If You’re Travelling Abroad, Take These 2 Credit Cards

Updated: 22 May 2025

Heading abroad? Make sure your wallet holds cards that cut fees, work everywhere, and reward your travels.

SingSaver Team

Written bySingSaver Team

Team

Travelling overseas can be exciting, but it can also come with a few money-related hiccups if you’re not prepared and didn’t bring enough cash. Many Singaporeans have faced frustrating moments abroad, like their credit card getting declined unexpectedly, or paying more than they expected due to hidden foreign transaction fees.

That’s why relying on just one card isn’t always the smartest move. Having two credit cards not only gives you peace of mind but can also save you money and help you earn rewards on the go. In this guide, we’ll break down why a two-card strategy works and which ones you might want to bring on your next trip.

2 is the magic number

When you're travelling overseas, things don’t always go to plan, and your credit card isn’t exempt. Maybe your card gets frozen for a “suspicious” charge in Osaka, or a small cafe in Paris doesn’t accept American Express. In some places like Japan, you might even find that certain cards just don’t work with local ATMs.

Having a second card on hand solves a lot of these issues. Say you’re in Johor Bahru for a day trip and your Mastercard isn’t accepted at the petrol station—having a backup Visa card saves the day. Or maybe your main card gets lost or swallowed by an ATM in Rome; your backup ensures you’re not stuck without funds. Think of it like travel insurance for your payments — you may not always need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there when you do.

Can I bring more than two cards? You can definitely bring more than two cards, but the more you carry, the more you risk losing. Limiting yourself to two or three cards means fewer calls to your bank if something goes missing.

Keeping your cards safe: Store backup cards in your hotel safe or with a trusted travel buddy. Use a front pocket for your wallet, and if you carry a bag, go for a zippered crossbody you can keep in sight. Avoid hanging it off the back of your chair at cafes or food spots, especially in crowded tourist areas.

» MORE: How to save money for a vacation

What to look for in a travel credit card pairing

No foreign transaction fees

Every time you tap or swipe a Singapore-issued card overseas, you might be paying an extra 2.5% to 3% in foreign transaction fees. It doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up — especially if you’re eating out, shopping, or booking transport multiple times a day.

The good news? Some cards either waive these fees entirely or minimise them. Multi-currency cards like YouTrip, Revolut, and Instarem Amaze (when paired with a cashback or miles credit card) help you avoid these extra charges. There are also premium travel cards in Singapore that offer fee waivers or rebates.

Acceptance worldwide

It’s a little-known fact that not all cards are accepted equally around the world. While Visa and Mastercard are usually safe bets, American Express and other smaller networks can be hit-or-miss, depending on where you are.

Your safest move? Bring two Visa or Mastercard credit cards—ideally ones that are well recognised and widely used in your destination. Before your trip, it also helps to do a quick check on merchant acceptance in that country, especially if you’re heading to a less touristy area.

Different payment networks

Just like not all cards are accepted everywhere, not all card networks work the same. It’s smart to carry two cards from different networks—say, one Visa and one Mastercard. This gives you greater coverage in case one network is down or isn’t accepted by a local merchant.

Cards that earn rewards on your spendings

Just because you’re abroad doesn’t mean you should stop earning rewards. In fact, your overseas spending can be one of the best ways to rack up miles or cashback, as long as you’re using the right credit card. Many Singapore-issued travel cards offer bonus rewards for foreign currency spend, often at a higher rate than for local transactions.

Take the Citi PremierMiles Mastercard, for instance. It gives you 2 miles per S$1 spent overseas, while the UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card offers up to 2.4 miles per S$1. These rates can really stack up if you're booking hotels, shopping, or dining abroad. By using these cards strategically, you’re not just spending—you’re building your next trip’s miles stash.

Citi PremierMiles Mastercard

SingSaver Reward up to S$879- with others only S$589

SingSaver's take

Card Details

UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

SingSaver Reward up to S$600

SingSaver's take

Card Details

To make your travel wallet even more efficient, pair one of these travel rewards cards with a card that waives foreign transaction fees, like YouTrip, Revolut, or Instarem Amaze (which you can link to a rewards credit card for added perks). These cards help you dodge the usual 2.5% to 3% fee charged on overseas transactions, which can easily add up across meals, transport, and shopping sprees.

Here’s how a smart setup might look: use your miles-earning card for large purchases like hotel bookings, attraction passes, or airline tickets—anything you can plan in advance. For day-to-day overseas spending like café visits, public transport, or local shopping, use your fee-free card to stretch your budget without paying unnecessary charges.

» MORE: Best travel credit cards

Cash can still be king

Even in this age of contactless payments, cash is still necessary in many places. Think street food stalls in Bangkok, local taxis in Bali, or small night markets in Vietnam. Most of these places either don’t take cards or charge a premium if they do.

For Singaporeans, withdrawing foreign currency abroad is easy, but you’ll want to do it smartly. Avoid airport money changers, cash advances, and dodgy exchange booths. Instead, use multi-currency accounts from providers like Revolut, Wise, or the DBS Multiplier Account (MCA). These platforms often offer better rates and lower ATM withdrawal fees.

The key takeaway? Bring some local currency with you, especially for your first day or two. And keep your cash in a few different spots, just in case your wallet goes missing. A combination of cards and cash gives you the flexibility to handle almost any situation.

» MORE: 8 best travel tips to remember when travelling abroad

Compare the best travel credit cards in Singapore

Compare the best travel credit cards in Singapore

Looking for your perfect travel companion? Explore top credit cards that offer miles, perks, and savings for every trip.

About the author

SingSaver Team

SingSaver Team

At SingSaver, we make personal finance accessible with easy to understand personal finance reads, tools and money hacks that simplify all of life’s financial decisions for you.