Travelling abroad this summer? Here’s How to make your bank card your best travel companion

By Farah Mokrani

You’ve packed your swimsuit, your sunglasses, and your sense of adventure. The flights are booked, and your out-of-office is on. But before you head off on that dream summer holiday, there’s one little piece of plastic you need to pay a bit more attention to: your bank card.

If you’re like most of us, you probably assume your card will work just as well abroad as it does at home. But as anyone who’s faced a frozen card at a Parisian café or racked up surprise fees on the beach in Thailand can tell you, a bit of preparation can make all the difference.

So, what do you really need to know before tapping or swiping your card overseas? Let’s break it down—with a few real-world tips and a dash of common sense.

Give your bank a heads-up before you go

Here’s a scenario you don’t want: You’ve just landed in Bali, you’re starving after the flight, and the first thing you do is order a big meal by the sea. You go to pay…and the card machine beeps. Declined. Embarrassing? Absolutely. Common? More than you think.

Most banks—especially the big traditional ones—have automatic systems that monitor where and how your card is used. A sudden flurry of transactions far from home can look suspicious. That’s why it’s smart to let your bank know about your travel plans before you set off. Sometimes it’s as easy as ticking a box in your banking app; other times a quick call does the trick.

And don’t forget to check if your daily or weekly withdrawal limits are going to cut it while you’re away. Upping your card limits is usually a quick process these days, and it saves you a headache if you need extra cash for a shopping spree or an unexpected medical bill.

One last thing—write down (somewhere separate from your wallet) the number of your card and your bank’s emergency contact for lost or stolen cards abroad. You’ll hopefully never need it, but you’ll thank yourself if you do.

Dodging nasty surprises: Card fees and foreign payments

Ah, the small print. No one loves it, but it matters when you’re spending abroad. Paying for a hotdog in New York or a gelato in Rome with your card might seem easy—until you check your bank statement later and see a whole stack of fees.

Here’s what’s changed in 2025: The average fee for using your bank card outside the eurozone has crept up by about 1.2%. If you’re with a traditional Spanish bank, every ATM withdrawal outside the euro area can hit you with a fixed fee (usually around €3.10), plus a percentage on top (often 2.4% of the amount). Ouch.

A little tip from frequent travellers: Withdraw a larger amount in one go rather than lots of small ones. It’s more cost-efficient, even if you feel odd carrying extra cash.

But what if you want to keep those fees to an absolute minimum? You have options. Many Spanish and international online banks (think Hello Bank!, or neobanks like Revolut or N26) now offer cards with much lower fees—or even none at all. BoursoBank’s free Ultim card, for example, means free euro withdrawals anywhere and three free currency withdrawals per month. Revolut and Wise are also great for low-cost currency exchange.

Just remember, not all cards are created equal. Even with “free” options, double-check your provider’s website or app for the latest terms. Sometimes perks depend on your account level or card type.

Travel insurance and assistance: Hidden gems in your wallet

If you’ve ever had your luggage go missing, your flight delayed, or worse—needed medical care abroad—then you know how precious good travel insurance is. The best part? You might already have some, just by using your card.

Most bank cards, especially the premium ones, include a solid level of insurance as long as you pay for your flights, hotels or car hire with the card. This often covers not just you, but also your partner and children under 25.

Premium cards tend to offer the best cover, but standard cards aren’t bad either. Always read the fine print. Check what’s covered: delays, cancellations, lost bags, medical emergencies. And crucially—how to make a claim if something does go wrong.

Travelling somewhere like the US or Japan, where healthcare costs can be eye-watering? Make sure your medical cover is up to scratch, and consider buying extra insurance if not. Better safe than sorry.

How to get the most from your Bank card abroad

Travelling is about freedom—about letting go of the daily grind and soaking up the moment. Don’t let your bank card be the thing that trips you up.

Give your bank a heads-up. Raise your limits. Double-check your fees, and consider whether a new travel-friendly card might save you money. And don’t forget to look into your card’s hidden insurance perks—sometimes, the plastic in your pocket is more powerful than you realise.

So go on—book that trip, order that extra dessert, and toast to a summer without bank card drama. The world’s waiting, and with just a bit of planning, your wallet is ready too.

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