Is it safe to use a credit card internationally?

Using your credit card abroad provides security and convenience that cash does not. You'll earn points on every purchase, which you can save up and redeem toward more travel experiences in the future. Your purchases may also be covered by purchase protection, giving you extra peace of mind.



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While you'll always need some cash, using a credit card for your spending needs can significantly simplify overseas travel. You won't really have to deal with converting currency and, armed with the right credit card, you won't pay unnecessary foreign transaction fees.

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When Europeans buy something with plastic, they insert their card, then type in their PIN. Despite some differences between European and US cards, there's little to worry about: US credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) generally work fine in Europe.

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Credit cards are accepted in shops across France, and of course in Paris. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is not nearly as widely accepted as the first two. Travelers' Cheques have gone the way of the Dodo Bird.

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8 Expenses You Should Not Put on a Credit Card
  • Rent or Mortgage Payments. Paying your rent or mortgage with a credit card isn't always an option—landlords tend to prefer checks, cash or even Venmo payments. ...
  • Utilities. ...
  • Income Taxes. ...
  • Medical Bills. ...
  • Cash Withdrawals. ...
  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payments. ...
  • Online Bets. ...
  • Tuition.


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While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It's also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.

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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.

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Using a debit card Equipped with a chip, secured with a PIN, and providing direct access to your own money, debit cards get the gold for convenience when it comes to travel money in France. Look for a checking account that doesn't charge for currency conversion or international ATM withdrawals.

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European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.

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