Advice for UK Chip and PIN Cardholders Traveling Abroad

APACS statistics show that there were 309 million overseas transactions on UK-issued cards last year (three per cent of all transactions on UK-issued cards). In fact using a card is so popular amongst British travellers that, in 2007, card purchases accounted for 50 per cent of all overseas spending[1]. Last year Britons used their cards for overseas transactions totalling £25.2 billion - £18.1 billion on credit and debit card purchases and £7.1 billion on cash taken out of overseas cash machines.

Available from http://www.choosingandusing.com and http://www.cardwatch.org.uk, the Using your plastic overseas guide includes tips on: what to do before, during and after your trip abroad to minimise the chances of being a victim of fraud; and provides information around the types of charges you may incur when withdrawing cash at a cash machine or when making a purchase overseas using your card.

Sandra Quinn, director of communications at APACS, says: “As a nation we are all using our cards more frequently abroad so it pays to be aware of any extra costs that may be incurred for using them overseas, as well as taking steps to protect them from fraud. Card thieves are hoping to catch us relaxed and off-guard when we are overseas, so we need to take the same sensible precautions with our cards abroad as we would in the UK.”

Travellers overseas can help ensure that using their cards abroad is a hassle-free experience by following common sense advice such as:

• Make sure your card company has up-to-date contact details for you - including a mobile number, especially if you are travelling overseas.
• Make sure you have the 24-hour contact phone numbers for your cards - in case you need to speak to your card company.
• Safeguard your PIN at all times. Don’t give it to anyone - even if they claim to be from the police or your bank.
• Shield your PIN with your free hand when typing it into a keypad in a shop or at a cash machine.

David Marshall, Head of Communications at ABTA says: “Although there are a range of payment options available for UK consumers going abroad, paying with plastic is an increasingly popular choice. The advice in this guide provides holidaymakers with a variety of useful information that can help ensure a safe and stress-free holiday.”