Should I bring my debit card when traveling?

If you're like most people, you may have bought into the belief that you just can't use a debit card when you travel. Guess what? Debit cards work just as well (no—better) than any ol' credit card. The fact is that you're using your own, hard-earned money, instead of borrowing from Visa or Mastercard on interest.



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Cash is the best — and sometimes only — way to pay for bus fare, taxis, and local guides. If you'll be shopping a lot or settling bills at pricey business-class hotels, you might use your credit card more than I do — but you'll still be better off using cash for smaller purchases.

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While you're traveling:
  1. Have multiple payment options. Keep an alternate form of payment in a different bag in case your wallet is lost or stolen. ...
  2. Only use secure Wi-Fi networks. ...
  3. Don't post selfies until you get home. ...
  4. Limit your use of Bluetooth. ...
  5. Report your lost card quickly.


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The major disadvantage of using a debit card instead of a credit card is that if it is compromised or stolen, the money in your bank account could be in danger. If you don't have a backup credit card, your entire trip could be distorted while you wait for everything to be resolved and your finances to become available.

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You can typically use a debit card when traveling in another country as long as the merchant accepts transactions from the card issuer. Debit cards are especially useful when withdrawing cash from ATMs internationally, but cash and credit cards may make more sense for other purchases abroad.

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Here are the top five payment options you can use while travelling internationally, presented in alphabetical order:
  1. Bank Wire Transfers. The first option is simply to use your bank to complete an international wire transfer. ...
  2. Credit Card. ...
  3. Prepaid Debit Card. ...
  4. Remittance Services. ...
  5. Traveller's Cheque.


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Always keep cash and other valuables with you in a carry-on bag. Never leave such items in checked baggage.

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Avoid traveling with large amounts of cash or other forms of money. Always keep your money in a carry-on bag. Your airline will not compensate you if your money is in a checked bag and that bag is lost, stolen, or destroyed. Keep your money and other valuables out of public view.

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You can fly with any amount of cash. No law prohibits you from bringing any amount of money on a flight. Likewise, TSA has no rules that limit how much money you can bring through security. In other words, TSA has no cash limit per person.

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Bottom Line: The Best Debit Cards for International Travel in 2023
  • Revolut: Best overall US debit card for international travel.
  • Chime: US digital account without foreign transaction fees.
  • Wise: Multi-currency account with most currency options.
  • Capital One 360: Best US bank for international transactions.


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You're not required to notify your credit card company when you're going away on vacation, but it is highly recommended. By letting your credit card company know where you're going and for how long, your company will know that any card transactions from that location were likely authorized by you.

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But if you need a rule of thumb to go by, here's how we fall on the carry-on versus checked bag debate: Carry your bags on board for short trips, when you want to spend as little time as possible getting in and out of airports, and when avoiding checked bag fees is key.

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Advantages of using cash If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

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Yes! You can pack 10 days of clothes in one carry-on bag. The key is to pack clothes that all work together, and of course, to use clothing organizers that maximize the space in your bag.

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Opt for Automatic Payments: To simplify bill payments while travelling, consider setting up automatic payments for your recurring bills. Contact your service providers, such as utility companies, internet providers, and credit card issuers, and inquire about their automatic payment options.

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What Should I Tell My Bank Before Traveling? Generally, you should tell your bank the locations you are traveling to and the dates/duration of your travels.

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