Which credit card to use overseas?
Dec 19, 1999 | 3:49 am
#16
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Washington DC
Programs: UA GS, SAS Gold, EK Gold, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 801
For India
Visa is most accepted followed by Diner Club and then MC and Amex. One important thing to keep in mind - even though they aren't supposed all but the largest places will charge you a credit card surcharge of upto 4%. And you will probably not get as good of a discount to begin with since CC transactions come with a "paper trail". However at hotels, airlines, etc you won't have a problem.
Withdrwing cash at ATM's is fine in the main cities (ANZ, HSBC, Citibank) however it will be impossible in smaller places. Be aware that even if an ATM is available it may only accept domestically issued cards. Look for the Cirrus or Plus signs to be certain.
As far a s charges are concerned the best bet is actually a debit card as they will normally attract only a minimal cahrge for withdrawls. (i.e. my US issued debit card charges me USD 1 to use the HSBC machines in Mumbai and HSBC charges nothing + you get the banker's conversion rate)
Visa is most accepted followed by Diner Club and then MC and Amex. One important thing to keep in mind - even though they aren't supposed all but the largest places will charge you a credit card surcharge of upto 4%. And you will probably not get as good of a discount to begin with since CC transactions come with a "paper trail". However at hotels, airlines, etc you won't have a problem.
Withdrwing cash at ATM's is fine in the main cities (ANZ, HSBC, Citibank) however it will be impossible in smaller places. Be aware that even if an ATM is available it may only accept domestically issued cards. Look for the Cirrus or Plus signs to be certain.
As far a s charges are concerned the best bet is actually a debit card as they will normally attract only a minimal cahrge for withdrawls. (i.e. my US issued debit card charges me USD 1 to use the HSBC machines in Mumbai and HSBC charges nothing + you get the banker's conversion rate)
