What Payment Types Should I Use in Europe? | Capital One (2024)

FAQs

What Payment Types Should I Use in Europe? | Capital One? ›

Credit card

You can use your card abroad the same as you use it at home. Make sure you update your email and phone number in case we need to reach you. Are there foreign transaction fees for using my credit card abroad? No, there are no foreign transaction fees when making purchases outside the United States.

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe? Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors.

You can use your debit card anywhere you see the MasterCard® logo. You can use your debit card anywhere you see the MasterCard® logo. Also, there's no need to notify us about your travel plans before you leave.

Because merchants pay commissions to credit-card companies, small European businesses (B&Bs, mom-and-pop cafés, gift shops, and more) often prefer that you pay in cash. Vendors might offer you a discount for paying with cash, or they might not accept credit cards at all.

Capital One doesn't charge foreign transaction fees on any credit cards and debit cards that it issues within the U.S. (View important rates and disclosures.) But some of Capital One's travel credit cards are especially well suited for traveling abroad because of the rewards programs and travel benefits.

Capital One doesn't charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad. View important rates and disclosures. Do I need to tell my credit card issuer that I'm traveling out of the country? Some credit card issuers may require you to notify them that you're traveling abroad.

It all depends on where you're going and what you plan to do during your trip. As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.

Wherever you wander in Europe, it's wise to travel with cash euros. While ATMs and card facilities are widespread across the continent, this cannot always be relied upon. Some countries or areas off the beaten track have yet to fully embrace card payments, so cash means you won't get caught short.

Do I need to let Capital One know I am traveling internationally? ›

Capital One travel notices

There's no need to tell Capital One about your travel plans—even if you're traveling abroad. Just make sure the contact information associated with your account is up to date. That way, Capital One can contact you if there are any issues with your card.

Capital One doesn't charge a currency conversion fee, but other issuers might. View important rates and disclosures.

For non-360 products (Total Control Checking, Essential Checking and other products) we may charge a fee of $2, plus 3% of the total transaction amount, when you withdraw from an international ATM (outside of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

You can use your card anywhere that accepts the payment network linked to your card. Credit cards using the Mastercard® and Visa® payment networks are generally widely used and accepted across the world. Many U.S.-based credit card issuers, including Capital One, use chip-and-signature technology.

A good rule of thumb is to carry $50-$100 a day in the local currency while travelling. Remember, though, that cash may not be the best option to pay for travel expenses. Credit cards offer great rewards, lower transaction fees, and can help you get a better exchange rate.

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

there are no additional fees when you use your debit card abroad (any transaction made in a foreign currency or that MasterCard® classifies as a cross-border transaction).

When Europeans buy something with plastic, they insert their card, then type in their PIN. Despite some differences between European and US cards, there's little to worry about. US-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, along with familiar payment apps, typically work fine in Europe.

Capital One travel notices

There's no need to tell Capital One about your travel plans—even if you're traveling abroad. Just make sure the contact information associated with your account is up to date. That way, Capital One can contact you if there are any issues with your card.