{"id":764279,"date":"2019-03-12T02:51:16","date_gmt":"2019-03-12T06:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/?p=764279"},"modified":"2026-05-27T08:53:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T12:53:42","slug":"using-a-credit-card-internationally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/credit-cards\/using-a-credit-card-internationally","title":{"rendered":"Using a credit card internationally"},"content":{"rendered":"

Can you use your credit card in another country? Our guide to using a credit card internationally below highlights tips to help you use your card safely and outlines the credit card fees you could encounter. We\u2019ve also included country-specific credit card details for over 30 countries around the world. So no matter where your travels take you, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about how to use your credit card safely and cost-effectively.<\/p>

Can I use my credit card overseas?<\/h3>

\"WomanYes, most countries in the world accept credit cards, at least in major cities. The most widely accepted credit card brands internationally are Visa and Mastercard. Other card brands, like American Express, are generally less accepted by merchants around the world. That\u2019s why it\u2019s always a good idea to carry at least two different credit card brands with you at all times when travelling overseas. It also doesn\u2019t hurt to have a back-up card in the event one of your cards fails to process or gets compromised.<\/p>

5 tips when using your credit card internationally<\/h3>

Before going overseas, take a few simple steps to ensure that you can use your credit card with no problems.<\/p>

1. Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees<\/h4>

Most credit cards on the market will charge you a foreign transaction fee every time you pay for something internationally using your card, which is typically 2.5% of the purchase cost. If you plan to use your credit card for most purchases while overseas, consider getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees<\/a>. Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly while you\u2019re on vacation, but they\u2019re easy to avoid if you pick the right card.<\/p>

2. Consider getting a Visa or Mastercard<\/h4>

While you may be able to use American Express credit cards at some locations, you\u2019ll find that many merchants won\u2019t accept them. One reason for that is that American Express charges merchants a relatively higher fee than its competitors, so merchants have to pay more our of their pocket to accept Amex cards at their store. That being said, with Amex\u2019s increased popularity around the world, it\u2019s becoming more widely accepted. But since there are still many places in other countries that don\u2019t currently accept Amex cards, you should make sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard credit card with you when travelling as well, just to make sure you\u2019re never stuck if a retailer doesn\u2019t accept your usual Amex card.<\/p>

3. Give your card provider a heads-up<\/h4>

If your credit card provider notices a foreign transaction on your card, they may put a hold on your account for suspicious activity. To avoid this, give your provider a quick call letting them know where and when you\u2019ll be travelling. That being said, many Canadian financial institutions have developed technology to automatically detect when you\u2019re using your credit card internationally, so you no longer are required to let them know ahead of time. Just to be on the safe side though, it\u2019s still a good idea to give them a call before heading out.<\/p>

4. Keep emergency numbers handy<\/h4>

If your credit card ends up lost or stolen, you\u2019ll need the right number to call to freeze the card and to get a replacement. Make sure the number is local to your destination or toll free and keep it on you at all times. You can just copy the contact number from the back of your credit card or call your card issuer ahead of time to get the right contact number. Keep it separate from your wallet in case your wallet gets stolen.<\/p>

5. Know where you\u2019ll get cash once you arrive<\/h4>

Even if you have a credit card, it\u2019s smart to have cash on hand. To save you time and money, plan out beforehand where you\u2019ll be able to safely and easily get your cash from. Use your debit card to withdraw money from an ATM if possible. Although you\u2019ll likely incur an ATM fee each time you withdraw cash, you can avoid the excruciatingly high interest rates that come with getting cash through a cash advance from a credit card.<\/p>

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Find the right card to cut FX fees while traveling<\/div>\n
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\"After my trip to the US, I noticed my RBC Avion was charging me with the usual FX conversion rates plus a 3% foreign transaction fee on every purchase. With more trips lined up, I started looking for a credit card that waved the foreign transaction fee. The Scotia Passport Visa Infinite stood out because it ditches the FX fees and throws in some nice perks like rewards and insurance. Doing the math, I figured out ditching that 3% fee would save me around $200 on my annual US spending. Even after the card\u2019s annual fee, I\u2019m still up $50.\"<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Cameron Millband\n <\/div>\n
Performance Director<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a>Compare no foreign transaction fee credit cards to use overseas<\/h3>
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\n <\/div>\n
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\n
<\/div>
3 of 3 results<\/span><\/small><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\n Welcome Offer\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Rewards\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Purchase Interest Rate\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Annual Fee\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Min. Credit Score\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
\n N\/A<\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n N\/A <\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n 21.99%\n <\/div><\/td>
\n $49 USD\n <\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg>\n When your purchases total US$3,000 or more in a year, the next year's annual fee (US$49) is rebated to your card. T&Cs apply.\n <\/span><\/div><\/td>
Min. recommended credit score: 725<\/b><\/div><\/td>
<\/div>
\"Scotiabank<\/a>
<\/div>
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n 60,000 points<\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n Up to 4x points per $1 spent <\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n 20.99%\n <\/div><\/td>
\n $150\n <\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg>\n Earn up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (that\u2019s up to $1,500 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by July 1, 2026.<\/b>. T&Cs apply.\n <\/span><\/div><\/td>
Min. recommended credit score: 700
<\/b><\/div><\/td>
<\/div>
\"Scotiabank<\/a>
<\/div>
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n 45,000 points<\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n Up to 6x points per $1 spent <\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n 21.99%\n <\/div><\/td>
\n $120\n <\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg>\n Earn up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Apply by July 1, 2026.<\/b>. T&Cs apply.\n <\/span><\/div><\/td>
Min. recommended credit score: 700
<\/b><\/div><\/td>
<\/div>