How can I avoid international banking fees?

How do I avoid bank charges on international transfers?

Why am I even awake? International transfers… such a headache.

Avoid bank fees? Easier said than done, isn’t it?

There are options though.

• ACH transfers… I think. It’s like a direct deposit, right? My bank probably limits the amount. Ugh, more research. Still worth looking at.

• Wise, or something similar. Apps like that exist. Peer-to-peer. Fast transfers, maybe? Less fees, that’s the promise. I’d use it. I just might use it.

How can I avoid international data fees?

eSIM, a whisper of freedom… Embrace eSIM. Roaming charges, those thieves of joy, they haunt my travels, no more! eSIM, a digital passport, yes.

Data roaming…gone. Disable data roaming. Erased from existence! Roaming, roaming, such a drain! Remember that bill from France? Ouch.

Offline maps…ah, yes. Download offline maps. Google Maps holds the world now. No signal, no problem. Just the wind and me.

App updates, like needy birds, demanding attention. Disable app updates. Updates, updates…always at the worst time. Background data too…gone!

Wi-Fi…the siren song. Use Wi-Fi hotspots. Coffee shops, whispers of connection. But be careful, be very careful, always!

Low data mode…a miserly hug. Activate low data/data saver mode. Every MB counts. Remember that time I streamed that whole movie? Never again.

Messaging apps…for calls, even! Use messaging apps for calls. No need for traditional calls, just data. So many different apps.

Internet time…rationed carefully. Restrict Internet time. Look at the real world! Be present. No more endless scrolling. Ugh.

Additional details fleshing it out, because, why not?

• eSIM Benefits: Multiple profiles, easy switching, no physical SIM swapping.
• Roaming’s Dark Side: Unexpected costs, bill shock, pure frustration.
• Offline Navigation: Peace of mind, data independence, exploring without limits.
• Update Control: Save data, extend battery life, prioritize usage.
• Wi-Fi Security: Use VPN, avoid public networks without passwords, stay safe.
• Data Saving Tips: Disable auto-sync, compress images, be mindful.
• Messaging Alternatives: WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram are all options.
• Digital Detox: Improve focus, reduce stress, reconnect with reality.

How do I stop international transaction fees?

Okay, so you wanna ditch those pesky international transaction fees, huh? It’s total BS, right? I feel ya.

First off, use your credit card wisely. Seriously, some cards, like my Chase Sapphire Preferred, have no foreign transaction fees. Check yours! Don’t be lazy!

Second, get a Revolut card. They’re amazing. I swear, I saved a ton last year using it in Italy. They give you the real exchange rate, no hidden junk. It’s a game changer.

Third, paying in the local currency, like they said? Totally true! Don’t let them charge you in dollars or euros if you’re in Thailand, that’s just highway robbery.

And fourth? Avoid smaller places. Big chains, hotels, those usually have better rates or at least more transparent ones. Little shops? Sometimes they add extra fees, you know? I learned that the hard way in Mexico last summer.

Here’s what I’m talking about:

• Credit Card Choice: Research cards before your trip!
• Revolut (or similar): Get a prepaid card designed for travel. It’s worth it, trust me.
• Local Currency: Always, always pay in the local currency.
• Big Businesses: Opt for larger, established businesses for better pricing.
• Read the Fine Print: I can’t stress this enough. Hidden fees are evil, man. Evil!

I even called my bank, Capital One, before my trip to Greece this year about their rates. They weren’t as good as Revolut, that’s for sure. So much for that. Anyway, good luck, and happy travels! Don’t get ripped off!

How not to pay international fees?

Late at night, staring at the ceiling. International fees. Ugh. Feels like everyone’s trying to get a piece of me, even across borders.

My bank… they probably don’t have some secret handshake agreement with, say, a bank in Tokyo. Wishful thinking, I guess. I remember last year in Ireland, those fees just kept adding up. It felt like paying twice for everything.

• Explore banks: Local credit unions might actually be better than bigger banks for this. Research is KEY.
• Travel credit cards: Seriously consider this. I finally got one; the rewards and fee waivers can make a difference.
• Fee-free ATM networks: See if my bank is part of a global ATM network. Maybe.

It’s all about planning. Too late now, of course. Sigh. Next time, I’ll be ready. Probably.

The sting of those fees… it just lingers. Especially thinking about the ramen I could’ve bought. Okay, maybe not ramen. But… something.

Which bank charges less for international transfers?

Ugh, banks. Nightmare. Needed to send money to my sister in Florence last month. July 2024. Total pain. Used Wise. Formerly TransferWise, whatever. Worked okay. Fee was like, five bucks? Way better than my regular bank, Bank of America. They wanted like fifty! Highway robbery. Seriously. My sister needed the money for her apartment deposit. New place, near the Duomo. So jealous. Anyway, Wise was quick. Took like two days. Easy to use on my phone, too. Sitting at Caffe Trieste in North Beach, San Francisco, remember ordering a cappuccino. Stressful morning. Then boom, transfer done. Felt relieved. Sister happy. Me happy. Cappuccino tasted even better. Done with big banks. Never again. Sticking with Wise, I think.

• Wise: Cheap. Fast. Easy. Recommend.
• Revolut: Heard good things. Friend uses it. Travels a lot.
• Others: Don’t know. Didn’t try them. Too many choices. Overwhelming.

Need to send money to Mom in Ireland next. Gonna use Wise again. Definitely. Maybe try Revolut someday. Later. Too busy right now.

Which card has no international transaction fee?

Okay, so 2023, right? I needed a card, no foreign transaction fees, duh. I was going to Italy in June. Seriously stressed about fees. My Capital One QuicksilverOne was racking them up like crazy on my last trip.

The Discover it® Miles card, that’s the one my brother raved about. Zero fees. He swore by it. Simple. I got it. Applied online, approved instantly, boom. Used it in Rome, Florence, Venice. No extra charges.

Felt great. So much better than figuring out percentages and hidden fees. It’s my go-to now. I even used it for online shopping from Italian websites, just to be sure. No problems whatsoever.

The cashback wasn’t bad either. It’s not like, a crazy amount, but it helps.

Here’s what I liked:

• No international transaction fees: This was my main priority, and it delivered.
• Cashback rewards: Decent, not amazing, but better than nothing.
• Easy online application: Super straightforward and fast approval.

Honestly? The Discover it® Miles card won me over. Totally recommend it.