Debit or Credit spending overseas?

We were thinking of using our debit card only for drawing out money at ATM's and for paying the balance on our rooms. Using our credit cards for everything else.

The credit card is a safer bet because there's some kind of insurance on purchases, and better coverage if the numbers are stolen right?

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

If you plan to use a cc be sure to call the company and let them know you will use the card overeas and the places you are visiting. Also, ask them about foreign exchange fees. I know amex charges to convert euros into dollars for each transaction.

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

Be careful with the credit cards most of them charge yo between 1 - 3% for each transaction

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

First, alert both your credit and debit card companies that you are traveling. They should also give you 1-800 fraud numbers just in case you have a problem -- they usually tell you to call collect as well.

Ask your debit card company if they have a partner bank in the country to which you are traveling. If so, you can usually use that partner company's ATM without incurring any fees. I have done this in Canada, China, Thailand and Mexico.

Your credit card company will probably charge you a transaction fee for each purchase. This can get annoying quickly... so you might want to stick to cash for purchases like meals, touristy things, etc.

Message edited 8/22/2011 5:39:26 PM.

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

Message edited 6/3/2012 9:18:17 AM.

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

Be aware of dynamic currency conversion when making purchases while in Europe! Make sure when using your credit card that it is charged in Euros, otherwise, you will be hit with another transaction fee (about 4% but sometimes higher) for converting the Euro into US dollars at the time of purchase. Total scam but it is legal. Sometimes the merchant will ask you but it's best to tell them to charge it in Euros. I believe that Amex has a block on this so that merchants can't try to convert it, but Visa and Mastercard does allow it, so be aware.

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

Whatever you choose! GET your pin number for ALL CC. You cannot use a debit or CC withou the pin number in France. You will have to input it when paying.

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

i've heard capital one is the best cc to use overseas, so it's generally what i use..and i've never had any type of fee show up

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

I would go with Debit card purchases. If you have a MC or Visa logo on it you can use it like a credit card but you will not get charged any fees and you will get the best exchange rate possible. I've done that when going out of the country multiple times and it's always worked out fine.

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

If you plan on bringing a cc to Europe make sure its not discover...I brought a discover card with me there and its not accepted there at all...

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

Re: Debit or Credit spending overseas?

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your advice. I'll definitely get the PIN numbers for all my CC's before we go.