Expert: Roberto Gomes - 8/14/2008

Question
I read with interest your article on the best credit card for air travel.  My wife and I want to go to Europe, and would like to focus on the best card for international air travel.  Do you have any suggestions?  Thanks!

Answer
Dear Bill,

Sorry but I don't recall any article written by me about the use of a credit card. But answering your question, consider using a Visa or Dinners or a normal American Express.

But first off, especially if you're planning to make major purchases, or think you might buy some major art, call your credit card company and tell them where you plan to be. Give the dates you're planning to be overseas, and the countries you're planning to visit.

This is useful because it seems that these days many credit card companies are quick on the trigger to reject transactions outside of the normal activity they usually see. So when you use that card for the first time in Italy at a furniture store for a truckload of stuff, there's a huge chance that this transaction will be questioned.

Hope this helps,
Best Regards,
R.Gomes