Debit cards make it easy to pay for things -- especially in a foreign country when you're not familiar with the currency. However, using a debit card can be more difficult overseas, so plan ahead for any speedbumps before you leave the country.
The Wall Street Journal reports that "International transactions are 10 times more likely to be fraudulent than domestic ones," so there's a good chance that your bank will block your card when you use it overseas. To avoid trouble, check-in with your bank and let them know you'll be using the card differently. Get the bank's international phone numbers (because you might not be able to use 1-800 numbers) just in case you need to call.
Karen Blumenthal provides more tips on traveling with bank cards in her Getting Going column. Learn more about how to manage fees and contend with higher security standards in other countries. [via Payments News]
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