Using your charge on the cruise (please read!)

[eye R.N.]

The exact same thing happened to us in Cozumel. Bank One was on it fairly quickly, but still it was a hassel.

Next time the charge card stays on the ship and cash and travelers checks go to the islands.

 

[tezb]

This also happens w/ a Debit/Check Visa Card. I had enough money in my checking account to cover the charges but toward the end of the cruise they denied the last day. Luckily we had another credit card w/ us. I had to call my bank from the Airport and they said they only allow so much esp from out of the area. They said if I had let them know I was travelling, they would have put it through.. Also, once I was charging a Vegas trip from my home and a few minutes after I hung up the phone, my c.card company called me to ask if I had just made charges for a Vegas vacation. Guess they thought someone was in Vegas living it up! They're watching out for themselves so they don't have to lose so much in case the card is stolen. If your card is stolen and you report it and agree to press charges, you don't have to pay the bill...at least that's what happened w/ me once when my card was stolen. I was not responsible for the charges in question as long as I would agree to prosecute if caught.

 

[plutojudy]

We have not had this problem on our Disney cruises, but last November we were in Las Vegas, we rented a car using our credit card, we checked into our hotel using our credit card and before (it was that fast) we reached our room (actually it was someone else's room and we walked in on them in bed, but that is a another story), my son called on my cell phone to tell me that the credit card company called (our home) and said they were putting a hold on the card because of out-of-town excessive use (or some words to that effect). I called the credit card company (gave them secure info) and let them know we were traveling and the hold was removed. Don't know what would have happened if my son was not home to hear message. So I learned a lesson and will call CC before we leave home every time we travel.

 

[GrayFal]

Why chance a problem - we call and alert them of our travel plans and ESPECIALLY when we will be home....that way the charges from Mexico made after you return will raise a red flag. DS was just in Europe - and after he returned charges were still being made to his debit card........it is for your protection to call ahead.

 

[flexsmom]

A few years ago my CC company called me to let me know they were putting a hold on my card because it was being used for foreign charges. I asked where, and they told me Japan. I pointed out to them that they should check my address - I had been living in Japan for two years! We both had a good laugh about it on the phone! (And yes, they had called an international number to contact me!)

 

[crisi]

Also have charged all over the world without a problem and without calling.

They did call when we bought $10,000 worth of furniture over two days at three different stores.

One note, use a credit card and not a debit card when traveling. Laws regarding fraud on credit cards are better.

I believe what happens is you charge is denied. You look at the clerk and say "that's strange" and hand them another card, if you have one. If you don't, you borrow their phone, call the credit card company, and remove the hold. At least, that is what I have done when I've run into problems using my debit card. Borrowing their phone to call a US 800 number may be a little difficult when you are on the ship or in Sri Lanka.

 

[PenskeSth1]

We called our CC company before we went on our Nov. cruise. The lady asked My DH where all we may be using the card and she noted these places. She told my DH this was a good thing that he called and notified them. I am just glad they look out for us. I think it is a good idea to call ahead, what does it really hurt
It is better to be safe than sorry, especially with all the theives out in this world anymore.

 

[tezb]

As much as it seems the c.card companies are looking out for "you", they are really looking out for themselves. They are the ones out the money if the card is stolen and used all over the place. Once you realize the card is stolen or lost and not your charges, they will not hold you accountable if you are willing to press charges. Or at least that's how my c.card company explained it to me. They have to "eat it." They are looking out for their best interest so they don't lose out so much money!

 

[Sandyrella]

I guess that explains why when I tried to make a cc purchase in Nassau, they told me that my credit card was being rejected! I didn't know about this but knew that I had plenty of credit left so I was not too polite with the poor girl. I think I'll have to book another trip to Nassau to apologize...and soon, very soon!

 

[lbgraves]

Well, all of our charges from the cruise went thru but after we got home we started having problems. Small charges were being denied & then DH was buying a big item & had to use another card. That was a hassle!

 

[DisneyTish]

Crisi,

One correction about using a credit card because it is safer than a debit card. IF your debit card is a Visa or MC debit it has the SAME protections as a VISA or MC credit card. We do not do credit but do use a VISA debit card all the time. Even have had one stolen and were not held responsible for the charges. The company even called to verify the charges BEFORE we noticed them.