International Travel

[3Ts]

There appears to be many of you who have traveled internationally for business and/or pleasure. I'm getting ready to make my first international trip so my question to you is: Are credit cards universally accepted? Do credit cards need a 4 digit PIN? Does the PIN need to be without a "0" in it?
How/where do I get cash withdrawals? Do I need to go into a bank or ???

 

[jeff9366]

The answer to all your questions depends on which countries you are visiting.

In Europe, especially northern Europe, cash is becoming rare. Most everyone pays electronically.

Make sure you contact your CC banks and inform them of your travel dates and destinations or it is probable they will put a hold on your card(s), which can be really inconvenient.

 

[ustmd]

I travel internationally all of the time for business.

As Jeff mentions, it depends on where you are going. Unless you are going somewhere remote, credit cards are almost universally accepted. Europe usually expects you to have a pin (at a restaurant, they will bring the credit card machine to you--your credit card is always in view). Asia, pin numbers are not as common.

ATMs are also pretty common everywhere and your debit card may work--you just might not be able to read the language.

Most of the time, when I am gone for 1-2 weeks, I usually take $100-150 US in cash. You can change money at the airport kiosks (horrible rates and fees). Many hotels will change money for you or direct you to a bank that will. Also, if you are going to a more international city (e.g. Tokyo or London) there are currency exchanges everywhere.

My recommendation is try to use your credit card as much as possible. You general will get the best currency conversion rate.

 

[gb6049]

In smaller villages and off the beaten path cash is still widely used and credit cards less so. I lived in Germany for 6 years, 2010-2016, and travelled all over Europe and Africa. Always carry some local currency or ask what cards are accepted before a purchase. Your cards should have a chip as most of the cards with just a magnetic stripe may not work.

 

[sseelhoff]

Depending upon where you go, cash is still king. Credit cards can be a problem, and ATM cards may not work at all. In Central America, most places accept U.S. Currency, but like smaller newer bills.

 

[ultrarunner]

Beware that just because an establishment in Germany or Austria has a Visa or Mastercard logo doesn't mean they willingly accept it.

I had a business dinner in Berchtesgaden and when I attempted to pay the waiter said the credit card machine was not working... (This has happened to me in the past)

I said no worries, I will pay by mail as I had no cash... just then the waiter said he would try once more and miracle of miracle the machine worked!

Found when shopping it is wise to ask ahead... some are more than friendly... others not to the point of being rude.

At another place one of my guests was trying to buy some gifts to take home and not having any luck... I mentioned a small shop I knew that graciously accepted credit cards... my guest bought ALL of her gifts there and I stop by the shop each time I am in Hallstatt...

Smaller banks can be hesitant to exchange dollars... never had been a problem but there was a recent run of counterfeit bills and it had a ripple affect...

Excellent advice to let the card issuer know in advance... my best luck is with Mastercard which is affiliated with Eurocard...

Small Bed and Breakfast and similar are still cash...

 

[RNeumann]

I travel internationally all of the time for business.

As Jeff mentions, it depends on where you are going. Unless you are going somewhere remote, credit cards are almost universally accepted. Europe usually expects you to have a pin (at a restaurant, they will bring the credit card machine to you--your credit card is always in view). Asia, pin numbers are not as common.

ATMs are also pretty common everywhere and your debit card may work--you just might not be able to read the language.

Most of the time, when I am gone for 1-2 weeks, I usually take $100-150 US in cash. You can change money at the airport kiosks (horrible rates and fees). Many hotels will change money for you or direct you to a bank that will. Also, if you are going to a more international city (e.g. Tokyo or London) there are currency exchanges everywhere.

My recommendation is try to use your credit card as much as possible. You general will get the best currency conversion rate.

Second this. The CC will have the best conversion rate- try and use it. Some USA banks can get you currency before you go- call your bank as this would also be a good exchange rate

 

[bunyip]

VISA and Mastercard are accepted at most places here but a lot won't accept AMEX or Diners without a surcharge if at all.
Larger business are OK but smaller ones are the problem.
Foreign currency is not readily accepted including US$ but banks will exchange.

 

[North Idaho]

I travel internationally all of the time for business.

As Jeff mentions, it depends on where you are going. Unless you are going somewhere remote, credit cards are almost universally accepted. Europe usually expects you to have a pin (at a restaurant, they will bring the credit card machine to you--your credit card is always in view). Asia, pin numbers are not as common.

ATMs are also pretty common everywhere and your debit card may work--you just might not be able to read the language.

Most of the time, when I am gone for 1-2 weeks, I usually take $100-150 US in cash. You can change money at the airport kiosks (horrible rates and fees). Many hotels will change money for you or direct you to a bank that will. Also, if you are going to a more international city (e.g. Tokyo or London) there are currency exchanges everywhere.

My recommendation is try to use your credit card as much as possible. You general will get the best currency conversion rate.

I also travel internationally for work a lot and have a couple of quick comments; get a credit card dedicated for travel with a back up you don't use. This way if the travel card is hacked or lost you can ditch it and still travel. Look for one with the best international transaction fees. They can add up.
When you need local cash use an ATM with your pin, preferably at a bank or the hotel. This will get you the best transaction rates. If you can't find these ATMs look for the ones the locals are lining up to use, they are pretty safe. If there is no line don't chance it.
Keep some local cash in pocket. It is handy for lots of little things. Just remember to use it up or change it out before you leave.

 

[lpigott]

I work and have been working internationally for the last 16 years. Lots of good advice above. Remember that the US dollar is widely accepted and many time preferred over local currency. For this reason I never get on a plane without at least $500 USD. I only exchange if I absolutely have to and this is rare. I also limit my CC use when traveling and as stated above always call you CC company before traveling and inform them so you do not get in a bind with card refusal. Make copies of your passport and leave with someone at home and also take a copy with you. Never leave your passport in a hotel room. Mine always stays on my person.