travelling

Ready to set off on an overseas adventure? Before you pack up your suitcases, make sure that your wallet is packed well for the trip. Your well-wishers at mymoneykarma don't want you to fall in trouble and hence urge you to keep the following in mind while prepping for your trip.

Your Credit Card Should Be Suitable for Overseas Travel

You might have a great card with innumerable benefits, but it doesn't mean that it is fit for traveling abroad. Before setting off, make sure that your credit card has EMV compatibility and doesn't charge you for foreign transactions.

If your credit card has a small embedded golden square, be sure that it is EMV-enabled. These chip-enabled cards are more secure than the erstwhile popular magnetic stripe cards. The EMV chip cards work on a superior technology than the erstwhile magstripe cards and it is more difficult to hack into your account information through chip transactions than the ones through the magnetic ones. Travelers are prone to becoming victims of fraudsters. With the advent of these chip cards, the world has breathed a sigh of relief as it promises more security from credit card frauds.

Most Indian credit cards typically charge a fee on every foreign transaction. It could be as expensive as 5% of your total purchase per transaction. You would end up paying a lot of money for purchases. Instead, look for a credit card that doesn't levy the foreign transaction fee. You could actually save a lot this way. Consider getting a forex card as well.

You Should Carry Multiple Cards

Now that you have a credit card with EMV chip as well as no foreign transaction fee, do you think you are completely prepared to fly off? I don't think so. You need at least another card for backup. Are you wondering why? Well, be prepared for emergencies. Think of the worst - what if your card is lost or stolen? Expecting a replacement card immediately would be impractical. You would be inevitably stranded at a foreign location without any access to funds. It is better to be safe than sorry. Get yourself that backup card asap.

You Must Understand Your Card Network

Visa and MasterCards are more or less accepted universally, but there are quite a few other card networks like Discover, Amex, RuPay, etc. that do not work in all countries. Check whether your card network works in the destination country.

Inform The Card Issuer about the Trip

Credit card issuers lookout for fraudulent transactions. Overseas transactions generally come off as potential red flags. Your card could get blocked. Don't let it roll so far. Inform your card issuing company about your upcoming trip - convey the location and duration of travel. You could do this by calling up their customer service department. Some companies provide this facility on their websites.

Carry Some Cash

In spite of carrying multiple credit cards, you might run into unexpected exigencies. Your itinerary might include an obscure location where cards aren't accepted. You should carry some cash for such emergencies. It need not be your primary mode of payment, but it might come to use just in case.