Can you use usa credit cards in other countrys?

Question

Well my friends is going to mexico & was wondering that....

Answer 1

Yes, absolutely.

Also, I highly recommend not getting foreign currency at a band or the airport. Use an ATM machine in the country your visiting. It's much less expensive.

Answer 2

There will be a point.

Yes there are issues in regard to visa and AMEX. Many banks or merchants will not take AMEX even in western countries (Mexico does not qualify as western) will not take AMEX as they charge the merchant much per transaction.

Yes the money places at the airport charge a bit more in regard to conversion. You must though have some cash on you. Best case is to order some through your home bank if you have time. Second best case is to buy some at the US airport you are flying out of that way you are not wandering the airport in Mexico looking for a kiosk.

A consideration as well is using your card at a merchant. Giving out your number can be bad. The fees to do so can be larger. Sometimes taking out cash from ATM can be best. And when you do take out a decent sum as there is the same charge for each little withdrawl as there is for one big one.

But to answer what you asked. You can use a card. But you have to call the card issuer and tell them that you are traveling to Mexico so they can log it. Otherwise what happens is the card company (computer) sees a bunch of charges outside of the US. So after a few charges they lock down the account since it is usually used in the US. It only takes one.

So if your friends call the 800 number and say "going to Mexico". If they don't have a PIN they should ask for one.

Answer 3

I go to Mexico all the time and i have never had a problem using any one of my 5 credit cards there. they are Visa, Master, HSBC Master, Amex, and Discover. I do not have to call them every time to tell them I'm going there. Also I travel to other places of the world and never had a problem using my credit cards. I would however stay away from ATM's. i did try to pull money from an ATM in Acapulco, the thing didn't give me the money but they took it out of my bank account, this was a debit card. My bank restored it. I did use a different ATM machine and got cash with no problems. It must just have been that bad one...

Answer 4

The companies that back the cards are accepted everywhere. I find that VISA is most useful, then Mastercard, and American Express. When you go to a restaurant or store, look for their little signs. I encourage you to bring it even if you don't use it to buy things. Banks will accept it and you can withdraw money to use as cash. It could get you out of a tight spot. Check to see if you need a pin number to take money out of an ATM. Guard your credit card closely.

Answer 5

Maybe. Some bank ATMs will serve up money for you. If you do that don't forget the balance it quotes you will be in pesos which are worth about nine cents. Some big stores will take your Visa & Mastercard. You will be charged a small foreign exchange fee. I was not able to use my Home Depot card at Home Depot in Ensenada, Baja California.

Answer 6

Be careful where they are used. I would say call the credit card companies that will be used, ask them the questions, also set a limit amount that can be charged to the cards, paid by the holder. Like $500.00 per card, anything over will not be allowed or paid by the holder.

Answer 7

It would depend on the kind of credit card in question and the country, or area of the country you are visiting.

Answer 8

Yes, it is possible, but mainly in the major cities. They will charge you extra fees and also give you an unfavorable currency exchange rate, however.

Answer 9

Probably, they have Bank of Americas ans Washington Mu. in other countries...so I'd assume you can? Maybe not use it, but you may be able to draw from it.

Answer 10

They work just fine in Mexico!!!