Paying abroad
Cash, debit cards, traveller's cheques or credit cards are all possible payment methods that can either simplify or complicate your stay abroad.
Which payment methods best suit your situation?
Cash |
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Use |
For small, pressing expenses (cab fare, arrival taxes, first meals, etc.) |
How to get it |
Go to a caisse.
If it's an uncommon currency, you might have to order it a few days in advance. Calculate the conversion of your currency! |
Recommendations |
You should carry the equivalent of C$50 in local currency.
If you have to exchange currency abroad, first find out what the current rate of exchange is. Some places may give you a lot less for your money. |
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Desjardins Access card (ATM card) |
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Use |
For withdrawals from Plus Network ATMs.
This network is present in one hundred countries worldwide. Cost: $2.50 per transaction Maximum daily withdrawal amount: $500 The amount withdrawn is set back to zero every day at midnight, Canada time. |
How to get it |
Go to a caisse. Or call one of the following numbers: Montreal area: 514-522-2373 Elsewhere in Canada and the U.S.: 1-800-CAISSES (1-800-224-7737) |
Recommendations |
Get an additional card and avoid keeping both cards in the same place.
Take into account the time difference to find out at what time you'll be able to make another withdrawal. |
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Traveller's cheques |
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Use |
For major purchases or payments.
1% fee for insurance in case of loss or theft. Cashed free of charge in American Express bureaus and partner banks abroad. |
How to get them |
Go to a caisse. |
Recommendations |
Keep the contract, cheques and phone numbers of the Travel Assistance Service in a safe place to make things easier in case of loss or theft.
Make photocopies of the cheques and contract and leave them with a family member or friend. |
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VISA Desjardins FOR STUDENTS ONLY credit card
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Use |
Required to reserve a hotel room or plane ticket or make purchases.
No annual fees. Accepted throughout the world. Travel Insurance for your first three days abroad. Liability insurance. Possibility to link a personal identification number (PIN) to withdraw money at an ATM. Unlike purchases, cash advances offer no grace period, which means the interest is applied on the day you make the transaction. |
How to get it |
Go to a caisse. Or apply online Your application will be processed within 48 hours. If the card is issued, it will be mailed within the following 10 business days. |
Recommendations |
To avoid interest fees, you can deposit money in your VISA Desjardins account and withdraw it at an ATM when needed. Your card balance must be at zero and the amount deposited will be used first to pay your
purchases.
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Verify or make transactions in AccèsD
Thanks to AccèsD services, no matter where you are in the world, you can verify the transactions made to your account or debit card, pay your card balance or make any other transaction.
You can also contact us by e-mail
