Travelling abroad with a naira card can quickly turn stressful when you start seeing unexpected charges on your statements. Currency conversions, hidden fees, and high foreign transaction rates can make even small purchases far more expensive than they should be. For many Nigerians, a simple holiday or business trip can become a costly experience if they’re not careful.
The key is knowing how to plan ahead and use the right payment methods to avoid unnecessary overcharges. This article will guide you on how to avoid getting overcharged and the best cards to use abroad so you can spend abroad confidently without draining your wallet.
Also read: Best US dollar to naira exchange rates online
Using a naira card abroad might seem simple, but it comes with challenges that can make your travel expensive and stressful. Knowing what to watch out for helps you plan smarter, avoid hidden costs, and make the most of your money while overseas.
When you use your naira card abroad, your bank often adds foreign transaction fees on top of the purchase. Even small payments for meals or transport can add up quickly. These hidden costs make everyday spending abroad more expensive than expected, meaning you could easily overspend without realising it.
Naira cards convert your money at rates that are usually worse than the current market rate. This means that every dollar or euro you spend buys less than it should. Over multiple transactions, the difference adds up, significantly reducing your spending power while travelling and impacting your budget for essentials or leisure.
Using a naira card internationally can be risky because some merchants don’t accept it, or your bank may block the transaction as suspicious. This can leave you stranded at checkout or without access to cash, forcing you to scramble for alternatives and disrupting your travel plans.
Unlike multi-currency or digital cards, your naira card often doesn’t show real-time spending abroad. This makes budgeting challenging, and you might be shocked by the total when your statement arrives. Without accurate tracking, it’s easy to go over your intended budget and lose control of your finances.
Also read: Best cards for paying subscriptions while travelling
Travelling abroad with a naira card can be costly, but there are practical ways to avoid overcharges. By planning and using smart payment methods, you can save money and travel with peace of mind.
Always choose to pay in the local currency rather than naira when offered the option. This prevents banks from applying unfavourable exchange rates or extra conversion fees, ensuring you get the true value of your spending without hidden costs.
Consider using a dedicated travel or multi-currency card instead of your naira card. These cards offer better exchange rates, lower fees, and are widely accepted internationally, allowing you to make purchases without worrying about overcharges or declines.
Avoid frequent ATM withdrawals abroad, as each withdrawal may attract fixed fees. Instead, plan your cash needs in advance and withdraw larger amounts when necessary to reduce repeated charges and protect your travel budget.
When paying by card, decline offers to convert the transaction into naira at the point of sale. DCC often comes with high conversion rates, making your purchases more expensive than paying in the local currency.
Multi-currency prepaid cards let you load funds in several currencies before travelling, helping you avoid poor exchange rates and high conversion fees. They’re widely accepted at international stores and ATMs, giving you better control over your spending. Cards from Revolut and Wise are popular choices, offering easy top-ups and online management.
International debit or credit cards issued by major banks let you pay and withdraw cash abroad with ease. They reduce the risk of declined transactions and often include security features such as OTPs or fraud alerts. Popular options include Access Bank Visa Debit, GTBank Mastercard, and Standard Chartered Visa cards.
Grey’s virtual USD card lets you shop internationally without worrying about currency conversion or hidden charges. You can fund it instantly, track your spending in real time, and pay securely at online stores worldwide. It’s perfect for freelancers, online shoppers, and travellers who want full control over their money, enjoy better exchange rates, and avoid unexpected bank fees.
Travelling abroad doesn’t have to mean overspending or worrying about hidden fees. By planning your payments carefully and choosing the right cards, you can keep control of your money. With the Grey virtual USD card, you can shop internationally securely, enjoy better rates, making every purchase smarter and stress-free. You can also monitor the exchange rates in real time to convert at the most favourable rate.
Sign up or download the app today to avoid extra charges.
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