How to Use Your UnionBank Credit Card Abroad Safely

✈️ Introduction: Travel Smart, Spend Smarter

So you’ve finally booked that long-awaited trip abroad — Japan for cherry blossoms, Korea for K-dramas, or maybe Europe for a dream vacation. Exciting, di ba? But before you take off, there’s one travel essential that goes beyond your passport — your UnionBank Credit Card.

For many first-time credit card users in the Philippines, using a card abroad feels intimidating. “Will it work there?” “What about extra fees?” “What if my card gets blocked?”

Good news: with a bit of preparation, using your UnionBank Credit Card overseas is safe, convenient, and even rewarding. This guide will show you how to use your card abroad the smart way, avoid common pitfalls, and enjoy travel perks that go beyond cash.

🌍 Why Use Your Credit Card Abroad

Using your UnionBank Credit Card while traveling has several big advantages over cash:

1. Convenience and Safety

No need to carry thick bundles of foreign cash. If your card is lost or stolen, you can immediately report and block it — unlike cash that’s gone for good.

2. Better Exchange Rates

UnionBank transactions abroad use Visa or Mastercard exchange rates, which are often better than airport money changers.

3. Earn Rewards and Miles

Every swipe abroad still earns you points or miles, depending on your card type — helping you get closer to free flights or rebates.

4. Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection

Many UnionBank credit cards include travel insurance and purchase protection when you use your card to pay for tickets or travel-related expenses.

💳 Step-by-Step: How to Use Your UnionBank Credit Card Abroad

Step 1: Inform UnionBank Before Traveling

Before flying out, call UnionBank or update your travel notice through your online banking or app.
This ensures your card isn’t blocked for “suspicious international activity.”

🔐 Tip: Update your contact number and email before your trip so the bank can reach you if needed.

Step 2: Check Your Card’s Currency Conversion and Fees

When you use your card abroad, your purchases are automatically converted to Philippine Pesos.

Foreign transaction fee: Around 1–2% per transaction (Visa or Mastercard rate + bank fee).
Example: If you buy ¥10,000 worth of souvenirs in Japan (~₱3,900), you might pay around ₱3,980 including the conversion fee.

💡 Pro tip: For large purchases, you can use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate how much your total spending and repayment will be after conversion and fees.

Step 3: Choose Local Currency (Not PHP) When Paying

When a cashier abroad asks, “Charge in local currency or Philippine Peso?” — always choose local currency.

This avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which usually adds hidden fees and poor exchange rates.

Example:

Paying ₱3,900 in local currency → actual rate.
Paying ₱4,100 in PHP → includes hidden DCC fees.

Step 4: Enable International or Online Transactions

If you plan to use your card for booking apps (like hotels or tours abroad), make sure international transactions are enabled in your UnionBank app.

To activate:

Log in to the UnionBank mobile app.
Go to Cards › Card Settings › Overseas Usage.
Toggle ON international or e-commerce use.

Step 5: Use Secure ATMs for Cash Withdrawals

While using your card for purchases is better, sometimes you’ll need cash abroad.

If you must withdraw, choose ATMs:

Located inside airports, hotels, or major banks
With Visa / Mastercard logos
Avoid small, street-corner ATMs to minimize skimming risk.

Step 6: Monitor Your Transactions Regularly

Use the UnionBank Online App to track your spending in real time.
If you see an unfamiliar transaction, report it immediately through the app or hotline.

🧭 Tip: Turn on push notifications for every card transaction so you’re alerted instantly.

🧳 Real-Life Example: Carlo’s Tokyo Trip

Carlo, a first-time credit card user, went to Tokyo for a 5-day trip. He brought ₱20,000 in cash and his UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa.

He used his card to:

Pay for his hotel: ₱12,000 (¥31,000)
Shop at Uniqlo: ₱3,500 (¥9,000)
Buy JR Pass online: ₱14,000 (¥36,000)

His total spend was ₱29,500. With the 1.5 % foreign fee, his final bill was about ₱29,942.
He earned 2,950 reward points, enough to convert into future travel miles.

Because he paid everything with his UnionBank card, his free travel insurance was automatically activated — giving him coverage up to ₱5 million for accidents or emergencies abroad.

🛡️ Safety Tips When Using Your Card Abroad

🔒 1. Keep Your Card in Sight

Never let a merchant take your card away for swiping. Use terminals that process the payment in front of you.

💡 2. Use Tap-to-Pay When Possible

Contactless payments (like Visa PayWave or Mastercard Tap & Go) are more secure than inserting your card.

📱 3. Enable Card Lock Feature

If your card gets lost, use the UnionBank app’s Card Lock/Unlock option. You can temporarily freeze your card while abroad.

📞 4. Save Emergency Hotlines

Write down or save these numbers on your phone:

UnionBank International Hotline
Visa or Mastercard Global Hotline

💬 5. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Banking

Hackers often use public Wi-Fi to steal data. Always check your balance using mobile data or a secure connection.

🧾 What to Do if Your Card Is Lost or Blocked

Call UnionBank immediately through the international hotline (found on the back of your card or the UnionBank site).
Request a replacement card — UnionBank can send it to your Philippine address.
Pay outstanding balances through online banking to avoid late fees while abroad.

💼 Extra Perks: Why Using Your UnionBank Card Abroad Is Worth It

✨ 1. Earn Rewards Faster

Most UnionBank cards give 2–3 × points for foreign currency spending.

✈️ 2. Access Travel Insurance

By simply paying for your trip with your card, you can get free travel insurance coverage — a perk that saves thousands in premiums.

🎁 3. Build a Global Credit History

Using your card responsibly abroad helps strengthen your financial profile for future applications, like higher credit limits or loans.

📊 Plan Your Budget Before You Fly

Using your credit card overseas can be rewarding — but only if you plan ahead.
Before you travel, estimate your total expenses and how much you can repay comfortably.

Try the Credit Card Cost Calculator to:

Calculate your monthly repayment after foreign fees.
Compare cash vs. credit spending abroad.
Avoid overspending or carrying balances that could incur interest.

💡 Pro Tip: Treat your credit card as a travel partner — not as “extra money.”

🧾 TL;DR — Quick Summary for Busy Readers

Use your UnionBank Credit Card abroad for safer and more convenient spending.
Inform UnionBank before your trip to prevent card blocks.
Always pay in local currency, not PHP, to avoid extra conversion fees.
Enable international usage and monitor your transactions via the app.
Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to plan spending before your trip.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use my UnionBank Credit Card anywhere abroad?

Yes. You can use it anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard, depending on your card’s logo.

2. Will I be charged extra for using my card overseas?

Yes, a small foreign transaction fee (1–2 %) applies, which covers currency conversion.

3. What happens if my card is lost while abroad?

Call the UnionBank international hotline immediately. They can block your card and issue a replacement.

4. Can I withdraw cash using my UnionBank Credit Card abroad?

Yes, at any ATM with the Visa or Mastercard logo. But note that cash advances have higher interest and service fees.

5. Do I earn rewards when spending abroad?

Absolutely! Every purchase earns points or miles, depending on your card type.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Traveling abroad for the first time can be exciting and nerve-wracking — especially when it comes to money. But with your UnionBank Credit Card, you can enjoy smoother, safer, and more rewarding transactions anywhere in the world.

Plan your trip, know your limits, and stay alert. With these safety tips, you’ll travel like a pro — confident that your UnionBank card has your back wherever you go.

So before your next flight, pack light, travel smart, and don’t forget your UnionBank Credit Card — your passport to safe and rewarding global adventures. 🌏💳

How to Use Your UnionBank Credit Card Abroad Safely