International Travel Visa Advice

Before we proceed, a word to the wise: When I was in my early twenties I bought a round the world ticket, starting in Sydney. The first flight was to Vietnam via Singapore. Rather than take responsibility for my trip, I blindly arrived in Saigon, where they asked for my travel visa, which of course I didn’t have. Travel visa?

Turns out you had to buy your visa before landing on Vietnamese soil. In my case, they quickly escorted me back to the plane I arrived with, and flew me back to Singapore.

Here is my advice for people interested in international travel visa requirements:

Buy travel visas prior to arrival. This lesson was driven home with monster truck force. Ever since that fateful day, I have always arrived with my visa in hand. There are several countries where you can buy your visa once you are on their soil, though I prefer to error on the side of caution.

Understand the different types of visas available. I have seen several instances where someone was denied entry into a country for business, but was able to purchase a tourist visa instead. Some countries grant an automatic visa for thirty days, but you have to apply for a visa if you want to stay longer. Learn the ins and outs of each country, and use them to your advantage.

Expect delays. Ah, the world of bureaucracy, where today can just as easily mean next week. There will be extra charges, fees, delays, bribes… plan your visa purchase at least a week in advance to avoid any chance of delaying your trip.

Unsure if you require an international travel visa? I recommend you search your country’s embassy site, as they provide the best information about limitations and requirements of your stay.

Best Credit Cards For International Travel

If you are planning a trip overseas, you are going to need at least one (and preferably two) Visa cards or MasterCards. The reason it is crucial to have MasterCard or Visa cards when you travel internationally is that, unlike Discover and American Express, these cards are accepted just about everywhere credit cards can be used. Unfortunately, not all MasterCard and Visa cards are created equally, and some are better for international travel than others.

A key drawback to using credit cards when you travel are foreign transaction fees. Most banks charge international fees of 2-4%, even if you use your card to book a hotel abroad from the U.S. International credit card fees can add up quickly. On a five night hotel stay, it is very easy to rack up $40 to $50 in these charges alone. If you spend $1000 while traveling, you can expect to pay yet another $40 or so.

Ultimately, the best credit cards for travel charge no international/foreign transaction fees. Unfortunately, only one major card company charges no fees. Any card from this company is likely to be the best card for travel.

Once you find a Visa or MasterCard (or one of each) that has no international fees, the next step is to get one that either offers a 0% interest rate, a low long term APR or good rewards. This shouldn’t be a problem. However, when selecting a new card, avoid tempting airline mile cards and instead look for a card that offers cash back rewards. While a travel oriented mindset may make a miles card seem appealing, cash back rewards are much more valuable, easier to use, and generally come with no fees attached.

Finding the best credit card for travel isn’t a difficult process. Because only one major card company charges no international transaction fees, there really is only one place to start and end your search for the best money saving deal.