Cards 'safe to use when on holiday'

09 June 2009

Holidaymakers could find that plastic cards are among the safest ways to pay when they are overseas, it has been claimed.

Addy Frederick, PR assistant at UK payments association APACS, said that the organisation recommends people use cards when abroad,

She explained that if the holidaymaker is the victim of theft, it is unlikely that the criminal will be able to use plastic cards, whereas cash can be easily spent.

Ms Frederick also pointed out that the Consumer Credit Act gives extra protection to customers who buy goods on their cards.

Providing further tips, she commented: "We do advise them to make sure when they go abroad they have their card issuer's address and their card issuer's emergency phone number."

The representative also recommended that people take various methods of payment with them on holiday, such as cash, plastic cards, travellers' cheques and pre-paid cards, in order to cover all eventualities.

Research by APACS revealed that last year saw UK cards used more than ten times every second in transactions taking place overseas.