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Jonas, my child hood buddy and a Boston University student, often quips, “Having been on a world tour with three distinct credit cards in my pocket, I could not really capitalize on the benefits offered by the issuers. Neither did my credit score total up to a significant amount, nor did my savings.” Well in my friend’s case, his shopping expenses bore the brunt of not using a selective credit card with low foreign transaction fees. But there are many who are on the same boat.

Using a credit card while shopping overseas has quite a few rewards. But what really dampens the shopping spree while traveling overseas is the international or foreign-transaction fee charged by the credit card issuers on each purchase made while traveling abroad. This might seem to be a nominal amount for one-time travelers, but for those who love to shop abroad; the fees may burn a real big hole in their pockets!

Go by the teaching of your Grannies – look before you leap. Carry out an extensive research for selecting your credit card and go on board. The popular, Visa and MasterCard tax 1% processing fee and then the fee of the issuing bank is added, which ranges from 0% to 3%. A consultation with a professional is a good option. Or else, you can induct a new card into your travel inventory.

Check out some of the key points while using your credit card to shop overseas.

Exchange rates offered by the card
Interest rates and annual fees also need consideration
Reward programs and discounts on heavy purchases made overseas should also be a mandatory benefit offered to you from the issuers.
Special packages, such as airline fare benefits should be considered while scanning the arena of credit cards suited for international travel

Ensure, that your credit card is actually ‘on your side’ while you shop and travel overseas. Or else, buying that oh-so-beautiful antique piece while in Egypt or India may end up costing you much more than you would have actually imagined.