There are various options for how you’ll spend when travelling abroad, from using cash to travelers’ checks. If you’ve got a credit card, then this can be a convenient and popular choice in many countries. It’s always important to budget properly for spending overseas, whether you’re going on a weekend break or traveling for several months. Most people try to avoid overusing their credit card abroad but there are some things it is vital for.
Top 5 Uses of a Credit Card When Travelling
- Hotels and Accommodation
One of the main benefits of booking hotels and other accommodation when abroad is that it gives you added legal protection if something goes wrong. For example, if a hotel chain goes bankrupt or there are other issues, then Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act will have you covered. This means the credit card company has equal liability with the seller (hotel in this case) if what you’ve paid for is not delivered. In countries which might not be as safe as the western world or as big on consumer rights, it can be a lifesaver.
- Transport
Booking trains across Europe or just a taxi to the airport can be done online and in advance with a credit card. This is useful for those who like to plan everything in detail, rather than turning up and hoping they can pay in cash. Again, for trains and airplanes your tickets can be protected when made through credit cards.
- Food and Drink
Much like being at home, sometimes you can simply forget to take any cash with you to the supermarket. Or when abroad you might end up eating and/or drinking more than you’d planned, which is when using your credit card can again save the day. This is especially true in countries where they add on service charges, taxes or you just struggle to understand the pricing.
- Take Out Cash
If you feel safer paying for things in cash, then you can use your credit card when traveling at cash machines. This avoids the issue of ordering many different currencies from each country you visit, making the process a lot simpler. Plus, you won’t have to carry around huge wads of cash everywhere you go and worry about its safety.
- Emergencies
Finally, a credit card can save you in all sorts of emergencies. This could be anything from paying for a last-minute taxi to covering medical costs if you don’t have insurance. It could even be used to cover your flights home if the situation gets that bad.
Having a credit card when you go traveling is highly useful for a range of reasons, especially for those who like to travel as safely as possible.
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