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Date Published : Friday, August 01, 2008
Increasing numbers of Australians are using credit cards as a convenient way of accessing their cash while travelling overseas but there are a number of issues they should consider before setting off, it has been claimed.
According to news.com.au, taking a credit card on holiday is a sensible option - but travellers should not rely on a single card. Instead, experts recommend taking a mix of cash, travellers' checks and cards, as well as a back up credit card that should be carried separately in case a wallet is lost or stolen.
Furthermore, if travellers use a card to withdraw cash from an ATM they should avoid free-standing machines in favour of cash points located in banks. It is also advisable to make withdrawals during a bank's business hours, as they will be able to help if the card is swallowed by the ATM.
Free-standing machines generally have a telephone number to call but, depending where you are travelling, you may not share a common language with the operator.
The site said it is also worth remembering that some credit card providers will freeze a card if their computer system determines there has been unusual or suspicious transactions.
Some banks and card issuers therefore advise travellers to inform them they may be making transactions abroad before they travel - although other providers, like American Express, say this is not necessary.
It is a good idea to find out banks' customer service telephone numbers - and check they work overseas - before setting off on holiday, as they can be hard to find in an emergency.
More generally, overseas travellers can register with the government's smarttraveller.gov.au website so they can be contacted in an emergency.
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