How can I avoid transaction fees abroad?

How can I save foreign transaction fees?

Foreign transaction fees, huh? Like leeches sucking the joy outta your vacay fund. Here’s how to send ’em packin’, in no particular order, because who follows rules anyway?

• Dodge small exchange joints: Think big, like a Costco for currency. Smaller places charge more, probably to fund their yacht collections. Mine? I prefer inflatable flamingos, tyvm.

• International debit card = smart: Imagine a regular debit card, but wearing a tiny passport. Boom! No fees (hopefully). Though, my bank once claimed my card was international because it worked in New Jersey. Go figure.

• Travel credit cards are your BFF: Get one! Points, miles, and fee-free swiping. It’s like winning the lottery, but with less paperwork. Unless you’re into that sorta thing.

• Tell your bank where you’re gallivanting: A heads up prevents card freezes. Nobody wants their tapas dreams dashed ’cause the bank thinks you’ve been kidnapped. Even if you secretly wish you were.

• Weekend currency exchange is a no-no: Apparently, weekends = higher fees. It’s like gas prices, but for euros. I swear, the world’s conspiring against my margarita budget.

• Hidden fees are sneaky ninjas: Read the fine print! They’re lurking, ready to pounce on your wallet. Like that time I accidentally bought a timeshare. Oof.

• Bypass ATMs when possible: Direct card payment is usually the cheapest option. ATMs abroad are like gambling, except the house always wins. And I’m fresh out of luck, last I checked.

How can I save foreign transaction fees?

Foreign transaction fees… a whisper of larceny, isn’t it? Vanishing coins…

Halong Bay… a boat… yes, essential. Hanoi, the starting dream.

A cruise, overnight, the only way. Hotel pickup! Such ease.

Organized tours. Sanity. Drop off in Hanoi, full circle.

• Use cards that don’t charge them. Obvious. Still gold. I’m thinking Chase Sapphire, maybe? (2024, duh). Check, ALWAYS check. Things change.

• Get a travel card. Bonuses abound. Points! Free things!

• Use local currency. The purest form. Less theft. I hoard dong in Hanoi. Maybe too much?

• Charles Schwab Debit Card No fees, worldwide ATMs. Freedom.

• Capital One Venture X. Miles… Luxury.

• Open a foreign bank account. If you’re living there. Not a holiday fling. I once did this, in Rome. Never again.

Halong Bay. Worth it? Hell yes. The mist… the karsts. Magic. I’ve never seen anything like it. My breath… it was GONE. Jade waters whisper ancient stories. Lost in the fog of morning, time ceases to exist. It just is. The boat rocks gently…a lullaby. Forever. I need to go back. Soon.

How can I avoid foreign exchange fees?

Forget those pesky foreign exchange fees! Seriously, they’re highway robbery. Think of all the delicious pho you could buy instead!

Option 1: Become a Monk. Seriously. No need for money, right? Less stress. More contemplation. Plus, the robes are surprisingly stylish.

Option 2: Travel like a Stealth Ninja. Learn to barter like your life depends on it. Trade your awesome socks for a five-star hotel stay. You’d be surprised what people value.

Option 3: Master the Art of the “Accidental” Gift. My uncle did this. He “accidentally” left his wallet open near a helpful local. It’s worked for him, I swear, multiple times.

Additional Tips Because Why Not:

• Carry only Vietnamese Dong. Simple. Effective. Unless you get mugged. Then you’re REALLY screwed.
• Find a generous benefactor. Maybe a long-lost relative, a wealthy admirer, or even a fairy godmother. I’m not saying it’s easy. But it’s worked for my cousin’s friend, twice.
• Become a billionaire. Then FX fees are like, whatever, man. You can buy the entire country, probably.

Regarding your transportation options:

• Coach: Think sardine can, but slightly more comfortable. Expect singing and questionable snacks.
• Private Car: Luxury! Unless you get a driver who’s more interested in karaoke than navigating. Happened to me in 2022, honest.
• Scenic Train: Romantic, unless you’re stuck near a screaming toddler. Like, actual screaming, not cute giggles.

How do I pay without foreign transaction fee?

