Tips from Jacline > Credit cards

When planning a trip, most travelers think about relaxing and having fun. In particular, they don't want flight snags and fraud to ruin their holiday. But there's more!

Never leave on a trip with only one credit card, particularly if your limit is in the 2,000-3,000 dollar (or euro) range. Some hoteliers or car rental agencies may max out your card - in the event you clean out the mini bar or have an accident, they want to be paid. For example, the guarantee deposit: instead of just one night, a hotel may want authorization for the total expected amount of your bill, including bar and meals. And car rental firms are often the most demanding, putting a hold or deposit on your card against any damages. In either case, you could find yourself with your card refused shorly after you arrive.

When you pay for your hotel stay or car rental, ensure that the initial deposit has been deducted from your final bill and that any holds have been removed once the bill is paid. Some hotels may wait 24 to 48 hours before doing so, and if you're going on to another destination, you again risk having a card with little or no availability.

Keep in mind that you may not have as much protection overseas as you do in your country when problems arise over inaccurate charges. Incidents are always being reported of travelers being charged twice for the same item or for items they never purchased, and credit card companies have been unwilling or unable to intercede on their behalf.

Be sure you have enough other forms of payment  (cash, travelers' cheques, credit card) to cover your stay and return trip.

Remember that the amount you can withdraw from automated bank machines has a daily or weekly limit. Find out from your bank before you leave, so that you can use your bank card if needed.

Little economies
Check your credit cards - some add a conversion charge for purchases in foreign currencies (2-3% for each transaction).

And more…
We'll be back again soon to talk in detail about travel insurance with regard to credit cards. Can you rely on them in case of illness or accident?