4 Things to Remember Before You Travel Internationally
Traveling internationally is a big undertaking if it’s not what you’re used to.
There are a few things before I take my cruise to Mexico that I nearly forgot…so here are 4 things to remember before you travel internationally.
1. Fees on your debit/credit cards
Most Visa and MasterCard credit (and debit) cards will charge an international fee of at least 3%.
Be sure to call your credit card company before traveling to find out exactly how much they charge.
There are, however, some types of international credit cards that do not charge a fee. Here’s a great post with a few of those cards.
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2. You won’t be able to use your phone…unless you pay a bundle
Most of us don’t have international call plans…unless you travel a lot.
The best way I’ve gotten around using my minutes is a) using Wifi and emailing/skyping/facebooking/etc. and b) getting a package of international text messages (with AT&T, it’s $10 for 50 text messages).
3. Pay your bills in advance
One of the things I nearly forgot to do was make sure all my bills were paid for the time I would be gone.
Log into the websites you use or send out checks before your trip so that you don’t get slammed with late charges!
f4. Make sure your passport is up-to-date
Last, but certainly not least, make sure you a) have a passport and b) it’s up-to-date.
Remember that getting an updated passport takes a minimum of 30 days, and that’s if you pay extra to expedite the process. Getting your passport for the first time could take up to 6 months!
What are your tips and tricks for traveling internationally?