Public Servant Lifestyle

The Credit Card Research Group (CCRG) offer some helpful advice to getting the most from your cards this holiday season.

Holiday Money

While it is always worth keeping some currency in cash for low value items, credit cards can now be used for the majority of transactions abroad. Apart from convenience, the main attraction of using cards is the competitive exchange rate usually available. Plastic cards can also be used at cashpoints around the world to draw cash. Most card issuers charge 1.5 per cent (£1 minimum) for cash withdrawals overseas.

Booking With Your Credit Card

Long before you get to the sun lounger there are useful fringe benefits when you book your holiday or travel arrangements with a credit card.

You will not only be covered if the tour operator collapses or the transport company fails, but you may also receive free travel accident insurance. If you have a gold credit or charge card you may have comprehensive holiday insurance as a free benefit if you book your holiday with your card.

Check Before You Travel

Check the details of your card benefits or ask your insurer for more information. Do not forget, of course, to read the insurance details carefully. Some policies do not cover you for dangerous sporting activities, such as skiing and scuba diving, unless you pay an additional fee.

Many card issuers offer discounts on brochure prices if you book through their travel service. Since these discounts can cut 10% or more off the brochure price, substantial savings can be made. Other discounts include money off hotel and car hire charges. Your card issuers will be able to give you detailed information.

Thing to Consider Before You Go:s

1. Make sure you have enough credit available for unexpected costs, emergencies or a holiday bargain. You can ask for your credit limit to be increased, even if only temporarily, to cover holiday expenses.

2. Check you have the emergency services’ number in order to cancel cards immediately if they are lost or stolen. The telephones are staffed 24 hours a day.

3. In order to use your credit and debit cards abroad, check for either Visa or MasterCard outlets. Switch debit cards need to have the symbols of Maestro for purchases and Cirrus for cash withdrawals outside the UK. If you have a Switch card with no Maestro/Cirrus logo then ask your issuer well before you travel whether it has an arrangement with MasterCard for you to receive one.

4. Take other forms of payment with you, such as foreign cash, for smaller payments.

Taking Care of Your Cards

1. Keep your cards safe – if possible put them in a hotel safe when you do not need them. When you have your cards with you, keep them in an inside pocket or money belt.

2. When signing a card receipt make sure the ‘total’ box is filled in correctly, draw a line through any spaces in the box, check noughts, commas and decimal points before signing and try not to let the card out of your sight.

3. Keep your copy of the transaction slip along with your receipt to check against your bill when you get home.

4. If your cards are lost or stolen, the emergency number for reporting the incident can also be used to arrange emergency cash or card replacement.

More information available in Asia, Exotic Islands, Central America, South America, North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Rest of World, Holidays