Top Benefits of Using a Credit Card for International Travel

Firstly, it is always recommended to carry some amount of local currency in physical form (cash) during your travel. This can come in handy for essentials, including taxi fares, service tips, etc. However, avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Besides being inconvenient, it carries the obvious risk of security. So, it always makes sense to equip yourself with a card. It immediately overcomes some of those risks, offering you:

• Ease of carry
• The possibility of being blocked immediately if lost or stolen
• Allowing withdrawal of cash, in case necessary

Top 4 Reasons to Use Credit Cards with Travel Benefits

Besides some of the obvious benefits, using a card on your travel can accumulate some very viable benefits and privileges. Amongst others, these include:

• Benefits of foreign purchases: Using a card can help you accumulate points on purchases made. As a case in point, the Citi Premier Credit Card offers you ThankYou® Points. Earn 2 points for each USD 1 spent in foreign currency, and 1 point for EEA currency spends (EEA currencies - European Economic Area Currencies (EUR, BGN, HRK, CZK, DKK, HUF, PLN, RON, SEK, ISK, NOK, CHF) which means whether you book hotel stays, shop, or spend on entertainment, paying in foreign currency gets you more points.
• Airport lounge access: As a traveler, waiting for flights can often be one of the most unwanted parts of the trip. By getting yourself a card, you can often open up access to complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide over which would make the waiting period pleasurable. Available on Citi Ultima, Citi Prestige, Citi Premier, Citi Rewards, Citi Cashback and Citi Ready Credit Cards.
• All Citi Cards users can enjoy airport transfers to ease their travels.
• Avail free hotel nights with Citi Ultima and Citi Prestige cards
• Fly with Points/Miles – Unlock more savings on your flights with any airline to any destination in any class of travel with an exclusive conversion rate. Simply purchase your flight ticket or buy airline miles and credit back all or part of your purchase with 1 click via Citi Mobile ® App.
• Certain Citi Credit Cards issued in the UAE come with global travel privileges via Mastercard’s World or World Elite® platforms. Depending on your card, you may access travel deals, upgrades, or concierge services offered by Mastercard and Citi partners. Check your card’s benefit guide for the latest offers..
• Insurance coverage: One of the added benefits of owning a card is an add-on insurance coverage. From plans that cover inconveniences such as luggage going amiss or flight delays to medical care in the case of an emergency, this could cover such unforeseen circumstances.

You must understand the benefits and costs associated with the card and opt for one that best suits your travel plans. Citibank UAE offers a range of cards to suit your travel, from letting you earn Skywards miles to travel insurance and complimentary stays. These cards cover all of the essentials in ensuring a hassle-free trip.

Finally, while opting for a card carries benefits, you must exercise some caution

• Do not share your PIN with anyone
• Do not hand over the card for use in your absence. Ensure it is swiped in front of you.

By doing so, you can avoid misuse of your card. Keep your card provider’s helpdesk phone numbers handy in case of an emergency. CitiPhone Banking Services offer 24-hour support at +971 4 311 4000 to help you with any issue, anywhere in the world.

Unlock Travel Credit Card Offers That Save You More

When planning your next trip, don’t miss out on valuable travel credit card offers that can enhance your experience while saving you money. From waived foreign transaction fees to bonus points on international spending, the right card can make a real difference.
Some cards offer:

• Welcome bonuses when you meet a minimum spend requirement
• Unlock more savings on your flights with any airline to any destination in any class of travel
• Transfer your Citi Miles to loyalty programs with participating airline and hotel partners for better deals
• Redeem your ThankYou® Points for a cash rebate and use it for purposes above and beyond Citi’s official partners. Fly for free with any airline or enjoy free hotel stays, ferry trips and more around the world.

Before you travel, take a moment to compare cards and explore the offers available—you might unlock significant savings even before your journey begins.

What to Look for in Credit Cards with Travel Benefits

Not all cards are created equal. When evaluating credit cards with travel benefits, consider features that go beyond basic spending rewards. Look for:

• Complimentary lounge access
• Travel insurance inclusions
• Higher point accruals on foreign currency spending
• Partnerships with hotel or airline loyalty programs

Choosing a card aligned with your travel habits—whether you fly often or book boutique stays—can help you maximise every trip.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a long international vacation, carrying the right credit card can transform the way you travel. From earning rewards on every foreign currency spend to enjoying exclusive privileges like airport lounge access and insurance coverage, a well-chosen travel card brings both convenience and value. As always, stay mindful of usage and security, and explore travel credit card offers that truly match your needs. With the right card in hand, every journey becomes not just smoother, but smarter too.

Content exclusive to Citi by Wealth Monitor. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Citibank UAE.