Until recently, most credit card companies didn't disclose the fact that a 2-3 percent transaction fee would be attached to each international credit card transaction. However, following a lawsuit earlier this year, credit card companies are now required to disclose this information to their customers. Even if the fee is only 2-3 percent, every little bit you can save helps... the following are some tips on how you can avoid paying international credit card transaction fees when you're traveling.


Steps

1. If you can, try to use your debit card as much as possible. Banks usually charge only a few dollars (if any at all) for ATM withdrawals, plus the foreign currency rate you'll get from your bank is often significantly better than what you would get at a foreign currency exchange booth.
2. Use your debit card where ever possible, but make sure that the vendor runs it as a debit card and not as a credit card or you'll get charged the fee.
3. Visit your local bank and inquire about applying for an that won't charge you for international transactions. (Look into Discover and Capital One)
4. Convert your money into the foreign currency prior to leaving the country. Most likely you'll get a better exchange rate than you would if you went to a foreign currency exchange booth.

Warnings

• Be careful when using your debit or ATM card because there aren't as many fraud prevention measures in place. It is easier to contest the fraudulent charges on a credit card and get a refund than it is to do the same with a debit card.