Travel Credit Cards

Why bring travel credit cards instead of traveler's checks? Convenience, safety and savings. The first time I had to exchange $200 of travelers checks overseas, the bank charged me $8. Later, during the same trip, I used my debit card at an ATM to get $200 from my checking account. The charge was one dollar, and that was the last time I used traveler's checks.

Travel Credit Cards And Debit Cards

It is best to carry a credit card AND a debit card, and keep them well-hidden in two separate places. Bring cards that have either zero liability, or a fifty dollar liability limit for any unauthorized charges.
Ask your bank or credit card company about this. Make sure you bring a Visa card, as this seems to be the most widely accepted right now.

Sometimes an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) won't take a card for some reason. Normally, you can use the other card, which will usually work fine. That's the advantage of having two cards. By the way, criminals watch those ATMs, so be especially careful not to flash your money around
when you leave an ATM.

For most travel, credit cards may be less trouble than debit cards. They can be replaced quickly if stolen. On your stolen debit card, your liability might be zero, but you probably won't have access to your account until the matter is sorted out.

On the other hand, on longer trips it's a hassle to pay the credit card bill on time, which isn't a problem with debit cards. That's another reason to carry both. On longer trips you can wait until you're a few
weeks from home to use the credit card, and you'll get there before the bill does.

Another advantage travel credit and debit cards have over traveler's checks, is that when you need the local currency, you'll almost always get a better exchange rate with your cards. Plus, the cash you get from the local ATM will truly be accepted everywhere, something no traveler's checks can promise.

Be sure to call your credit card company or bank before you travel overseas. They may decline your card when you try to use it otherwise. Just let them know where you'll be and for aproximately how long. E-mail yourself the phone numbers to call in case of loss or theft, so you can get them from anywhere in the world.

To sum up : Use cards with low liability, high enough limits for your trip, and hide them well on your body. These are the requirements for good travel credit cards.

More Travel Advice And Tips :

Three Ways To Get Travel Discounts

Every year families put off traveling because they're too busy or too tired or they just don't have enough money. Traveling can be expensive. But by taking the time to learn about discounts readily available to everyone through the internet, newspapers, and even the yellow pages. read more..

Tips For Travel With Children

Getting ready for a family vacation with a baby? Many things can make the trip a more enjoyable experience, depending on the age of the child. Snacks, the healthy sugar free variety are also a necessity, and pillows and blankets to make the child comfortable during the long ride. read more..

Business Travel With Wife

If you are an infrequent traveler you may need some tips to keep the wife happy while you are jet setting around the globe.You may be servicing customers near your or your wifes childhood homes, you may be visiting a destination that she has always desired to be. read more..

Travel Tip

Tips from us will help get travelers on their way.Deciding which tour to take for your next holiday vacation can be an overwhelming and stressful task. Some simple advice and tools for preparation.read more..

Travel Packing Tips

Packing is an art form in itself. Experienced travelers have perfected this art over the years so they cen carry just a small bag and still have all that they need on vacation. Here are ten tips to help you pack for your next vacation. read more..

Traveling With Pet

Sometime things happen and you need to leave right away. If you have pets, this can cause a major problem. What if no one is available to watch your pet?. read more.

Tips For A Great Family Vacations

The biggest mistake you can make when planning a family vacation is not involving the entire family. You probably think that when it comes to vacations, parents know best. But you might be surprised to realize that children, even young ones, can provide valuable input. read more..

Tips For Travelers To The Tropics

I went on my first holiday to the tropics recently. I was afraid of catching a disease, so I did a bit of research, and took some precautions. Here are some tips I found useful. read more..

Travel To Romantic Asian Locations

Asia is one the more visually stunning areas in the world. If you are looking for romance, here are some top-notch destinations. read more..

Get The Best Travel Deal

Traveling to a different country can be a superb as well as an intricate experience. It's very difficult to be familiar with new language, legal systems and customs for unplanned travelers. You can have a lovely foreign experience with proper planning and guidance. read more..

A Guide To Buy Travel Insurance

Is Travel Insurance Really Necessary? Travel is already expensive enough, isn't it? The cost of air fare, cruises, hotels, ground transportation, food and activities and entertainment are already high enough. Is travel insurance a necessity or a luxury?. read more..

Sail Away On Cruise Vacations

Cruising is a favorite pastime for many vacationers craving a break from land. Cruises offer many activities which are set apart from any other getaway. read more..

Budget Travel To Paris

My plan was to show how to plan a cheap travel excursion to Europe in general and France in particular.. read more.

Back to Travel Advisor Main Page