Do I need a Credit Card to Travel Abroad

InsideInsurance

sentientpoet wrote: »

Check your hotel for one - usually they require a deposit against potential additional charges (room service, spa fees etc), and in some cases (ie some hotels in the US) this can only be done by credit card - they block off a proportion of the available credit at up to $150 per night of your stay, even on a pre-paid room. Other hotels will just take the card details, or will accept a debit card, and will not pre-block a proportion so no probs.

Used to travel to the US at least monthly and never once used a credit card with a hotel.

Yes many hotels will pre-auth the day rate plus extras but the pre-auth process works identically on debit and charge cards as it does on credit cards. In deed in Dubai they were pre-authing $1,500 per night at one hotel I stayed at. Of cause if you are intending to pay by debit card then you have the cash there so the pre-auth doesnt cause you a problem.

smurkej

I applied for a halifax clarity card but was declined, so I then applied for an N&P Classic Gold account and it says "
Based on the information you have provided, we are pleased to confirm that your application for a Gold Classic Current Account has been approved.
Before we can open your account we need you to send us proof of your identity. These must be originals or certified copies."


Does this mean I have been accepted if I send in the relevant forms of ID they are asking for?

drchimrichalds

I travel internationally fairly frequently, and although I always carry a credit card I cant think of a time that I have actually been forced to use it.

I think you would be safe with your debit, but perhaps you can go to your bank and get preapproved fora line of credit on that card *just in case* then you need only call their emergency phone number and have them put the cash in you account.