Is it safer to use credit cards instead of debit cards when travelling?

cisco27

I'm heading to Asia travelling and I want to know what is my safest options when it comes to accessing my money.

I have a credit card and debit cards. Which should I use?

Do banks refund both types of cards if you are skimmed or defrauded?

Medsummer

What I done is set a alert limit on my cards if there is a withdrawal beyond that limit...say $200 dollars. My bank just happens to be CHASE in the states and they are very good about alerting you via email, sms or a phone call. I put a daily limit of $700 dollars on the debit card for cash withdrawals per day. I can still go up to $3,000.00 for purchases-airline tickets being the big money item if there is an emergency you have to travel for.
If the cards are stolen and used the bank is alerted because I've gone over the limit and notification is sent out. It's not foolproof, but the alert is started so I have some warning if the cards id is pirated through a hi-jacked ATM or cash machine where the card numbers could be stolen and some lowlife is making large withdrawals.
If I do not respond to an alert that is flagged as questionable in the eyes of the bank that they think is suspicious the card gets locked until I reply.
You do have to let your bank know that you are traveling so they don't lock the card when you use it far outside your normal area.

Try not to use the credit card as that is going to cost you in interest. If you use your real money and get low, then you always have the credit card to buy those emergency tickets or pizza!
Ask your bank what their policy is on the cards.

Medsummer

http://www.mainstreet.com/article/moneyinvesting/credit/debt/best-credit-cards-globetrotters?cm_ven=yahoomspromo

Also read the associated articles they have links too.

It's written for the American market so chances are you do not qualify for a Capitol One card, but do some research to the cards available to you over here. They probably have similar deals since they all copy each other at some point to be competitive.

paddyandy

Is it safe to obliterate this?

purcela

Also, is it true that it is cheaper to withdraw money on a credit card abroad if you have transferred excess funds into your credit card account so that it is in credit?

BuffyBot

Is it safe to obliterate this?

I wouldn't.

Also, is it true that it is cheaper to withdraw money on a credit card abroad if you have transferred excess funds into your credit card account so that it is in credit?

No necessarily. Some cards charge you even when in credit, plus in the event of fraud, credit amounts are generally not covered.

Civilian_Target

Chill.

The best philosophy is to only use the card at ATM machines. That way, you are much less likely to get frauded. Also, cash is more widely accepted, a better negotiator, and it's easier to keep to budget.

Do carry a card or two with you, and keep an eye to make sure it's still there. Make sure that either your bank or your travel insurance will cover charges to your card in the case of theft - for example, my AIB Mastercard gives me 3 days of insurance on reporting a missing card. That means I should notify them as soon as I can if it goes missing, but the insurance will give me 3 days. Your card probably comes with a similar deal.

Personally, I find credit cards easier to deal with, more widely accepted, and more secure (in that you have more rights if things go wrong).