Originally Posted by MoreMilesPlease
I will often call the credit card company in advance of traveling to let them know I will be using it in another country. This should prevent them from questioning a purchase. I usually tell them what countries I am traveling to and the dates. That way the fraud department knows the card is with me and I am using it. You might try this next time
I am travelling abroad about 2 times a month and it would be a burden to keep calling MC giving them my itineraries to make sure my CC is not stopped for no real reasons. If they want to make sure I have not lost it they can contact me easily and check it out without making me look stupid in front of a check-out counter clerk that says 'your card is no good, refused' then being told by MC that they blocked it to make sure it is not used fraudulently and that they will re-activate it now that they feel confident it is me holding it in my hand