Passport Ready? Don’t Forget Your Travel Card for the USA

Instead of relying entirely on one payment method, consider carrying a combination of a travel card, some US dollars, and a backup payment card.

This can give you greater flexibility if one payment method becomes unavailable.

Prepare Your Travel Card Before You Fly

Do not wait until you arrive in the USA to think about your travel money.

Before leaving the UAE, check that your card is activated and ready for international use. Review its spending limits, supported transactions, conversion process, and applicable fees.

Estimate your expected expenses and load an amount that suits your travel budget. Avoid loading significantly more money than you expect to use, especially if converting unused funds back into UAE dirhams may involve additional charges.

It is also a good idea to keep your travel card and backup payment method separately while travelling.

Be Careful with Currency Conversion at Checkout

When making a payment in the USA, you may sometimes be given an option to pay in US dollars or have the transaction converted into UAE dirhams.

This type of merchant-offered conversion may involve an exchange rate or markup that differs from your card's standard conversion process. Always review the payment screen carefully before confirming the transaction.

Understanding which currency you are being charged in can help you make a more informed decision.

Make Your USA Trip More Convenient