Just thought you would be interested in a message that I received when I wrote to my Credit Card company as usual to notify them of my forthcoming trip (so that they are aware of transactions in 'out of character' countries):

"There's no need to register your trip anymore; you can travel in confidence knowing your card is accepted worldwide. We've actually changed things now, to make it a bit easier for you. You don't need to let us know you're going away anymore. You can just use your card as normal. There's usually a Visa or Master Card sign up in the places that take it. If we spot anything unusual on your account while you're away, we'll get in touch on your mobile straight away - so it's worth just double checking we've got the right number for you"

So - that's the advice from Barclaycard - I hope you find it useful. As for me - six weeks today I'll be waving my Visa card around on Easter Island :D

All the best

Mandy

My bank which is Barclays have had this attitude to my debit card for some years but I have to say I am a bit nervous about being abroad and then being phoned about a transaction.  In the UK when I have had a problem they have usually wanted to know details on the account like direct debits to verify my identity.  Consequently I don't take my debit card abroad but use a pre paid card for additional cash..  I then keep a credit card just for hols abroad which is no commission and just give them a ring.  Last time I was delayed I contacted them to let them know and they said they always add some leeway on to the dates given

Have a great time on Easter Island.  Wow!! :)

My Natwest bank locally a couple of years ago, but I know last time I told them in there that I was going away (as advised), they told me that there was no need anymore.  I must admit that it is something that I have always been concerned about, although I don't use my credit card much.  It's good to have new verification that this is the case though.

Not long till your Easter Island extravaganza - although not a JY tour please do share your experiences of the island with us!  As you know there are some very excited people who are booked on the new JY Chile and Easter Island tour for next year so we are very keen to know how you get on!

Best wishes,

Bob

Sally

For a while Barclaycard have said you don't need to contact them prior to trips. However, I use my Saga card abroad (no commission etc.) and sometimes my M & S card, and I always phone them beforehand and give them country details etc. In the "old days" when you had to tell Barclaycard, and I forgot, they did phone me in Denmark in a wonderful jewellery shop, and queried me using my card and asked a lot of questions to verify my identity - embarrassing! If in doubt, phone your credit card company!

Cheers,

Hils

Ann

Thanks for the info. I have a credit card which doesn't charge commission and allows me to advise them online of my travel dates. My bank card charges me extortionately for the privilege of using abroad and doesn't want to know where I am!

As you know from our Alaska trip, I used my credit card to pay for my last supper as I had run out of cash. It is only when I got home I found that I had paid for someone else's supper too! The credit card company reimbursed me but one of our group received a free dinner into the bargain. Teach me to not budget correctly!

Have a super holiday and special birthday.

Sylvia

I think that I must have the same credit card as SylviaJ because I don't get charged commission on purchases (just the latest currency exchange rate) and they always advise letting them know when you are out of the UK - I can enter my travel dates online as well.

Have a great holiday and I'll look forward to hearing all about it.

Cheers

Mike