What means of payment will I be able to use abroad? That is a question that many travelers are asking themselves. Cash, traveler’s checks, credit card, checks, all payments are not accepted, and some of them incur fees.

Let’s take a look at the different payment methods available.

Pay by check when abroad.

mobile phone methodLet’s start with the least useful payment method. In Europe and other countries, bank checks are less and less used in favor of credit cards. Trust me you won’t be able to finish your checkbook abroad!

Generally speaking, if a merchant has to accept payment by check from you, it will be in the Eurozone. However, many people reject them for some reasons. Some just refuse checks issued in a foreign language. Others are concerned that a check may be in bad shape so they won’t be able to claim the transaction. In this case, the bank will charge them a fee, and it will be challenging for them to turn against a distant tourist.

But, on the other hand, it is also entirely possible for your bank to charge you a fee, which will vary from bank to bank. Paying abroad free of charge with a check seems complicated.

Pay abroad with a traveler’s check.

The alternative to the check, abroad, is the traveler’s check or traveler’s check. Foreign merchants more often accept this means of payment. This check is issued by your bank or exchange office.

The disadvantage is that is the fixed amount, so you won’t be able to pay for any purchase. Also, if you can determine the currency according to the country you are traveling to, the traveler check is not available in all world currencies.

On the other hand, the traveler’s check is a secure, nominative payment, which can be refunded to you in case of loss. It is also possible to exchange it for cash when abroad. Payments with a traveler’s check can, therefore, be a good solution in certain situations. It’s a great way to withdraw money without a credit card.

Pay abroad using a credit card.

preparing for a trip abroadAs mentioned above, credit cards are the preferred means of payment for Europeans. But is it possible to pay abroad without a charge with a credit card? Yes, in the Euro-zone. The currency being the same as in Europe, payments abroad by credit card are free of charge.

Withdrawals, again, are free of charge up to a certain number, which varies from bank to bank. To avoid withdrawal charges with your credit card, it is, therefore, advisable to withdraw a little more each time. On the other hand, outside the Euro-zone, bank card fees will vary according to the banks and will be charged at the time of your payment or withdrawal.

Cash payment abroad

In many countries, cash payments are very simple because everyone accepts them. Outside the Euro-zone, once again, cash payments are welcome, but you will have to consider exchange rates to pay in the local currency.

Please note, however, that some currencies must be exchanged before your return from your holiday if you do not wish to lose your cash, such as in Vietnam where currencies are only convertible on the spot. And if you are short of money, you can ask your relatives to make a transfer abroad using an international payment processor.

Paying with Bitcoins

Some international services already accept payments in Bitcoins, such as Expedia, Overstock, Square, Braintree, Dell, some ISPs, Zynga, and others. More and more websites go further by accepting only bitcoin payments. PayPal also recently announced a partnership with three Bitcoin payment systems. Many countries are opening up to this new technology, and despite the extreme volatility, this could be a good option for you. More on Bitcoin here https://sites.google.com/view/crypto-monnaies