Traveling abroad can be expensive, especially with the extra cost added by foreign exchange charges. But guess what? Using credit cards while traveling can actually save you money and give peace of mind! The author shares personal experiences, starting with a pocket-picking incident in Paris in 2009 that led to switching to credit cards as the main payment method on overseas trips. Initially, credit card use abroad came with about 3.5% fees plus tax. Yet, over time, it became the favorite way to pay. Why? First, credit card statements clearly show where every penny goes, so no more mental math on foreign spending. Second, cards apply the current exchange rate at spending time, unlike cash conversion that locks in older rates. Most importantly, credit cards offer safety: if a product fails or a merchant refuses refund, you can dispute the charge and get your money back! Of course, credit card fraud risk exists, like card skimming. But technology fights back with chip validation and two-factor authentication for online payments mandated by the Reserve Bank of India. Banks also keep fraud on a tight leash by calling or texting to confirm suspicious transactions. The good news? Forex charges on credit cards are dropping. Premium cards like HDFC Bank Infinia charge just 2% plus GST, Axis Bank Olympus 1.8% plus GST, and some cards even waive forex fees entirely—such as RBL Bank World Safari, Scapia, and IDFC Bank Mayura. Beware of the sneaky Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) option offered when paying abroad. This lets you pay in Indian Rupees but at much worse rates—up to 8% higher than normal! Plus, DCC can add an extra 1% fee and blocks you from earning rewards. The advice? Always pay in the local currency, not in rupees! Sometimes cash is king, like in countries where cards aren’t widely accepted. Carrying lots of cash is risky and dull because it earns no interest. A better idea is to have a bank account that offers free ATM withdrawals abroad. For example, IndusInd Bank accounts allow cash out at overseas ATMs without extra fees. Also, don't exchange money at airport counters—they charge sky-high rates. Use trusted agents like BookMyForex.com for better deals. Forex cards can still be handy for long trips or when your employer provides one. To be safe, get a forex card with your name on it and from the bank where you have an account. This makes exchanging leftover foreign cash back into rupees easy and hassle-free. In the end, the author’s golden rule is clear: "Use credit cards smartly, skip DCC, avoid airport forex counters, and keep cash handy only when you must." Traveling smart means keeping more money in your pocket and less stress in your mind!