I’m a Travel Expert: 5 Reasons To Use Your Credit Card While Traveling Abroad and 4 Reasons Not To

International travel can be a dream come true: New countries. New experiences. A whole new world of possibilities.

But international travel also comes with a few challenges, such as learning a new language or spending money in a foreign currency.

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These days, having a credit card makes international travel a bit less stressful. You can simply swipe your card and be on your way. But there are also some downsides to using a credit card while traveling abroad — and it could cost you a lot of money if you’re not careful.

GOBankingRates interviewed two travel experts to get their take on when you should use a credit card when traveling abroad — and when you should avoid using a credit card.

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5 Reasons You Absolutely Should Use a Credit Card When Traveling Abroad

It’s usually a good idea to have a credit card on you when traveling, especially in a new country. Here are a few reasons why.

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Worldwide Acceptance

Credit cards are universal at this point. You can go almost anywhere and use one.

“Most credit cards are widely accepted, hence one can use them to buy things in almost every country,” said Kenan Acikelli, CEO and founder at Workhy, an international business launch platform. “This helps travelers avoid carrying huge amounts of cash or frequently exchanging currency.”

In addition, you don’t have to worry about converting your cash into foreign paper currency in most cases, making it a simpler travel experience.

Currency Conversion

When traveling abroad, using a credit card will automatically convert into local currency. This allows you to use your card basically anywhere and make purchases without physically converting your currency.

Plus, you might even save money.

“Most credit card companies enjoy competitive exchange rates, often better than what a traveler would get from the currency booths or even banks,” said Acikelli. “In this regard, money could be saved on foreign purchases.”

Fraud Protection

Credit card fraud can feel scary, but most cards offer fraud protection to help you avoid losing money.

“Most credit cards come with robust fraud protection policies whereby any unauthorized transactions on the card will be detected and reversed immediately; hence, such a person does not need to worry about falling prey to fraudsters while traveling,” said Acikelli.

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You may need to have a new card shipped to you if you’re a victim of fraud, but you won’t be responsible for the false charges.

Medical Emergencies

If you have a medical emergency when traveling abroad, it can be a good idea to have a credit card handy.

“There are a few good reasons to use a credit card for unexpected medical costs while traveling abroad,” said Hans Mast, a travel agent for Golden Rule Travel. “First, medical emergencies cost a lot, especially when you’re not insured and you’re abroad. Credit cards can help you pay for unexpected costs without using all of your cash on hand. A lot of credit cards come with travel insurance that might cover medical emergencies.”

In addition to using a card, it’s a good idea to have a separate travel insurance policy in place.

Hotel Incidentals

If you’re staying in a hotel when traveling internationally, credit cards are a must.

“Hotels usually need a credit card when you check in, so they can cover any small costs,” said Mast. “Some examples are room service, buying things from the minibar, spa treatments and damage to the room. Some hotels may hold onto your card for small charges. If you have a credit card, this is easier to handle than a debit card, which could tie up your money.”

You might even need a card to book a hotel in the first palace, so make sure you have one handy when you check in.

4 Reasons You Should Not Use a Credit Card When Traveling Abroad

While using a credit card for international travel can be a good idea, it’s not always the best method of payment. Here’s a few times when you’d want to avoid using a credit card when traveling abroad.

Merchant Fees

Some retailers will pass on credit card merchant fees to the customer, and this can be costly.

“This happens a lot in some countries, especially when small businesses try to cut down on credit card fees,” said Mast. “Surcharges can [increase] your bill by 1% to 4%, which quickly cancels out any rewards or benefits from your card. In this case, cash is usually cheaper.”

It’s always a good idea to ask about fees before any major purchases abroad.

Foreign Transaction Fees

If you use a credit card in another country, you could get slapped with a foreign transaction fee.

“Most credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 2% to 3% of each purchase,” said Acikelli. “These add up quickly and will increase the cost of using a credit card for every little purchase.”

And another type of fee that’s tougher to spot is a currency conversion fee.

“Another situation to avoid using your credit card is when a payment terminal offers to charge you in your home currency instead of the local currency,” said Mast. “This practice, known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), might seem convenient, but it often comes with hidden costs. Most of the time, DCC exchange rates are worse than credit card rates, and there may be fees.”

If you want to avoid these fees, make sure to only use a credit card that doesn’t come with any foreign transaction fees.

Fraud Risk

Credit cards usually offer some fraud protection, but that doesn’t make it less frustrating when fraud does happen while you’re traveling.

“Although most credit cards have fraud protection, they still can be skimmed or otherwise stolen,” said Acikelli. “In several countries, there is a good fraud incidence rate; sometimes, this may pose temporary inconveniences to travelers while the issues are ironed out.”

Having a stash of cash available in the local currency can help you get through times you can’t use your card.

Cash Only Locations

There are simply some retailers that don’t accept cards. In these cases, you’ll want to have cash set aside for purchases.

“Not everywhere will take credit cards, especially in rural areas,” said Acikelli. “In such locations, cash is king. Travelers might find themselves in a tight spot if they only rely on a credit card.”

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Travel Expert: 5 Reasons To Use Your Credit Card While Traveling Abroad and 4 Reasons Not To