Card is the best payment option when travelling
When abroad, paying with a card is more inexpensive and safer than paying with cash.Why is paying with a card the best option when abroad?
OP’s Visa cards and Mastercards work reliably everywhere in the world. Card misuse is compensated in most cases, but stolen cash is difficult to recover. That's why the safest way to pay for purchases abroad is to use OP’s payment cards instead of cash.
Paying with a card in the euro area is like paying in Finland. If you're outside the euro area and making a card payment on a card reader, we advise you to choose local currency.
It's a good idea to take two payment cards with you when you travel. Having two cards provides a backup option if your primary card is damaged or gets lost.
How do I pay safely with a card when travelling?
- Keep your card and wallet safe so that your card is not stolen. Be aware that pickpockets often operate in crowded places.
- Set your card's security limits to match your normal spending needs. On OP-mobile, you can easily change your security limits whenever or wherever. The limits can also be changed via the op.fi service.
- When you pay on a card reader, cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. Remember to cover your PIN also at an ATM.
- Don't keep your PIN near your card. You can check your card’s PIN on OP-mobile or the op.fi service if necessary.
- Never let your card out of your sight at the time of payment.
What is the cost of card payments – for euros and for local currency?
- When you pay with your card in the euro area, it's like paying in Finland.
- Outside the euro area, you can usually choose between local currency or euros when you pay on a card reader.
- If you choose local currency, the exchange rate used is always Visa or Mastercard’s wholesale exchange rate plus OP’s currency conversion fee. The merchant does not charge a separate fee for the currency exchange.
- If you choose euros on the card reader, the merchant may charge a significantly higher fee for the currency exchange, compared to choosing the local currency.
How can I track my card transactions?
With OP-mobile, you can conveniently track your finances also when abroad. Purchases made with local currency are shown almost in real-time in euros under your card transactions on OP-mobile.
Should I bring cash with me?
When travelling, you may discover that paying with a card is not possible everywhere. Cash may come in handy at market stalls or in remote areas without network connection required for a payment reader.
- You can withdraw money from an ATM abroad with any OP card.
- If euros are not used in your destination country, often the cheapest way of getting cash is to withdraw money from an ATM only after you arrive in the country.
- When you make an ATM withdrawal, it's advisable to choose the destination country’s currency. In that case, you’ll be using OP’s currency exchange service. At ATMs, the exchange rate is often lower compared to the rate used by foreign exchange outlets.