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Using your cards abroad

Travel advice

The UK Cards Association, in association with ABTA, have produced a guide to using your cards abroad, aimed at keeping travellers safe from fraud. It highlights the best ways to avoid being subject scams, explains some of the typical charges you could incur and details some facts you should know when using your card abroad. Simply by following some common sense precautions, you can minimise the chances of being a victim. Here follows a few pointers from the guide, as well as the link to the full report.

1. Make sure your card company has your full, up-to-date details. They may want to contact you in case of any unusual transactions. Likewise, be sure to have the card company's number to hand while abroad<.p>

2. Before you set off, make sure you are aware of the transaction fees, if any, on your card eg. cash withdrawal, purchase fees, foreign exchange rate commission

3. Only take cards with you on holiday that you intend to use and leave others secure at home

4. Keep an eye on all your cards while abroad, especially in restaurants and bars

5. Never give your PIN to anyone, even if asked by a policeman or your card company

6. If a retailer lets you pay in your home currency, make sure that the rate of exchange is competitive; if in doubt, pay in the local currency

7. Always check your card statements when getting back from holiday

To read the report in full, click here to be redirected straight to the Payment Advice guide.

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