Can I use my debit card while traveling internationally? (2024)

FAQs

Can I use my debit card while traveling internationally? ›

Yes, you can use your debit card internationally, though you may incur foreign transaction fees. Depending on where you travel, you might find merchants that only accept cash — or may only accept cards from specific issuers — so it's a good idea to have a mix of payment methods with you.

Yes. However, it's a good idea to let your bank know first if you're traveling outside the country. If not, you risk the card being shut down due to the stringent security measures in place to keep your account safe. Be on alert for potential pickpockets while on a trip.

Is using a credit card internationally a good idea? Yes, using a credit card internationally is the best way to go about paying for things when you're abroad. It's safer because you don't have to carry as much cash, and all major credit card companies offer $0 fraud liability guarantees.

You may be charged for using your debit or credit card abroad to buy something or when you withdraw cash in a foreign currency. What you'll pay depends on the transaction you make and the card you use. You can also compare EEA currency conversion charges while travelling.

Bringing your debit card on a European trip can be especially helpful if you keep it in a separate place from where you store your credit card. If you stash just one credit card in your wallet and have no backups, you could be left without access to money if that credit card is lost, stolen or declined.

Always tell your bank when you're going abroad

When your bank sees that you're using your card in a different country, it may interpret this as unusual or suspicious activity. If you haven't notified them that you're travelling, they may assume that your card has been stolen and block it for your protection.

Using credit cards for purchases when possible and using ATMs to get local currency for when you need to pay cash are by far the best ways to pay for things when abroad because you will get the wholesale exchange rate rather than the less favorable retail rate posted in currency exchange facilities or at bank teller ...

'Starling Bank, Metro Bank and Virgin Money all offer fee-free current accounts which do not charge in Europe for using a debit card, either for a cash withdrawal or retail transaction.

How much does it cost to use debit card overseas? ›

International transaction fee: 3% of the transaction value.

Yes, anywhere Visa is accepted. Visa fees will apply, and it will show on your statement as an international 1% transaction service fee.

Where to Get Good Rates: ATMs and Local Banks. The best place to exchange money is a local ATM or a bank. Many foreign banks are happy to exchange your dollars for local currency for a better rate than you find elsewhere, or you can go to an ATM to skip the line.

Setting your travel notice over the phone or in-person

To set a travel alert for your credit card over the phone, call the number on the back of your card to get in touch with your bank. The customer service line will either let you speak to a representative on the phone or work with an automated system.

A good rule of thumb is to carry $50-$100 a day in the local currency while travelling. Remember, though, that cash may not be the best option to pay for travel expenses. Credit cards offer great rewards, lower transaction fees, and can help you get a better exchange rate.

Because of high currency exchange fees, you should exchange currency before traveling and know where to go to save on the fees once you are abroad. Read the tips below so you can exchange your money at the best rates while saving money on your international trip.

You don't need to let your credit card company know you're traveling, but it's always a good idea. To protect you from fraud, credit card issuers look for charges that seem to be out of the ordinary, or “suspicious activity”.

You no longer have to tell us when you are travelling abroad. Our fraud and security systems are always on the lookout for suspicious activity on your accounts meaning you can relax when you are away making going abroad stress free.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Europe? ›

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

Many international travelers encounter foreign transaction fees while making purchases or withdrawing cash from an ATM in a foreign country. The easiest way to avoid a foreign transaction fee is to use a debit or credit card that waives foreign transaction fees while traveling abroad.

Debit cards aren't used widely in corporate travel because the charges go directly to the cardholder's bank account and don't offer payment terms. Travelers electing to use debit card funds should note paying with the card is typically cheaper than withdrawing money from it.

The 5 Best Debit Cards for International Travel in 2023

Revolut is the best debit card for international travel thanks to no foreign transaction fees, great exchange rates, and multi-currency account for 30+ currencies.

Credit and debit cards are some of the easiest ways to pay for goods and services while traveling internationally. You can avoid carrying large amounts of cash, benefit from your card's automatic currency conversion, and withdraw cash from ATMs as needed.

What is difference between normal debit card and international debit card? ›

Essentially, an international debit card is not a separate card – it is your local debit card with global access. You need to activate your local debit card for international transactions before travelling abroad.

For shopping at over 52 Lakh merchant outlets in India, and over 30 million worldwide. For booking movie tickets, bill payments, travel and other online purchases and payments over the internet.

On top of the margin added to the exchange rate, you might also have to pay a foreign transaction fee when you spend overseas using your Visa debit card. This is a charge for using your card in another country. It may be a flat fee, but it's usually a percentage of the amount you spend.

Buy currency before you travel.

Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate.

The fees to look out for are transaction, conversion and withdrawal fees, which are often 2% or more of the money being spent or withdrawn. Many banks also have a minimum, which means costs can be relatively higher on small purchases and withdrawals.

It's not recommended to take cash abroad as your only means of payment, but obviously, you'll inevitably need to take some cash on your holiday to pay for things like taxis and restaurant tips. In this instance, make sure you take no more than necessary and be mindful of your security at all times.

Citibank Citi Priority Checking Account

Travel perks including no Citibank fees on ATM withdrawals worldwide and no foreign exchange fees when using debit card abroad. Choose from more than 65,000 fee-free ATMs at Citibank branches and participating retail locations nationwide.

Yes, you can use your debit card internationally, though you may incur foreign transaction fees. Depending on where you travel, you might find merchants that only accept cash — or may only accept cards from specific issuers — so it's a good idea to have a mix of payment methods with you.

Exchanging cash in advance before your trip is often one of the best ways to spend money abroad. It will avoid you having to pay poor exchange rates at certain airports, especially if you don't know what their rates will be before you leave for your trip.