Comments on: How to Avoid Paying Bank Fees While Traveling

By: Brigite Marques

Brigite Marques — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:26:16 +0000

I would recommend digital banks like Monzo or Revolut for travelling abroad, but that would be for shorter trips. Transfer currency within the apps and pay directly from them when in shops/restaurants etc.

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Mon, 22 May 2017 19:06:53 +0000

In reply to Marlena Santoyo. As long as you find a place that doesn't charge fees, it's all good with me! I just want you to save money when you travel!

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 22:01:20 +0000

In reply to Kitty. Yes, you'll get charge a transaction fee for using the credit card and the 3% fee is built into the currency conversion on the debit card.

By: Kitty

Kitty — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 22:01:42 +0000

Thank you, Matt, for this useful and helpful post. I will be traveling in few weeks to Australia and I only have Bank of America debit and credit card (both Visa and MasterCard). So do I expect to be charged 3% each time I use my card on all transactions? (Cash withdrawals, shopping, restaurants, etc..)

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:54:41 +0000

Hi Matt, a really useful post, something most people don’t take into consideration when travelling longterm! what’s your thoughts on pre paid cash cards? do you ever use them?

Aaron

By: Marlena Santoyo

Marlena Santoyo — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 05:53:17 +0000

I don’t use a bank having to do with they’e being a rip off and screwed so many folks re. losing their mortgages being out in the street etc. I one to support unions in general and have been using freedom credit union card AND went to save as much money as possible.
Your Comment?

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 01:47:56 +0000

In reply to Oscar Garcia. It's important to have a back up card in case something goes wrong or the first card gets lost or stolen. That's why I also have HSBC.

By: Jillian P

Jillian P — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 13:05:07 +0000

Awesome article! I wish you had written this before I left for southeast Asia this past October and I spent days researching which credit card and ATM card to get. It’s stellar that you’ve put this all into one place for readers!

Since October, I’ve traveled to Bali, Thailand, and Taiwan with the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card & the TD Bank ATM card. Both have proved incredibly valuable. The $95 fee for the Chase Sapphire means nothing when you’re using your credit card on a daily basis. It pays for itself. With the TD Bank ATM card, I’ve saved the hassle of having to seriously watch how often I take out money. With a $2.50 fee per use, I still try to only take out money once a week, but I’d try to take out even less frequently if I had to pay $5. Plus, knowing that I’m saving 50% on the fee just makes me feel better overall when spending money on a travel tip!

Thanks for providing this all in one place!
Jillian

By: Oscar Garcia

Oscar Garcia — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 20:03:49 +0000

Hi Matt! Great article! I wanted to ask you about the Charles Schwab account: You mention that Charles Schwab offers the best card to avoid ATM withdraws fees. Then you mention to get a low fee card, in your case, HSBC. Thus, you recommend to get both? I would think I wouldn’t need a second card after the Charles Schwab’s card! I’m about to open an aacount with Charles Schwab in order to get that card, but I wonder if I should get another card like the one from HSBC. Thanks for your time and your article. Look forward for an answer!

Oscar

By: Dianne Lewis

Dianne Lewis — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 01:12:06 +0000

Thanks so much for all the tips on everything and more than I thought about. My friend and I are Canadians. We are travelling to Paris this coming summer. I have 2 bank cards…Scotiabank and Bank of Montreal. I have 3 credit cards…all with chips. I have the Scotiabank VISA, Capital One Mastercard, and Gold Scotiabank AMEX. I’m not really sure which ones I should use. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.