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 you distracted and even
a little bit addled, perhaps
putting you 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.
His & Hers:
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.
Lighten Up:
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.
Watch 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.
About the author:
Gail Corwin is a successful
author and publisher of http://www.luggage-n-travel-accessories.com
-- Your online resource for
luggage and travel
accessories, travel related
information, timely articles
and tips.
© 2004 Gail Corwin
