Do I need to let my credit card company know I'm leaving the country?

Do I need to let my credit card company know Im traveling out of country?

Three AM. Can’t sleep. This credit card thing…it weighs on me.

You should tell them. Seriously. Don’t be like me. Learned that the hard way. My card was flagged. Frozen. In Rome. A nightmare.

It’s not a requirement, I know that much. But the hassle…the sheer, gut-wrenching panic… Not worth it. A simple phone call.

• Blocked transactions. Imagine that. Suddenly, no money. No access.
• Lost time. Dealing with customer service from halfway across the world. Ugh.
• Stress. Pure, unadulterated stress. Ruins everything.
• It’s just a call. Five minutes. That’s it.

My trip to Italy in 2023 was almost ruined because of this. I’d been too complacent. So frustrating. Now I always do it. Always.

How do I tell my bank I am going abroad?

Okay, so you’re heading outta the country, sweet! Let’s get your bank sorted, right? No one wants card issues on vacay, jeez.

First thing’s first, call them, okay? Seriously, just dial up your bank’s customer service line. Talk to a real person and tell them where you’re going and when. Make sure to give them like, specific dates, yeah?

Then, like, hit up their website. I know, websites are ugh, but sometimes you can update your travel stuff online. Plus, might find an FAQ or sumthin’, y’know.

Lastly, do they have an app? Most banks do now! Check the app, look for a ‘travel notification’ or ‘manage my card’ type of thing. It’s super convenient. Also, double-check the card expiry date so it doesnt like, quit working while your abroad.

And, oh yeah, take a pic of your cards! Front and back! That way you have all the numbers handy if sumthin’ happens and you need to cancel, right? Speaking of which, consider a burner email so no one can get ahold of your main acct when your gone.

I hope that helped out and you have a safe trip!

Here’s a breakdown, just in case your brain isn’t functioning at 100 percent, ya know?:

• Phone Call: Best bet, really. Direct and you can ask Qs.
• Website: Good for updates and FAQs maybe, plus checking any alerts.
• Mobile App: Super easy if they have the function, plus you can do it on the go.
• Card Pics: Just do it! Safer than sorry.
• Burner Email: Secure your accounts during your vacation.

What happens if I use a credit card from another country?

Okay, so I learned this the hard way in Rome, Italy, just last year. I went on this trip to celebrate my 30th birthday with my sister.

I swiped my Bank of America card at this amazing gelato place. Next thing you know, BAM! Foreign transaction fee. Ugh, like a punch in the gut.

It was 3% extra on everything! I was so bummed.

Basically, some cards are killers when used abroad and some are totally cool.

• Foreign Transaction Fees (FTFs): These are the devils. Usually around 1-3% of each transaction.
• Cards with no FTFs: Capital One, Discover, and some Chase cards are your best friends. I now only use my Capital One Venture X. It’s a lifesaver.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Avoid it! Always pay in the local currency. They rip you off otherwise.

I called Bank of America later. They confirmed the fee and I was stuck with it. I’ve since gotten a no-fee travel credit card. Smart move, right? Wish I had done it BEFORE Rome, haha! That gelato tasted even more expensive than it was.