Do I have to let my bank know, if I want to use my VISA card (internationally) Costa Rica?

Question

I am with National city, if that matters.

Thanks

Answer 1

Although you may not choose to notify them, it is BEST if you do...the reason for this is: The CC companies are trying desperately to limit loss with credit card theft & loss...While you travel in Costa Rica, there may be a hold up when you first attempt to use your Visa...This happened to us three separate incidents. Once the card wouldn't allow the charge at all...nest time it made them call the 800 number then the phone was handed to us to 'verify' it was indeed us traveling & trying to use our CC. This is for our protection...so YES it is simply a good idea to let the CC company know the dates you are traveling, because it ALSO PROTECTS you should your Visa be used for charges AFTER you have returned to the USA...remember that 'sometimes' people get yourCC # & then can double charge or attempt to make an extra charge on your CC AFTER you have left the country...so you wouldn't want that to happen, right?? By the way, VISA ia well accpted in Costa Rica...often times ALL other Credit Cards(CC) are turned down! Costa Rica likes VISA...they also like small US bills...$1, $5,$10,$20...happy to accept from Americans...& happy to let you use the calculator to figure correct change when you need it. Pura Vida!

Answer 2

The ATMS are nice, but don't try to cash an international check.

Answer 3

It is a good idea to notify your card issuer before using credit cards or ATM cards in foreign countries. Some card issuers consider foreign usage to be "unusual activity" which may be the result of a stolen card. If so, they may decline to authorize purchases until you verify that the charges are legitimate.

If you call them and advise them before you leave, this won't happen.

Last month, one of my credit cards was declined in France. When I returned home, there was a phone message waiting from my bank asking if I had attempted to use the card in France. This happened even though I used this card in France on an earlier trip.

Answer 4

I just went to Nicaragua, before going I call bank of America and let them know I will be using my card there.

Otherwise the bank may not authorize your transitions especially if you are spending a lot

Answer 5

Yes, that is a great thing to do. I went to my bank manager and told him I was going to be in Germany, Switzerland and Austria the next month so that I would not have any diffulty charging in these countries.  It worked because I had no trouble using my Visa at all.

Be careful, my son and his 3 friends went to Costa Rica last year on a surfing adventure. They hired a "body guard" to get them around the city safely.  They paid him $75 a day but it was worth it for their safety and the "local" knowledge of what to do and not to do.

Answer 6

No I have been to Costa Rica, don't worry about it just pop your visa in the machine.

Answer 7

No, you don't - your credit card should work just fine.

I've used mine in Venezeula, Mexico, England, Germany, etc. without any problems.

Have fun!

Answer 8

Not necessary.