Originally Posted by
LuvAirFrance
These threads are really interesting, but aren't all these cards most useful in big foreign cities? When a person travels off the beaten path, isn't cash necessary? And how useful does this lack of transaction fee become if you use the card for cash advances? So to get real usefulness, don't you need a debit card, too? Are there debit cards that don't charge the fees?
It's been best for me to either carry cash to exchange for foreign cash, or withdraw cash from an ATM once you arrive in the country you are visiting. The exchange rate +bank fee at the ATM seems to be a better rate than the exchange kiosk at the airport. Credit card acceptance isn't a great abroad as it is in the states, so, yes, you need some cash.
You may also find that some foreign merchants, even though they accept cards with your logo, will not accept your card because it is a 'swipe' card rather than 'chip & pin' as is now the standard in Europe and some other places. While they can still use your card, sometimes they think they cannot and are not willing to try. Also, many vending machines do not accept swipe cards at all. This is important to remember when paying for parking or automated train ticket kiosks.
I travel with AMEX Platinum, and a Suntrust Delta World MC debit. The AMEX doesn't have any foreign transaction fees.