Ole, Ole, Oh No! 10 Credit Card Traps to Avoid at the 2010 World Cup and Other Major Sports Events

Written by Joe Taylor Jr.
Posted On: June 4, 2010

FIFA officials expect to sell nearly three million tickets to World Cup 2010 matches. And if you're one of the roughly 10% of spectators visiting South Africa from elsewhere in the world, you're probably counting on using your credit card during your trip. Follow these ten tips to stay safe and save money from now until the final whistle.

#10: Document your debit and credit card numbers, PINs, and identification details.
Keep this information somewhere safe and secure, but in a place where a close friend or family member might find it. You may need to send them looking for it if you encounter your worst case scenario, and you won't want to keep this information with you during your trip.

#9: Travel with at least two credit cards, but keep them separate.
While traveling, keep one credit card in your wallet and the other someplace safe, like a hidden pouch of your carry-on. Once you've checked in to your hotel, keep one card locked in the safe. This way, you won't be stuck waiting for a replacement credit card if your wallet gets lost or stolen.

#8: Warn your bank that you'll be out of the country and/or buying lots of soccer gear.
Credit card issuers analyze long term spending trends for signs of fraud. Meanwhile, special events like the World Cup can attract identity thieves using stolen credit cards. Notifying your credit card company in advance can prevent the frustration of a declined transactions.

#7: Link your bank account with your credit card's website.
This strategy works especially well for Capital One accounts, which feature no foreign transaction fees but sometimes don't extend the same credit lines as other card issuers.

#6: Map out preferred merchants and ATMs.
Every bank and payment processor has its own policies about ATM usage and transaction fees, as well as foreign currency conversion charges. Confirming a safe and secure place to get cash near your hotel or venue can save you some money while reducing your stress.

#5: Confirm your credit card issuers' emergency replacement programs.
Visit your bank's website or contact customer service to learn what you'll need to do if your credit card goes missing. Write down the collect or local toll free service numbers for each issuer.

#4: Leave your everyday bill payment debit card at home.
A stolen debit card could end up overdrafting your account or causing automatic bill payments to stop. Use a credit card or a prepaid debit card instead.

#3: Collect receipts or keep a credit card spending diary.
Make it easier to check for incorrect or unauthorized transactions once you return home. Take advantages of credit card issuers' e-mailed spending alerts, if you prefer your inbox to do the work for you.

#2: Discover special credit card travel discounts and offers.
South African museums, restaurants, and tourist associations have teamed up with global credit card issuers to lure visiting soccer fans between games. If your credit card offers travel and concierge services, they may already have some special opportunities lined up for you.

#1: Don't enter the venue without your Visa Card!
Visa's partnerships make it easy for travelers to enjoy the world's biggest sporting events, as long as they carry Visa debit or credit cards. Just like the recent Vancouver Winter Olympics, the World Cup venues will only accept Visa. If you're reading this on the way to the match, there's still hope. Local retailers offer Visa prepaid credit cards and gift cards that will work on venue merchants' registers.

Credit cards and prepaid debit cards make it easier than ever to focus on enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience while you support your favorite World Cup team.