Using credit cards for overseas purchases usually does not require special business activation, it mainly depends on the type of card you have.

First of all, if you hold a credit card with the VISA or MasterCard logo, such as MasterCard or Visa, these cards are widely accepted around the world and you can directly swipe your card for consumption at supported merchants. Usually No password verification required.

Secondly, when using a credit card with the UnionPay logo in China, password verification is necessary, but when spending abroad, as long as the card machine supports UnionPay, it can be used directly without a password. UnionPay transactions feature payments and repayments in RMB, which is particularly convenient in Asia and Southeast Asia. The UnionPay network covers 134 countries and regions around the world. Try to use it where there is a UnionPay logo to avoid additional handling fees.

VISA and MasterCard will convert the payment into your bill currency based on the exchange rate after paying in local currency. If you pay in Taiwan dollars in Taiwan, the bill will be settled in US dollars. VISA is more common in the Americas, and MasterCard is more common in Europe. If you often go to a specific area, it would be more appropriate to choose a credit card with the corresponding settlement system. Some credit cards now support dual settlement with UnionPay and VISA or MasterCard.

In summary, credit card spending abroad mainly depends on the international acceptance of the card and the currency processing method of the payment system. UnionPay cards are more convenient in China and some overseas regions, while VISA and MasterCard transactions are based on local currencies and are subsequently converted into exchange rates. Which method you choose depends on your travel plans and the card’s features.