International fees on credit cards are also called foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees. They’re charged when you pay for something overseas, whether online or in person, usually at 2-3% of the transaction.

When you withdraw cash from an ATM abroad, you may be charged fees by both the ATM provider and your bank or credit card company. These extra costs can add up, so it’s important to check the fees before making a transaction.

Hotel prices worldwide can be up to 20% higher or lower, depending on which country you are booking from. Our August 2022 comparison showed 5-star hotel prices in Las Vegas, Orlando, London, and the Maldives were up to 20% higher when booked from the UK versus the US in USD. This trick is even more effective for airfare.

Solution: ‘No foreign transaction fee’ and ‘prepaid foreign currency’ credit cards

USA residents https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/no-foreign-transaction-fee

UK residents https://www.finder.com/uk/credit-cards/best-credit-card-to-use-overseas

Australia residents https://www.creditcard.com.au/credit-cards-with-no-international-fees/

If no banks in your country offer credit cards without extra charges for international purchases (e.g., Thailand), or you prefer not to get a new card, consider prepaid travel currency cards.

Final Thoughts: Save More on Fees and Bookings

From my personal and business experience, the Wise Travel Money Card (formerly TransferWise) is highly reliable worldwide for 50+ currencies. It has no foreign transaction fees. The currency conversion rates are among the best available.

Avoiding unnecessary fees while traveling can save you a significant amount over time. From choosing the right credit card to booking hotels strategically, small changes can lead to big savings.

Want more insider tips on saving money while traveling? Check out our TravelSecrets Blog to learn how to make every trip more affordable and hassle-free.