Before you go
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Let your card issuer know about your trip before you leave so they don’t flag unfamiliar transactions. Additionally, make sure you know your card’s daily ATM withdrawal limit, expiration date, account balance, and available funds. This ensures your card will work while you’re away and has sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses.
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Sign up for free text alerts when a transaction exceeds a pre-set amount or when unusual card activities are detected. Contact your card issuer for details.
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Whether you’re using a magnetic strip or chip card, know your card PIN before traveling overseas. If you’ve forgotten your PIN, reapply for a new one.
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Keep a record of card account numbers and telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. Remember to keep this information in a safe place, away from your wallet or handbag. Always keep your credit card number and three-digit CVV2 code on the back of your Visa card confidential.
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No matter where you are in the world, Visa Global Customer Assistance (GCAS) representatives are just a phone call away. Whether you need to block your card in case of loss or theft, request an emergency card replacement to carry on with your travel, or simply need some emergency funds, support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in a multitude of languages.
Within the U.S. dial: +1-800-847-2911. For other countries see link below.
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No need to get cash before you go. ATMs are available at over 2 million locations around the world so you can get cash when you need it. Getting cash at an ATM abroad can actually be more cost effective.
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Foreign merchants may offer to convert your bill to U.S. dollars. Although it is convenient to see the bill in U.S. dollars, the conversion usually includes a markup. To avoid the markup, decline the conversion and choose to pay in local currency. If you chose to pay in local currency, but the transaction was charged by the merchant in U.S. dollars, contact your bank to contest the charge.
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Get cash at over 2 million ATMs worldwide. Look for ATMs with the Visa PLUS mark to withdraw local currency with ease. Visa cards that bear the PLUS logo can be used for cash withdrawals at ATMs worldwide. Click here to find ATMs.
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Using your Visa card while traveling may be easier than using cash. You can keep track of all of your purchases on your monthly statement. Keep your receipts to make sure they match your monthly statements.
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Always double-check the information on the sales receipts, including the currency you are being charged, with your monthly bank statement. Contact your card issuer if you note a discrepancy.
If you see a charge you don’t recognize or if you notice any inconsistencies, contact your bank immediately.
Medical
Contact your bank or issuer for medical referral, monitoring, follow-up and communication with your family, as well as the names of English-speaking doctors, dentists and hospitals.
Legal
Your bank or issuer can connect you with English-speaking attorneys and U.S. embassies or consulates if you are detained by local authorities, have a car accident or need legal assistance.
Transportation
If you need help arranging emergency transportation home or to the nearest medical facility, bringing young children home or contacting family members and employers, please contact your issuer.
Global Customer Assistance Services
Contact Visa about card services from anywhere in the world.
Call us toll-free