Conveniently pay with a credit card when abroad
Use American Express to pay while traveling abroad and enjoy a host of advantages along the way.
Everything you need to know at a glance
When you travel, paying with a credit card abroad is convenient, secure, and often indispensable. A credit card is useful for on-the-fly cash withdrawals – and is usually a requirement for booking hotels and rental cars.
It’s important to always select the local currency at the terminal or ATM, not Swiss francs, as dynamic currency conversion often results in less favorable exchange rates and additional costs. Additionally, cash withdrawals may incur further fees, such as foreign exchange fees and withdrawal fees.
It’s advisable to check your credit card’s spending limit before traveling, as this may be capped by your bank. It’s also a good idea to regularly monitor transactions while traveling and to block your card immediately if it’s lost or if you notice any suspicious charges.
Traveling abroad with a credit card
Credit cards offer many practical advantages, and not just in everyday life. They’re also the ideal companions when traveling abroad, whether for personal or business trips. They’re generally accepted worldwide, whereas other cards, such as Girocards, may be declined depending on the country you’re visiting. With a credit card, you have a flexible means of payment at your disposal while traveling.
On top of that, you usually need a credit card to book hotels and rental cars, as merchants often require you to provide your card information as a security deposit. And if you do happen to need cash while traveling abroad, you can easily withdraw the amount you need from an ATM using your credit card.
Advantages of traveling with American Express
Which American Express card will you take with you on your travels?
Fees when making payments and withdrawing cash with a credit card abroad
Credit cards offer many practical advantages when traveling abroad. Nevertheless, whenever you use your card – whether to withdraw cash or make a payment – you should always keep potential fees in mind. In addition to the card’s annual fee, you may incur additional costs.
The following fees are often charged for using your card abroad:
- When withdrawing cash or making payments, foreign exchange fees are charged by the credit card issuer. Typically, this fee – sometimes referred to as an international transaction fee – is calculated as a percentage of the total amount. The amount varies depending on the issuing institution.
- In some cases, ATM withdrawal fees may be charged in addition to foreign currency fees when withdrawing cash from an ATM; these fees can vary depending on the provider.
- ATM fees are charged by the service providers that operate the ATMs. Whether such a fee applies – and, if so, how much it is – is displayed on the ATM screen when you make a withdrawal. If you think it’s too high, you can always cancel the transaction.
It’s best to find out about the fees for using your card abroad before you travel. You can find details in the terms and conditions of your card product – including those from American Express. This way, you can avoid being surprised by high additional costs when you check your credit card statement after your trip abroad.
Which currency is best to choose when paying by credit card
When you pay with your credit card abroad, you’ll usually be prompted at the payment terminal to select a currency for the transaction. You should always pay in the local currency of the country you’re visiting, as this is significantly cheaper than paying with a credit card in Swiss francs. This also applies to cash withdrawals at ATMs.
The reason for this is dynamic currency conversion. If you select your home currency on the device, the amount you wish to pay or withdraw is converted. In doing so, you’ll usually receive a less favorable exchange rate than the one set by your credit card provider.
Secure credit card payments when traveling
To make sure you can pay with your credit card and withdraw cash easily and securely while abroad, there are a few security tips you should keep in mind when traveling. When entering your PIN at a payment terminal or ATM, shield the keypad so that others can’t see the numbers you’re entering.
Alternatively, you can use your smartphone to pay via mobile payment. In many cases, this means you won’t need to enter your PIN. You’ll only be required to enter your PIN if you’re paying larger amounts or have reached a certain transaction limit.
If you’d like to withdraw cash with your credit card, it’s advisable to withdraw smaller amounts. It is also advisable to use ATMs located in areas that have surveillance.
Good to know: With American Express credit cards, you can keep track of your transactions at any time with the convenient Swisscard app. This allows you to act quickly if you suspect fraudulent activity.
Pay abroad with American Express and enjoy advantages
Credit cards offer you security and flexibility in your daily life and while traveling. If you’re aware of the various fees that can apply when making payments or withdrawing cash with your card abroad, you won’t face any unpleasant surprises when you check your statement after returning from your vacation or business trip.
With your American Express Gold Card or Platinum Card, you not only enjoy worldwide acceptance but also collect valuable points in the Membership Rewards bonus program every time you use your card. You can redeem these points later for attractive rewards, such as hotel and rental car reservations. And thanks to the included Priority Pass membership, your vacation starts in comfort the moment you take off: with free access to elegant airport lounges.
Frequently asked questions and answers
When making payments abroad, foreign currency fees set by the credit card company apply; these are calculated as a percentage of the total amount. Fees may also apply when withdrawing cash with a credit card abroad, both for the withdrawal itself and a possible fee charged by the ATM operator.
You should always select the currency of the country you’re visiting at the card reader or ATM. This is significantly cheaper than paying in Swiss francs, as you’ll usually get a less favorable exchange rate otherwise.
When withdrawing cash abroad with your credit card, foreign currency fees apply which are set by the issuing credit card company. In addition, ATM operators may charge a fee. Credit card issuers have no control over this fee.
