What is the best way to pay for things in a foreign country?
It's often better to pay in the local currency, if the card reader gives you the option. That way you avoid the overseas provider's currency conversion fees. Some cash machines may charge a fee, even if we don't. This is the same as in the UK.What's the best way to pay for things abroad?
As well as having some holiday money in your purse or wallet, it's wise to pack a debit or credit card too. It means you can avoid carrying large amounts of cash around, and if using a credit card for an expensive transaction, you'll get certain legal protections if anything goes wrong.How to pay for something in another country?
Using credit cards for purchases and using ATMs to get local currency are the best options when abroad. Avoiding cash as much as possible won't saddle you with extra unspent currency when you leave a country.How do I avoid 3% foreign transaction fee?
How to Avoid International Transaction Fees
- Open a Credit Card Without a Foreign Transaction Fee. ...
- Open a Bank Account Without a Foreign Transaction Fee. ...
- Exchange Currency Before Traveling. ...
- Avoid Foreign ATMs. ...
- Ask Your Bank About Foreign Partners.
Is it better to use a debit or credit card abroad?
Credit cards are likely to remain more widely accepted than debit cards, especially cross-border. However, withdrawing money from ATMs abroad and the currency exchange associated with international transfers are often much cheaper with a debit card than with a credit card.How to Pay For Things in Another Country (Without Getting Scammed)
Is it better to use Visa or Debit?
Credit cards often offer better fraud protectionWith a credit card, you're typically responsible for up to $50 of unauthorized transactions or $0 if you report the loss before the credit card is used. You could be liable for much more for unauthorized transactions on your debit card.
Which debit card has no foreign transaction fee?
Discover® BankDiscover doesn't charge foreign ATM network or foreign transaction fees. But Discover card acceptance can be limited outside of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean nations. With an HSBC Premier Checking account, customers pay no foreign transaction fees. HSBC also has a worldwide network of ATMs.
Which credit card is best for travel?
Best Travel Credit Cards of August 2025
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best feature: Hilton hotel rewards.
- The New United Gateway℠ Card: Best feature: United Airlines travel rewards.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best feature: Travel rewards.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best feature: Flexible cash back rewards.
What's the best debit card to use abroad?
The standard debit card that comes with a Starling Bank current account is a great choice for overseas spending and ATM withdrawals. It charges no fees for either, wherever you are in the world. ¹ And there are no fees to open/maintain an account, or to order a card.Is Revolut better than Wise?
Both systems are based in the UK and well supported across Europe, but Revolut covers a lot more countries than Wise. That is why it's referred to as the “global money app”. However, when it comes to how long a transfer takes, Wise is 0 to 2 days while Revolut takes 3 to 5 days (especially when going through SWIFT).How to pay internationally without a fee?
Using a non-bank money transfer service could mean minimal or no fees. At OFX, you receive fee-free transfers* for sending USD internationally. We use our global network of 115 local bank accounts to make our transfers within the same country, so you won't be hit by any international transaction fees.How to use a debit card abroad without charges?
Spending abroad using your debit card linked to a Travel account or a packaged bank account could be a good option. We can also get you some travel money before you go for your trip. If you are looking to spend fee-free* on purchases anywhere in the world - a packaged account might suit you.How to pay online internationally?
Make international payments
- Open the Google Pay app .
- Tap Scan QR code.
- Scan the international merchant's QR code.
- Enter the money you owe in foreign currency.
- Pick the bank account you want to pay from.
Which is better, MasterCard or Visa for travel?
The differences between Visa and Mastercard credit cards are relatively minor. Overall, Visa cards generally offer slightly stronger travel-related benefits and protections, while Mastercards may unlock access to more discounts and exclusive experiences.Which credit card is better for international travel?
Here's a quick list of the 11 best credit cards for international travel from India:
- HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card.
- Axis Bank ATLAS Credit Card.
- ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card.
- SBI Card ELITE.
- IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card.
- RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card.
- HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card.
How do I avoid foreign transaction fees on my debit card?
Settle payments in the local currency
- Pay in the local currency with your card provider determining the rates and fees.
- Pay in your home currency using a Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Which credit card has free international transactions?
Banks like Axis, HDFC, and SBI offer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. However, these cards may have other charges, like annual fees.Which bank does not charge for international transactions?
Starling BankIt doesn't charge customers for foreign ATM withdrawals, and there is no fee to hold a standard current account.