 TITLE: Do You Need A Credit Card To Travel? CONTENT: Drawbacks of Using a Credit Card When Traveling\n-----------------------------------------------\nThere aren't many downsides to using a credit card when traveling, but there are a few things to be aware of.\n*   **Carrying identification**: Handing over cash for a purchase is straightforward enough in most settings. But if you want to use your credit card when traveling internationally, you might also have to bring your passport along as a form of identification, which can be inconvenient.\n*   **Needing a chip and\/or PIN card**: Credit cards with chips are becoming more widespread in the U.S., though many still have only an old-fashioned magnetic strip. In some other countries—especially in Europe—many credit card machines only work with chip cards and some of those also require a PIN to complete a transaction. All that might make using cash a lot easier. Before traveling to another country, read up on the credit card requirements and make sure you have one that will be usable.\n*   **Limited acceptance**: Although more credit cards are accepted in more places than ever before, every so often you might run up against an issue. A store where you want to buy something does not take Mastercard, for instance, or a restaurant does not accept American Express. If you are traveling somewhere remote, a merchant might also have issues connecting their credit card machine to the internet, which can slow you up or prevent you from making a purchase altogether. Chances are, though, anywhere you go will accept cold, hard cash.\n*   **Foreign transaction fees**: As mentioned above, some credit cards charge you a transaction fee for purchases you make when traveling abroad. Double-check your cards and make sure you carry at least one that waives such fees if you intend to take an international trip.\nWhat Types of Payment Should You Bring When Traveling?\n------------------------------------------------------\nWhile credit cards might be the best overall payment option when traveling, in reality, it's a good idea to carry a few different types of payment with you so that you have options. The ideal combination is to carry a main credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and offers solid purchase and travel protections for you to use the most during your trip. Also bring a backup card in a different network in case you run into any acceptance issues. For instance, if your main card is a Visa like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, perhaps think about bringing a Mastercard. Just to be safe, you should always have some amount of cash on hand, whether in U.S. dollars or your destination's currency. Stock up on some before you leave home. Finally, bring your debit card along in case you need to pull more cash out of an ATM for last-minute needs.\nIt's also a smart idea to keep your backup credit card and your debit card in a separate place from your main credit card. That way, if your primary card is lost or stolen, you will still have other ways to pay for what you need. If you are staying at a hotel, consider leaving your extra cards in the room safe while you are out and about. END