by PointsGuru | Apr 11, 2016 | Bank of America, Capital One, International Travel
When traveling internationally you really have to plan months ahead not just in booking your rewards points but be able to strategize what cards you will take with you. You need to know way ahead of time so you can make sure you apply for those cards and have them in your wallet in time for overseas travel. A good credit card and ATM/Debit Card are two of the most important things to carry with you right after your passport.
If you have traveled to foreign countries you should now that ATM cards that carry foreign transaction fees can really add up and sometimes be shockingly high. While I normally prefer to use my credit cards to earn points with a no international transaction fee credit card there are some situations you must use cash abroad. The best way to get cash is to use the ATM and not any kind of currency exchange that you see lined up near the baggage claim and along the streets of many tourist destinations.
Capital One 360 Checking Debit Card
You may remember this account which changed over from what used to be the ING Direct Electric Orange. Capital One 360 debit card no longer charges any Foreign Transaction Fees since the change. Comparable cards charge at least 3% charge to this 0%. Keep in mind that the ATM you use may issue a surcharge which is generally a flat fee. This tops our list for No Foreign Transaction Fee debit cards. (more…)
by PointsGuru | Mar 9, 2016 | International Travel
The United Arab Emirates turned nasty Wednesday as a massive storm whipped through the desert nation, causing damage throughout the capital, Abu Dhabi. The downpour quickly overmatched the drainage systems according to CNN leaving motorists stranded in standing water on city streets.
The storm, which contained strong winds, frequent lightning and even some hail, caused all flights to be suspended Wednesday at Abu Dhabi International Airport and disruptions at Dubai airport. Wind gusts reached hurricane strength — 75 mph (120 kilometers per hour) — at nearby Al Bateen Executive Airport. Emirates flights to Chicago and Seattle were some of the flights canceled today.
While the UAE airports look amazing on the outside and inside deep down they are still third world with no regulated roofing for protection for travelers. The Middle East does not seem too prepared to handle rain as these storms have caused part of the roof to collapse at Abu Dhabi Airport today:
Several events were cancelled or suspended for the day, including Abu Dhabi Expo and Dubai Canvas festival activities.
by PointsGuru | Aug 17, 2015 | International Travel
Their has been a debate whether airlines should charge more for passengers that may take up more than one seat. It’s a controversial debate of course so the airlines most likely will not touch it. Although, If you plan on flying Uzbekistan Airways it may include a trip to the scale. The airline started a pre-flight weighing of passengers to determine the average weight of passengers and their carry-on luggage.
They claim that the procedure is strictly for research purposes and will aid the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in ensuring flight safety. Passengers will be asked to proceed through a weighing machine in the departure gate zone. (more…)
by PointsGuru | Jun 17, 2015 | International Travel
Virgin Atlantic miles may not be the most valuable miles you can get with opening a checking account but since they no longer are offering the $300 bonus we thought we would post. One great thing you can do is top off or send miles over to your Hilton HHonors account with Virgin Atlantic and that is why we mainly use it.
You’re not eligible for this bonus if you were a signer or owner of a Bank of America checking account within past twelve months to make sure that it’s a new customer. A Direct deposit is required of two qualifying direct deposits of $2,000. This includes a paycheck, pension, Social Security check or other eligible income electronically deposited by an employer or an outside agency into your new checking account. (more…)
by PointsGuru | Mar 3, 2015 | International Travel
BedandBreakfast.com offers a more personal experience when you travel with a wide selection of B&B’s across the world. They are now offering a few free gift card promotions and discount B&B reservation offers for savings when you travel and stay at Bed and Breakfast Inns.
Get a free $20 gift card with every $100 in gift cards purchased using promo code GOGREEN. This expires March 17, 2015. You can also save $50 with promo code SPRING by clicking here. Expires March 17, 2015.
(more…)
by PointsGuru | Feb 11, 2015 | International Travel
Etihad Guest is doing tons of promotions and these two will take a few minutes of your day just to sign up for a chance at 1,150 miles plus a luggage tag, lightning cable, or iPhone screen protector. You’ll receive 1,000 bonus miles, when you complete your first earn transaction before 31 March 2015. That could be for flying with Etihad Airways or one of their partner airlines, paying with an Etihad Guest credit card, or spending with our non-air partners. For example hotels, car rental companies and retail partners.
(more…)
