any fees for using a US credit card in Panama?
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,447
any fees for using a US credit card in Panama?
So I know they use the dollar, but will any of the major credit card companies (AMEX, Citi, Chase, BoA) try to charge you a "foreign transaction fee" for using your American credit card in Panama?
I know Panama is more of a "cash economy" than the US, but I'd like to reduce the amount of cash I need to travel with by relying on credit cards where possible (and where the merchant won't tack on his or her own 5% fee!).
Thanks.
I know Panama is more of a "cash economy" than the US, but I'd like to reduce the amount of cash I need to travel with by relying on credit cards where possible (and where the merchant won't tack on his or her own 5% fee!).
Thanks.
#3
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#4
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: DEN
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Not always true. Some times you do get the charge, and other times you don't. (I THINK it depends on where the company has there credit card machines route through...)
As always, AMEX and Capital One (or cards that specifically don't have FTF.)
As always, AMEX and Capital One (or cards that specifically don't have FTF.)
#5
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I remember Citi charging me, and I kind of think AMEX did, too.
#9
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: DEN
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AMEX and Capital One never will.
(A few new cards on the table are coming out with no FTF.) But unless your card is one of those, and even though its in USD, you will always be charged.
(A few new cards on the table are coming out with no FTF.) But unless your card is one of those, and even though its in USD, you will always be charged.
#10
Join Date: Aug 2010
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My Canadian-issued Amex card is my best friend when I travel outside the country (which is almost weekly). It calculates the foreign currency into CAD without any fees.
I would imagine US-issued cards also come with no foreign transaction fees.
I would imagine US-issued cards also come with no foreign transaction fees.
#11
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: DEN
Programs: UA Gold, HH Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 643
They are charging you a small currency conversion fee. But, if your card is US based, you won't have this happen in Panama because its already in USD.