"Are you planning to go abroad but don't want to bother with payments? Credit cards are the answer! Check out the following ways to keep your transactions safe and comfortable."
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Using a credit card abroad to shop is more practical because we don't need to exchange money for local currency for transactions. Just swipe a credit card with a certain logo that your destination accepts. It's easy, right?
But behind it all, we must remain careful because transactions with credit cards abroad can be difficult and even detrimental. But don't worry, first pay attention to the tips below so that all credit card transactions are safe and comfortable!
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1. Notify the Bank
Before leaving for a holiday abroad, you can notify the issuing bank of your trip. If the bank doesn't know about it, overseas transactions may be considered suspicious and may be rejected. Not to mention, if you are abroad and difficult to contact, the bank will also have difficulty verifying the transactions made. The solution is to report the trip via the nearest call center or bank branch.
2. Use an EDC Machine with the Same Logo
When you want to pay, make sure the electronic data capture (EDC) machine used by the merchant has the same provider logo as the credit card. If the logo is not the same, you may incur additional costs. Even though sometimes the costs are not large, if you keep using different EDC machines, the costs will increase, right?
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3. Check Limits
To make shopping more comfortable, don't forget to check your credit card limit. Don't let the transaction be rejected because you forgot to pay the bill. If you have been choosing items and queuing at the cashier and then failing to shop, it will affect your holiday mood, right? So, check your credit card limit first before using it, okay?
4. Know the Additional Fees
Usually, if you use a credit card abroad there will be additional fees such as exchange fees and administration fees. The administration fees themselves vary, ranging from 1-3% of the transaction value. The higher the transaction value, of course, the administration costs will be higher too. It's better to ask about these fees from the credit card issuing bank, so you can estimate the costs of using the credit card.
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5. Note down the Call Center Number
If there are difficulties when using a credit card abroad, you can directly contact the call center of the credit card issuing bank. Therefore, save the bank call center number. Also record the credit card number in a separate place, such as a notebook or smartphone. If something undesirable happens, such as a lost wallet, you can immediately report it to the call center so that your credit card can be immediately blocked.
