Tips For Using Your Credit Card Overseas – HSBC Expat (2024)

Whether you’re on holiday or travelling for work, a credit card can save you having to carry cash.

Read our guide for tips on how to spend safely and avoid additional costs when using your credit card overseas.

1. Get the right credit card

Making sure you have the right credit card for your needs could help make your travel plans run more smoothly.

For example, an HSBC credit card is a sterling card, which is accepted at over 24 million locations across the globe. And once you’ve registered for online banking, you can add your credit card to Global View.

Explore: HSBC credit cards

T&C's and eligibility criteria applies.

2. Check what date your credit card expires

Before you go, it can be a good idea to check when your credit card expires. That way, you can get something sorted if your card is due to expire while you’re away.

If your credit card isn’t due to expire, it’s still a good idea to take another payment card, such as another credit card or a debit card, as a backup.

Explore: Replacing your card

3. Let your bank know you’re travelling

Letting your bank know when you’re going away and making sure your details are up to date means they can get in touch with you, if and when needed. It can also be useful to take their contact details with you, in case your card is lost, or you need to temporarily block it.

If you’re an HSBC customer, we’ll look for any unusual foreign transactions on your account, so please let us know before you start travelling. You can contact us:

  • using our online Live Chat service

  • if you’re an HSBC Premier customer, by calling: +44 1534 616 313

  • if you’re an HSBC Advance customers, by calling: +44 1534 616 212

Calls may be monitored and recorded for security, and to help us continually improve our service.

You can also manage your HSBC credit card through online banking, where you can report a card lost or stolen and temporarily block it, if needed.

Explore: Using your card abroad

4. Make sure your monthly repayments are covered

Setting up a Direct Debit or standing order before you travel can help you avoid missing any credit card or bill payments while you’re away. Whether you’re just away for a short time, or for a longer trip, you can relook at your payments when you arrive at your destination, if you need to.

5. Pay in the local currency

Depending on the credit card you have, and the lender, you may be charged a fee for using your card overseas. If you’re given the choice to pay in the local currency, it’s typically cheaper to do so. You could potentially avoid any currency conversion fees (when transactions are processed in GBP), and in some cases, get a better exchange rate.

Check with your lender about whether there are fees for using your credit card abroad.

Avoid ATM withdrawals with your credit card

Using your credit card abroad for cash withdrawals at local ATM machines may mean you’re charged fees, such as a cash advance fee, each time you withdraw. If you’ll need cash, try to get this sorted before you go.

It’s important to note that there may still be an international transaction fee for using your debit card.

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Tips For Using Your Credit Card Overseas – HSBC Expat (2024)

FAQs

Tips For Using Your Credit Card Overseas – HSBC Expat? ›

Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fee

Before you depart, check your credit and debit card agreements to see if they include such fees. If they do, then apply for a credit card with no foreign transaction fee, as well as for a debit card that does not charge extra for ATM withdrawals in other countries.

How to use HSBC credit card internationally? ›

Use your card worldwide
  1. Use in any outlet that displays the Visa or Mastercard logo on your card.
  2. ATM locator to help you find where you're able to use your visa debit or credit card abroad.
  3. Fees apply and non-HSBC cash machines may also charge a fee1

How do I ensure my credit card can be used overseas? ›

Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fee

Before you depart, check your credit and debit card agreements to see if they include such fees. If they do, then apply for a credit card with no foreign transaction fee, as well as for a debit card that does not charge extra for ATM withdrawals in other countries.

How do I prepare a credit card for international travel? ›

10 ways to make traveling internationally with a credit card easy
  1. Choose a card designed for travel. ...
  2. Tell the card issuer your travel plans. ...
  3. Research applicable fees. ...
  4. Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) ...
  5. Bring a backup card. ...
  6. Set up a PIN (if applicable) ...
  7. Find out how to get cash.

Can I use my HSBC Global Card abroad? ›

You can use your Global Money debit card like a local, at home or abroad with no HSBC fees including at cash machines.

Do I need to tell HSBC if I am going abroad? ›

There's no need to inform us before you travel. You can let us know it's you using your card abroad by making a chip and PIN payment when you arrive. Please make sure your contact details are up to date so we can get in touch if there are any problems.

Do HSBC charge for overseas transactions? ›

For other HSBC accounts, there's a fee of 2.75% for debit cards and 2.99% for credit cards.

How to activate HSBC credit card for overseas use? ›

Call 1800-HSBC NOW (1800-4722 669) or (65) 64722 669 if you are overseas. Select '*', then select '4' for Card Activation and follow the instructions.

How to avoid international transaction fees? ›

Check with the merchant if to confirm if you'll be charged an international transaction fee. The best way to avoid the international transaction fee is to look for debit and credit cards that allow you to shop overseas without being charged international fees.

Do I need to activate my credit card for overseas use? ›

If you have not activated the overseas usage feature, Magnetic Stripe Transactions on your Card cannot be processed. However, please note that EMV Chip Transactions on your Card will still be processed and you will be liable for these transactions.

Is it better to use a debit or credit card when traveling internationally? ›

Finally, when traveling internationally, credit cards often provide competitive exchange rates compared to currency exchange kiosks. This can result in cost savings and more accurate budgeting. Unfortunately, credit card use does have some downsides for vacationers.

What happens when you use your credit card internationally? ›

When you use a credit card in a foreign country, the issuer automatically converts the local currency to dollars based on up-to-date exchange rates. For this conversion service, the issuer may charge a nominal fee, a percentage typically between 1-3% of the total purchase.

How can I use my credit card internationally without charges? ›

A good rule of thumb when traveling is to select the local currency during payment to avoid conversion fees and to use a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Cash withdrawals from international ATMs are also subject to fees.

How to use HSBC card overseas? ›

Use your HSBC Everyday Global Visa Debit Card everywhere Visa is accepted anywhere in the world. Access your own money at ATMs and when making purchases in-store and online. In-store purchase - daily limit8 of $10,000 Select 'Credit' for instore purchases above $100 or tap for contactless purchases under $100.

How to activate international transaction on HSBC credit card? ›

Follow the instructions below to manage domestic and international transaction limit:
  1. Log on to HSBC India Mobile Banking app.
  2. Select your credit card.
  3. Tap on 'manage cards'
  4. Select 'set transaction type control'
  5. Update the desired domestic or international limit.
  6. Select 'save' to submit the request.

How do I use my HSBC Everyday Global account overseas? ›

With the HSBC Everyday Global Account you can buy, exchange, save and spend your own money in up to 10 different currencies. And view all your currencies in a single location on the HSBC Mobile Banking App. You can shop online or in store using local currencies anywhere in the world without transaction fees.

How do I activate international transactions on my HSBC card? ›

Follow the instructions below to manage domestic and international transaction limit:
  1. Log on to HSBC India Mobile Banking app.
  2. Select your credit card.
  3. Tap on 'manage cards'
  4. Select 'set transaction type control'
  5. Update the desired domestic or international limit.
  6. Select 'save' to submit the request.

How do I activate my HSBC overseas transaction? ›

How do I activate my EGA Debit Card/-i to use it overseas? The EGA Debit Card/-i is disabled by default from making any overseas purchase transactions as it may be exposed to higher risk of fraud. You may activate the feature by visiting any HSBC / HSBC Amanah branch or contacting the HSBC Call Centre.

Can I use my HSBC account internationally? ›

You can rely on HSBC wherever you travel. While traveling internationally, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that the HSBC Group's ATMs and branch locations offer personal financial services in many countries. Emergency financial support is also available worldwide.

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