Using a Credit Card
- Credit cards offer the best rate of exchange. You will receive the best rate
of exchange of the day when using a credit card, even though the rate of exchange
could fluctuate many times throughout each day. Keep in mind, however, that except
for cash advances, the rate is not applied to your transaction on the date of your
purchase; it's applied on the date that your transaction reaches the credit card
clearinghouse.
- Notify your card issuer in advance. If you anticipate using a credit card
on your trip, we recommend that you call your card issuer ahead of time to advise
them of your plans to use the card in a foreign country. Doing so may avoid delayed
transactions on your trip. Because many card issuers monitor your spending habits
(such as where you frequently purchase and how much you tend to spend), if you have
not notified your card issuer ahead of time, the issuer may assume that your card
has been stolen.
Using a Debit Card
Debit cards are widely accepted for purchases, but you may encounter problems when
using them for hotel and car reservations. Like credit cards above, debit cards
offer the best rate of exchange, and if you plan to use your debit card on your
trip, we recommend that you notify your debit card issuer in advance.
Using an ATM
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely accessible in major metropolitan areas.
You will be charged a usage fee by the foreign ATM operator as well as your ATM
card issuer. The exchange rate for using an ATM will be the same as using a credit
card.
Purchasing Travelers Checks
Travelers checks carry the second-best exchange rate for small transactions behind
credit, debit and ATM cards and can be replaced if lost. They are available for
purchase in U.S. dollars or any major currency, but travelers checks denominated
in the currency of the country are often acceptable by hotels and merchants, even
when credit and debit cards are not.
Foreign Currency
- Get the best exchange rate. While traveling in a foreign country, we recommend
that you avoid using the exchange services of hotels and off-hours exchange windows
at train stations and airports. Banks, American Express offices, and well-known
bureau de change operations are more likely to offer competitive rates. It is also
wise to limit your purchase of foreign currency to what you actually expect to spend.
- Excess foreign currency after your trip. Use INTRUST's guaranteed buyback
plan for converting excess cash back into U.S. dollars. For a small fee, you may
sell back up to 30% of the currency you purchased at the same rate you paid for
it. Certain conditions apply. For more information contact our Foreign Currency
Teller.
In the Event of an Emergency
INTRUST has correspondent banks in many countries around the world and we can wire
funds to you 'over the counter'. This is not the best way to fund your travels,
however, as there may be delays due to time zones, bank holidays and manual processing
once the funds arrive at their destination, but this option is available as an alternative
when other, more convenient methods fail.
Helpful Links for the Traveler
, who
can put you in touch with our foreign currency teller.