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**Today’s guest post is contributed by CreditShout, a blog that helps people to manage their finances and save money with credit cards.**.

Credit cards can be a lifesaver when you’re traveling. Particularly on long trips, or trips far from home, knowing that you’ve got credit to back you up can provide a lot of reassurance. Credit cards also have the bonus of convenience. Not everyone likes to carry cash on a trip, and when you’re traveling abroad, currency exchange can turn into a major inconvenience. In short, credit cards and travel abroad seem made to go together.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things you should know before you go. Security, extra fees, and a handful of other caveats come into play when you’re abroad, and if you don’t know what to expect you might get taken by (nasty) surprise. Knowing the five tips below will help you feel educated and give you some peace of mind – without having to learn the hard way.

1. Watch Out For International Fees

   Always make sure to read your card holder agreement carefully before traveling internationally.

   Credit cards charge fees for some services – you probably know that if you’ve ever taken a cash advance, or done another transaction that was “above and beyond” regular usage. But you may not be aware that using your credit card abroad will cost you fees that are likely higher than any you’ve experienced before. They may come in pairs, too.

   International fees are added to each purchase (typically the fee is even higher for a cash withdrawal), and on top of the original fee your bank might charge a conversion fee, too. You could end up paying quite a large percentage of your purchase price all over again simply in fees if you don’t monitor your spending carefully.

   American Express, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank and Bank of America all have international surcharges (2.5 – 3% depending on the company). Capital One does not have an international surcharge, making them of the better card companies to use when traveling (check out the Capital One Venture Card).

2. Beware of Overspending

   This could be a bit tricky, since you don’t know beforehand exactly how much you’re going to spend. You shouldn’t, in fact; doing so isn’t really the point of the trip. But it is very important to write some type of budget before you leave – and don’t forget to factor in the fees.

   Give yourself a general idea of how much you have to play with for various things like food, hotels, leisure, etc… and then try to stay close to those limits. Ideally, when you plan your spending you should try and make the total fall about 15% over the amount you actually have available; that extra window of “unscheduled money” will more than likely come in handy.

3. Prevent a Frozen Account Beforehand

   Did you know that your credit card company will freeze your account if it believes there is suspicious activity going on? This is a good thing for your security, but when you’re traveling abroad – well, you’re using your card in a lot of new locations. Many, many international travelers have their cards frozen. Getting accounts unfrozen, especially from overseas, can sometimes be difficult, which is why this is a problem that is important to prevent.

   Call your credit card company before you leave and let them know your travel destinations and dates.

4. Being Unprepared May Cost You

   Make sure you know the contact information and card numbers of your accounts before you go. If your credit card should fall into the wrong hands while you’re abroad, you need to be able to contact the company and get it canceled asap.

   Before you leave for a trip make sure you know exactly what number to call and how to dial it from the country where you’ll be, so you can move quickly on a stolen or lost card. Even better, make a copy of your credit card and email it to yourself so you can access all the information from any computer if you need it.

   American Express has a free global assist hotline for emergency services and those who are stuck without wallet. If you are an American Express cardholder you can call this hotline collect from outside the U.S. at 715-343-7977.

5. Stolen Cards Do Happen

   Keep an eye on your wallet whenever you are traveling abroad. This seems like it should go without saying, and ideally, it should. But traveling is a hectic, exciting experience, full of new sights and surroundings, and the best of us can lose our focus.

   It’s okay to get caught up in the fun of your trip, but don’t get so caught up in what you’re doing that you forget to be careful.

   Although not as common in the US, pickpocketing occurs frequently in Europe and South America. If you are wearing a coat always keep your wallet in an inside pocket or somewhere very hard if not impossible for a pickpocket to steal from.

   By taking a common sense approach and preparing for financial emergencies before you leave, you are able to enjoy your trip more and not have to worry knowing that you are in control regardless of the situation.

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