The worst thing you can do while traveling internationally, is to use your debit card to make any type of purchase. Why? Because your bank is going to charge you a fee per every foreign transaction and that can add up quickly.
Using cash is one thing, but if you’re like me and not comfortable carrying a few hundred dollars in your wallet while traveling, then the best payment option would be to use a credit card that doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee. This means that with the credit card you can pay in the local currency and will not be charged a fee, it would essentially be like using a debit or credit card in the US.
Here is a list of credit cards that do not have a foreign transaction fee:
The Premier Miles & More® World MasterCard®: There is a $79 annual fee with this card, but after you make your first purchase, you get a 20,000 mile bonus and a complimentary companion ticket.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard®: The current signup bonus for the Arrival is 40,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of opening the card. There is a $89 annual fee, but the fee is waived the first year.
Chase Sapphire Credit Card: this card has an annual fee, but it’s waived the first year. The Sapphire has a bonus of 35,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. The minimum spend is not small, but if you do manage to meet the requirement, you can transfer the points to an airline program.
BankAmericard Travel Rewards Credit Card: this card does not have an annual fee. If you spend $500 within 90 days of opening you account, you will earn 10,000 bonus points which can be used towards travel expenses.
Citi Hilton HHonors: This card does not have an annual fee and you can earn 40,000 if you meet the $1,000 minimum spend requirement in 4 months which is enough for a free night at a Hilton.
Chase United Explorer Card: this card has an annual fee, but it’s waived the first year. You can earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months of opening the card. The miles can be used on United Airlines or one of its partners.