Tips for choosing the best credit card for international traveling

Bringing cash while traveling is certainly mandatory, but don't forget that many tourist spots abroad today prefer non-cash payments. Therefore, it won't hurt to bring a credit card as a backup.But what kind of credit card is suitable to take around the world without causing headaches? Before you just pick one, it is good to know the important features that will truly help during an international vacation. Check out these tips for choosing the best credit card so you can travel comfortably, practically, and safely!

If you want to bring a credit card abroad, the most important thing to check is the foreign transaction fee. Many ordinary cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 2.5%–3.25% every time you swipe, and if used for dining, transportation, or shopping, the total can be shocking when the bill arrives. That is why the No FX Fee feature is very important, and conveniently, Honest Card, a credit card with a limit of 100 million IDR, already has a 0% foreign transaction fee, so every payment abroad will be immediately converted at its actual value without any sudden additional fees.

Moreover, Honest is convenient for traveling because of its fast application process, a limit that can increase monthly, a secure card without a number, cashback without complicated rules, and all settings can be managed with a tap through the Honest App credit card application. What is more, Honest also has many promotions for international vacations, such as discounts up to Rp800,000 for plane tickets and hotels on tiket.com, discounts up to 15% for hotels worldwide, 1 free night at premium hotels like PARKROYAL, Pan Pacific, Banyan Tree, Oaks, and Wyndham, as well as discounts on Qatar Airways flights and up to 7% off on Expedia and Hotels.com. So, if you want to travel more affordably without the drama of extra fees, Honest Card is perfect as your go-to card abroad.

2. Make sure the card is accepted globally

Besides ensuring your credit card has no foreign transaction fee, the next thing you need to check is whether the card is accepted globally. It would be a waste if the features are complete and the limit is safe, but it gets rejected when you try to pay. To avoid complications, just choose a card with a network commonly used throughout the world, like Visa or Mastercard. With that, paying for food, hotels, and buying souvenirs is just a tap away without any hassle.

3. Try not to withdraw cash with a credit card

As much as possible, avoid withdrawing cash with a credit card. A credit card is most ideal for non-cash transactions, especially if you use it according to the credit card functions, from daily shopping and bill payments to helping manage cash flow more neatly. Cash withdrawal actually makes the costs higher because the interest accrues from the very first day.

If you absolutely must withdraw cash, do it only in dire circumstances, such as an accident or an emergency problem while abroad. Otherwise, continue to rely on the cash you have prepared before departure so that expenses are safer and you do not incur unnecessary additional fees.

4. Use a card thatsupports contactless

When choosing a credit card to use abroad, pick one that supports contactless. Many countries have made this method standard, so you can pay faster without needing to swipe or enter a PIN for a certain amount. It is very practical, especially if you move between places frequently while traveling.

Furthermore, contactless is also safer because your card doesn't need to be handed over to the cashier. The risk of the card being damaged or misused becomes much smaller. With this feature, matters of paying for hotels, transportation, and shopping during your vacation will be much smoother and less complicated.

5. Do not forget to check the security features

Finally, do not forget to check the security features before using a credit card abroad. Make sure your card has protection against unauthorized transactions, real-time notifications every time a payment is made, and the ability to temporarily block the card if it is lost or stolen. Some cards even have additional features like fraud monitoring that make transactions safer. With all these features, your trip will be more peaceful because the risk of card misuse is reduced, and you won't need to panic if something unexpected happens. In short, a secure card makes your vacation comfortable and free from financial worries.

Well, those were the tips for choosing the best credit card for those of you who love traveling. Remember to use this credit card wisely, and avoid consumer debt which will ultimately harm you!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a credit card better to use when traveling abroad?

The advantages of using a credit card abroad include allowing you to get attractive discounts and cashback, and it is safer for transactions. To be more ideal, you can combine transactions using cash.

2. Can an Indonesian credit card be used for cash withdrawal abroad?

Yes, it can. You can make a cash withdrawal using a credit card at an appropriate ATM, but make sure the credit card has the Visa or Mastercard logo.

3. How much is the credit card transaction fee if used abroad?

Credit card transaction fees abroad range from 1-3%, depending on the policy of each bank.