Credit cards are indeed a commonly accepted payment method abroad, but not all credit cards can be used everywhere. First, it’s all about the type of credit card.
If your credit card is marked with the VISA or MASTER logo, congratulations. Such cards are usually accepted internationally. No special service is required. You can directly swipe the card at the POS machine of overseas merchants to make purchases. And in most cases, no password verification is required.
However, credit cards with the UnionPay logo require certain conditions before they can be used abroad. This type of card can be used at UnionPay terminals abroad, but password verification is usually only valid in China. In foreign countries, you usually only need to use the card itself to swipe the card, and the password verification step can be omitted.
A practical strategy for travelers is to choose a credit card in the local currency, such as a U.S. dollar card when traveling in the United States and a euro card when traveling in Europe. This can avoid additional currency conversion fees, as most banks usually offer fee-free deals for same-currency transactions.
In general, although the use of credit cards abroad depends on the type of card and the merchant's equipment support, proper selection and use of the right credit card can make shopping and consumption abroad more convenient. Remember to check the terms of your credit card to make sure you understand its specific rules for use abroad.