Despite a challenging economic environment, Canadians have retained strong interest in international travel, according to the recently published Tourist Outlook: Canada report from Visa Inc.

The report indicated that more than half (52 per cent) of the Canadians surveyed responded that the social and economic climate of the past 12 months has not affected their willingness to travel; in fact, 68 per cent of Canadian respondents are planning multiple international trips over the next 24 months. The report also revealed that 62 per cent of Canadians prefer to use a credit card while travelling abroad. Visa cardholders can feel comfortable using their Visa card when travelling, when making travel arrangements or purchasing goods in the 130 countries where Visa is accepted.

“Visa cardholders can feel confident when making travel arrangements with their Visa card as they are protected by our layers of security, which include the Visa E-Promise and the Visa Zero Liability policy,” said Mike Bradley, Head of Products, Visa Canada.

The Visa E-Promise provides Visa cardholders with additional protection when they use their Visa card to shop online, by mail, or by phone if they have tried, and have been unsuccessful, in resolving a dispute directly with the merchant . The Visa E-Promise builds on Visa initiatives such as the Verified by Visa™ program and Zero Cardholder Liability that help make the online environment more welcoming to consumers. The Visa E-promise applies to both Visa credit and debit cards.

In the case of travel interruption due to unpredictable situations such as travel company insolvencies, Visa cardholders are advised to contact their Visa-issuing financial institution, as they are likely entitled to a full refund if the services they purchased are not rendered.

“Visa’s International Operating Regulations help protect cardholders when a merchant ceases operations,” said Bradley. “There is a process in place to help ensure that Visa cardholders can apply for reimbursement for travel packages that are interrupted or cancelled due to merchant insolvencies”.

There’s a tremendous amount of planning that goes into any holiday but before leaving Canada, Visa recommends a few simple steps to help give cardholders added peace of mind while travelling:

Alert your financial institution

Before leaving the country, contact your Visa-issuing financial institution to let them know that you plan to use your Visa card internationally. Out of the ordinary shopping patterns, particularly outside of Canada, may trigger a fraud alert. Should your Visa-issuing financial institution need to reach you while you’re away, it may be advisable to have a mobile telephone number added to your client profile.

Know your Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Many countries around the world have migrated to chip and PIN technology at points-of-sale. If you have a Visa chip card, make sure you know your PIN before you leave for your trip.

Review insurances available on your card

Different cards come with different levels of insurance coverage for travellers, such as lost baggage insurance or car rental insurance. Review your cardholder agreement to determine what is covered.

Take advantage of travel perks

Certain Visa cards, such as the Visa Infinite card, offer special experiences both at home and internationally. Visa Infinite’s concierge service can help you access great restaurants, shows and attractions all over the world – check your financial institution’s Visa Infinite website for more information.

Record your own information

It’s a good idea to keep a secondary record of your key ID documents and payment card numbers with you when you travel. That way, in the event of a lost or stolen wallet, you will have the numbers of your cards, passport and other ID, making reporting the missing documents quicker and easier.

Know who to call

Make sure you have contact numbers for your Visa-issuing financial institution should you require travel assistance – or call 1-800-VISA-911.

About Visa, Inc.
Visa Inc. operates the world's largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and payment product platforms. This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS brands. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world, and Visa/PLUS is one of the world's largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

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¹ The Visa E-Promise assures Visa cardholders that if they have tried to (and have been unsuccessful) resolve a dispute with an online, phone order or mail order merchant, they can contact their Visa card issuer directly to initiate whatever action may be available to the issuer to resolve the credit card charge in question This applies where the cardholder has lawfully cancelled his agreement in accordance with the merchant's cancellation policy with an online, phone or mail-order merchant; or the item received is different from what was ordered and documentation exists to support the claim. Any refund may be subject to conditions, such as cardholder's return of goods.
™ Registered Trademark of Visa Inc.

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