Tell your card issuer about your trip before leaving so they don’t flag unfamiliar transactions. Additionally, make sure you know your card’s daily ATM withdrawal limit, expiration date, account balance and available funds. This ensures your card will work while you’re away and has sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses.

Sign up for free text alerts when a transaction exceeds a pre-set amount or when unusual card activities are detected. Contact your card issuer for details.

Whether you’re using a magnetic strip or chip card, know your card PIN before travelling overseas. If you’ve forgotten your PIN, reapply for a new one.

Keep a copy of all your card account numbers and the telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. Keep this information in a safe place, away from your wallet or handbag. Always keep your credit card number and three-digit CVV2 code on the back of your Visa card confidential.

Foreign merchants may offer to convert your bill. Although it is convenient to see the bill in your home currency, the conversion usually includes a markup. To avoid the markup, decline the conversion and choose to pay in the local currency. If you chose to pay in the local currency, but the transaction was charged by the merchant in a different currency, contact your bank to contest the charge.

No need to get cash before you go. ATMs are available at over 2 million locations around the world so you can get cash when you need it. Getting cash at an ATM abroad can actually be more cost effective.

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