Using Your International Debit Card Abroad? Here Are Things You Should Know

If your card does mention that it is an international debit card, it means that you can use your card for making payments abroad.

However, there are some charges applicable on that depending on the country and your bank.

Most of the banks in India provide international debit card to its customers.

How to know if the card can be used abroad?

If your ATM or debit has Mastereo, Visa or PLUS logo on the card means that card can be used abroad where the ATM machine has same logo.

The PIN that you use in your home country should work overseas as well. Most ATMs will have a selection of languages.

You should be able to select a language that you would understand. The debit card will make the payment in local currencies.

In HDFC Bank EasyShop International Debit Card, your account is debited in Rupees regardless of the currency in which you spend.

One needs to check currency rates applicable.

There will be fee of 3.5 per cent as Foreign currency markup fee + Service tax on this markup fee. (which is currently 14.5%)

In case you want to withdraw cash from the ATM, there will be extra charges.

Here are few charges which you need to be aware before travelling

Currency Conversion Fee

The banks and institution of Visa and MasterCard automatically may charge around 1-2% on foreign exchange.

Foreign Transaction Fee

The card providers will charge around 2.5 -3.5 per cent on the transaction amount, irrespective of the currency.

Cash Withdrawal

Cash withdrawals are usually very expensive. However, it will be in addition to local cash withdrawal charges. There can be a charge around 1-4 per cent every time you carry out cash withdrawal.

Note that there will be a extra charge of service tax (14.5 per cent) on the fee or charge.

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