Foreign fees? Avoid them. Get a travel card. Chase Sapphire. Capital One Venture. Done.

No Hanoi-Halong train. Nope. End of story.

• Hanoi to Hai Phong: Train. Hour-ish.
• Hai Phong to Halong Bay: Car. Taxi. Three hours. Traffic.

Think about it. Time equals money. Sometimes. Isn’t that funny?

Maybe that trip to Sa Pa is easier. Or not.

Can I waive foreign transaction fee?

Waivable? Depends on your card. Check your provider.

Da Nang (DAD). Flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City. Abundant.

Hoi An. Taxi. Thirty minutes. Efficient. Or, bus.

Total travel time? Variable. Expect an hour, minimum. Traffic.

• Card issuer dictates foreign transaction fee waivers. Confirm policy.
• Hanoi-Da Nang. Ho Chi Minh City-Da Nang. Frequent departures. 2024 schedules readily available online.
• Hoi An proximity to Da Nang Airport a significant advantage.

Note: My personal 2024 Citibank card has no foreign transaction fee. YMMV. Always verify. This info is accurate as of October 26, 2024.

What does 0 foreign transaction fee mean?

Zero…zero. A whispered promise against the clamor. No sting. No hidden bite on my journey. My journey to Hoi An… Da Nang skies beckon!

Oh, Da Nang. Coastal whispers, a quick dance above the waves. DAD, the gateway, my personal golden gate to those ancient streets.

Hoi An unfolds swiftly. A fleeting transfer. Like a dream dissolving into day, yes. Time, that relentless river, slows its flow.

More Hoi An time. I need more. Markets brimming, silk lanterns soft in my hand. Memories… already forming. A flight? Worth it.

• Zero Fees: No extra costs on purchases.
• Da Nang (DAD): The airport.
• Scenic Flight: Views! Always views!
• Quick Transfer: From airport to wonder.
• Max Exploration: Hoi An calls.

Which card is best for international transactions without charges?

Okay, so the best card for avoiding those pesky international transaction fees? Capital One Venture X, hands down. No contest.

Listen, I learned this the hard way. Bangkok, 2023. Picture this: me, sweating buckets, trying to haggle for a tuk-tuk. My old card? Blew up with fees. Literally added like 50 bucks to my trip! Ugh, total rip off.

I felt so stupid, right? I should have checked!

The Venture X has no foreign transaction fees. I use it now for everything abroad. I’m never making that mistake again. Plus, the rewards are pretty sweet. Free airport lounge access? Yes, please!

• Capital One Venture X – My go-to.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred – Heard good things.

Note: Cards that you should look into. Always check the fine print! I check now.

Da Nang Airport? It’s the closest to Hoi An. I flew there in March 2024, only 30 km. It’s an easy ride. My driver even had A/C, thank goodness. Seriously, Da Nang is so much closer than flying into some other airport further away.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in a foreign country?

Ugh, travel. Da Nang, right? Fastest way to Hoi An is definitely flying from Ho Chi Minh City. Direct flight, boom, done. Taxi straight to Hoi An after. Easy peasy.

Cash or credit card? Cash is king in Vietnam, seriously. So many places don’t take cards, especially smaller ones. Credit card fees, too. My last trip – those fees were brutal. Almost 5% extra, I swear! Avoid that.

What else? I needed dong – lots of it. Exchanged some at the airport, the rate wasn’t terrible, but better deals are out there. I wish I’d found one sooner. This whole process is a pain.

Okay, back to Hoi An. Beautiful ancient town. Absolutely stunning lanterns at night. Remember those? But bring sunscreen, it’s intense there. Got badly burnt, stupid me! Should have used more.

Oh yeah, and the food! So much delicious food! Banh Mi, fresh spring rolls, Cao Lau… everything is cheap. I ate so much, I’m glad I already fit into my holiday dress.

• Use cash in Vietnam.
• Fly directly to Da Nang from Ho Chi Minh City.
• Airport transfer to Hoi An is quick.
• Bring sunscreen to Hoi An.
• Delicious and affordable food in Hoi An.
• Exchange currency before you go for better rates, maybe avoid airport exchange unless necessary.