Credit cards and Money while travelling

[bonniejoy03]

Just an alert to some. Some credit card companies charge a COUNTRY FEE when charging. This can be 2-3%! This fee is charged when paying in US Dollars in a foreign country. (For example, when we are visiting Anguilla, our charges are in US dollars. Some credit card companies STILL charge the fee and they call this a COUNTRY FEE.) Be careful if you want to avoid paying costly bills.



Also, be careful with large bills in some countries. For example, some of the lesser developed countries aren't too happy when dealing in 50's or 100's. Also, we just received some emails from foreigners about fraudulent $50's and $100's in the Caribbean. Some places aren't able to take them. Always check ahead!!

[funtimes]

Good thoughts Bonneyjoy. We were just charged extra for transactions in Italy and Canada - This is understandable due to exchange rates but US DOLLARS that charge is outrageous!!! One of our fees was for a Hilton in Rome - I complained and the fee was removed - credited back. If you deal with worldwide companies there should be no extra charges if they are US based ie Hilton. Also agree with the 50's and 100's although in the Bahamas - Green Turtle Key - an LL property They were pleased to see 50's - There are no hotel room keys at Bluff House ( LL property) so if some room is robbed - kids show up in town with a 50 dollar bill - they know who did it. Also a reminder some places charge a fee for travelers checks as well... always good to ask in advance or go the the bank. happy Travels ...Funtimes

[bonniejoy03]

Thanks Funtimes. The fee is charged anytime you use your credit card outside the US. For the USAir Card (Barclays Bank), it is a 3% fee! This is tough when you charge your hotel on the CC and it is in US dollars but you are outside the country. It definitely adds up. Some Caribbean countries are having a problem this week with counterfeit 50's and 100's. We were advised not to bring them. We are heading out next week so will keep everyone posted.

[two2go]

Hi Everyone
Before travelling anywhere, we always check what is being offered on Luxury Link. Since we buy often on LL we applied for a US Visa card a while back when we figured out we were being charged a fee when using our Canadian Visa. I must say that it has paid off even though we pay a fee for the card.
two2go