Comments on: International Travel – 10 Key Things to Know

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 17:22:47 +0000

In reply to Janice Chung. Generally debit cards from Credit Unions don't charge fees. However, the foreign bank may still charge a fee on their end. At least with a credit union debit card, you can save the fees from your bank.

By: Grey World Nomads

Grey World Nomads — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 14:34:58 +0000

We didn’t find a credit card in Europe which doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees yet. Traveling for many years we are not that aware anymore of the basics of planning a trip. The smart phone with a local sim card is one of our most important tools (next to a valid visa, credit card and passport 😉

By: The GypsyNesters

The GypsyNesters — Mon, 30 May 2016 23:32:32 +0000

Very good points. Might also note that ATMs often give a better exchange rate than changing money elsewhere. Might offset the fees sometimes. Safe travels.

By: Janice Chung

Janice Chung — Mon, 30 May 2016 21:11:24 +0000

I follow all your advice but sadly in Canada I don’t think a debit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees exists. And there are only a few credit cards without the foreign transaction fee. One thing I would add is that when travellers are making a purchase and are being offered the local cost or their home (foreign) cost (ie. 100 Euros or $135 Canadian) they should NOT choose the home (foreign) cost as it is usually a rip-off with a very high foreign currency exchange rate. It is called a Dynamic Currency Conversion.

By: Beth Wells

Beth Wells — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 15:10:42 +0000

Great advice! We also travel extensively outside the US so I can add a few things to your list:
1. When visiting 3rd world countries, we take a pack of $5 and $1 bills for souvenirs. The dollar still ranks high in many 3rd world countries and are accepted by many souvenir vendors.
2. We used to arrive in foreign countries and head straight to the ATM in the arrivals lounge of the airport, however many airports have removed their bank-owned ATMs in favor of exchange kiosks that charge an exorbitant exchange fee. We recently read some advice to take a small amount of local currency with you for taxis etc. that will hold you until you can get to a proper ATM.
Make sure you let your bank(s) know you will be traveling, when and to where. This will ensure they don’t put a block on your ATM or credit card when they see a foreign transaction.
5. If you have an iPhone your phone is already wired for foreign use. My cell service is with AT&T. Before I travel, I purchase a global call and data package. The price has come way down – it is now about $30 for ~125mb of data, which allows me to check my emails a few times while abroad and don’t have access to wifi. Phone calls are extra but much cheaper with the package than without. I’m sure Verizon and the other major carriers have similar packages.