How to avoid international transfer fees?

How can I save foreign transaction fees?

Ugh, foreign transaction fees are the WORST. Seriously, they kill my budget every time I travel. Okay, brain dump time.

• Use a travel rewards credit card. My Capital One Venture card is amazing; no foreign transaction fees! I racked up so many miles last year in Italy! Should I book that flight to Japan?

• Big banks suck. Seriously, their exchange rates are highway robbery. Smaller places might be better. Tried a credit union last time – much better rates than Chase.

• Debit cards: I always use my debit card linked to my checking account for larger purchases. It's safer than carrying tons of cash, and the fees are lower. At least it's always been that way for me!

• Weekend exchange rates are a scam. Avoid them like the plague. Exchange currency during the week for better deals. It’s always better!

• Hidden fees?! Always check! I almost got hit with some bogus fees on my last trip - I’m so careful now. Look at everything super carefully, you know?

• Notify your bank. I forgot to do this once… ended up with my card blocked. Don't be like me, okay?

• Get cash from an ATM instead of buying currency at an airport. Airports are notorious for inflated prices. ATM withdrawal fees still apply, but at least it’s usually better than the airport rate! Plus, I feel less like a tourist. I can't stand the feeling.

I need to remember this for my next trip. Maybe Portugal? Or maybe Thailand... I have to check those exchange rates. ugh. So annoying.

How can I avoid foreign exchange fees?

To sidestep those pesky foreign exchange fees? Simple: ditch the credit card abroad.

• Cash is king, or at least a very influential duke. I find having local currency invaluable. It's a classic choice but so useful.

• Currency transfer specialists, like Flash Payments, present another attractive path. It feels safer than carrying wads of cash. They bypass typical bank fees. I once used one to send money to my cousin studying in France. Efficient and cost-effective.

• Or, you could research credit cards that advertise no foreign transaction fees. Those exist now. Amazing.

It really boils down to planning ahead, doesn't it? This world is getting more complicated but, so is it? Huh.

Additional info:

Consider that some ATMs abroad may impose their fees. Check with your bank beforehand about any international ATM access arrangements. Plus, some vendors may offer to charge you in your home currency (a "convenience" called Dynamic Currency Conversion). Decline this. Always opt to pay in the local currency. You'll get a better exchange rate. This feels like a trap. Always be mindful.

Which card is best for international transactions without charges?

Iberia Visa Signature. No foreign fees. Contactless. Done.

• Iberia Visa Signature: Primacy lies here.
• Contactless: Tap. Abroad. That's it.
• No Fees. Global freedom.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in a foreign country?

Ugh, travel. Cash or credit? It's a total headache. Always have some cash, duh. Seriously, emergencies happen. Lost wallet in Bangkok last year—nightmare. Needed cash for a train back to the airport.

Credit cards are amazing for big stuff, hotels, flights, you know? But foreign transaction fees are the WORST. Chase Sapphire Reserve is my card—no fees, thank god. That saved me tons. Probably hundreds in fees on that trip.

Small purchases, definitely cash. I hate fumbling with cards at tiny markets. Plus, tipping—cash is king. I always overtip slightly. Feels better. Makes the entire situation better. Especially in Vietnam, those street food vendors.

Credit for big purchases, cash for small ones and emergencies. Simple. Don't be stupid like I was in '23. Learn from my mistakes, people!

Chase Sapphire Reserve is great. It's like the ultimate travel card. Look into your card fees. It's a game changer. Seriously. It avoids being totally screwed by hidden fees.

• Always carry some local currency.
• Credit cards: Check for foreign transaction fees.
• Tipping? Cash is better.
• Big purchases? Credit card.

My experience in 2024. Vietnam and Thailand. Different situations, different choices. My personal experience. I'm not a financial advisor!

Is it better to pay in foreign currency on a credit card?

It's late. Foreign currency, credit card, ugh.

Always local. Yeah, always pay in local currency when abroad. It's the only real way.

Conversion rates, they just kill you, dont they? I got burned in Rome, 2023, buying gelato. So stupid.

• Local Currency is King: Avoid "dynamic currency conversion" (DCC).
• Hidden Fees: Credit card companies love these.
• I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Great travel rewards, low foreign transaction fees.

It's about control, I think. You want control over the exchange rate. They will rip you off if you dont. Trust me on this. My loss, your gain?