Using credit cards while traveling is a good idea for a number
of reasons:
--You have a record of your expenditures for record-keeping and
tax purposes (especially important if you travel for business)
--You may get a better exchange rate when obtaining foreign
currency when using your credit card. --Credit card companies
can refund disputed charges and may offer extra guarantees,
special deals or warranties. --Your liability in the case of a
stolen credit card is limited to $50
But, traveling these days is often a juggling act of luggage,
boarding passes, identification cards, passports and a gauntlet
of security measures. These identification acrobatics can leave
one slightly addled and perhaps more at risk of being targeted
by an enterprising pickpocket or purse snatcher.
And, even though your liability is limited, costs can quickly
add up if multiple cards are involved. Factor in the hassle and
increased risk of identity theft, and it is apparent a few
preemptive measures can save you from a boatload of heartache.
Consider the following tips as guidelines to traveling safely
and affordably with your credit cards….
Plan Ahead:
Anytime you travel you should make photo copies of all of your
credit cards airline tickets and documents, both front and back.
You should leave these photocopies with a friend or family
member. Be aware that if you make copies of your cards and
documents to take with you, you may be giving thieves another
opportunity to rip off your personal information. Consider
blacking out details such as expiration dates, verification
codes and social security numbers.
If you decide not to carry photocopies of your credit cards, be
sure to have the card cancellation numbers from the backs of the
cards written down and stashed in your luggage.
Leave a Paper Trail:
Save receipts and keep track of the places you used your card.
Make sure receipts are stored in a safe place so they can be
checked against your credit card statement to ensure
unauthorized charges have not been made and/or gone unnoticed.
Two accounts are better than one:
When traveling with other family members, even spouses, bring
different credit cards that are on separate accounts. When a
card is lost or stolen and must be cancelled, all cards on the
account are cancelled as well. Having at least two cards from
separate accounts will prevent the situation from leaving you
stranded.
Keep it light:
Carry only the personal information absolutely necessary for
vacation, such as a passport or driver's license. The less
personal information you have, the better off you will be if
your purse or wallet is stolen. When traveling by air, always
keep copies of important documents in a separate part of your
luggage, such as a carry-on bag.
Keep cards on your person. Most travel stores carry small bags
that you can keep cards, cash, and other items you will need to
access while out and about. Consider a money belt or security
wallet.
Look out for fees:
When traveling abroad and using a credit card, watch out for
the conversion fee that many banks levy to convert charges in
foreign currencies to dollars, generally 1% of the purchase
amount. Some banks charge a fee and some don’t so, if you have
several cards, it's worth checking with the issuers to see which
one has the best deal. Even with the conversion charge, many
times ATM machines will have the best possible exchange rates
and the lowest fees.
With proper planning, credit cards are a convenient, secure and
cost-effective means of payment when traveling. Just keep these
tips in mind, and the next time you’re balancing on one foot at
the security gate, you’ll be glad you did.
Copyright © 2004 Luggage 'n' Travel Accessories
http://www.luggage-n-travel-accessories.com
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