#DCC issues

[trainphilos]

The Northlander

First off and totally unrelated to anything having to do with railroads is this: Northern Lights in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware! This photo was taken in front of our house. (admittedly a while ago) Why go to the far northern reaches of Norway or Canada when one can see this spectacle from the comfort of one’s home? This photograph, with its red and green hues, was taken with an iPhone. The naked…

[mongo-the-liensis]

Imagine being a crawler and your two warlords in the faction wars are a codependent duo made up of a man that is literally insane and a talking cat. I know the dungeon is ridiculous at all times but that might've been my last straw

[7nsomnia]

Tickets for Dreamcatcher's Christmas Online Concert will start selling on the 25th of November!

ticket tiers:

Details and more info here: mmt.fans/b0tC

[probablybadrpgideas]

Didn't know y'all did anything with DCC so I kinda wanna see what your opinion is on this campaign I'm in.

There's a guy we'll call him L, he and I were the only two players for the first two times we met up, and this week we finally got a third player. L has been very aggressively bullrushing every confrontation, completely ignoring everything in his path... And it got our entire party WIPED OUT (I was running 7 characters at once, him 4) session 1 and ushered in an age of chaos. Session 2 was building first levels, and he was constantly trying to dictate what I was going to build and play. The party wipe was devastating to me bc I had started to grow an attachment to one of my lawfuls, and unnecessary and L made no move to stop anything at any point. I assumed initially he was just frozen up on the spot.

Then session 3 happened (first one with the 1st levels we built) and I'm not so sure that's the case anymore. We were sent by the Chaos Gods to the realm of Law to steal the Yokeless egg and he was very much avoidant of any of the plot, including avoiding our DM in the storefront when they were supposed to be having their one on one for The Plot.

We get to the Ox defending the Yokeless Egg and he was running the ONLY lawful character, and he'd had some good meta this session for how he would react to things. This time he literally did nothing while me and the third player (both chaotic alignments) were attempting to figure shit out against the Ox to avoid combat. I went as far as to have my second character (neutral aligned) was elbowing his in the ribs and eventually even pushed L's character to the front to force him to interact with the Ox.

For nearly two whole minutes he sat in complete and utter silence as the Ox began to sniff out the chaos weapons we'd been issued, and didn't act again until combat began. It was PAINFUL bc our DM literally told us ahead of time that most monsters we'd face in the Law realm would kill us easily, so I'd tried to impart that we'd avoid conflict as much as possible.

My question for y'all is like, is this normal etiquette with players in a party? I had played 5e before this and have never experienced someone that acted like that, and if they acted similarly it was usually due to social dynamics or autistic stuff. I had given benefit of the doubt first session, but after this session I'm no longer believing he didn't act this way on purpose. Just wondering if you (or anyone else) has any takes on this situation, is this normal, how the FUCK do you play when someone in your party seems hellbent on combat and ONLY combat.

Also wondering if you have any advice for like, how to actually get this guy to stop Leroy Jenkinsing his way through each and every single dungeon. He has not stopped to examine anything even once and it was the reason our first party got wiped (we needed 500gp worth of items to toss to the Leviathan or a still-beating heart and he chose to start chopping at it instead).

I apologize for the length and density of this ask and appreciate any advice anyone has to give me. I'm at the point where if this party wipes out again I will be quitting.

(sidenote: I've been in this campaign and it's one of my favourites)

This players sounds like a dick. DCC is high-stakes and you need to be able to work as a party to survive, but it sounds like he basically got you killed due to main character syndrome and learned no lessons.

Advice-wise I'd have a talk and make sure he actually understands how TTRPGs and specifically DCC work, which will presumably either lead to "sorry, didn't realise this wasn't fun for everyone else, I'll do better", or deciding he shouldn't be in the group. I'd also have a chat with your GM before that, because there's every chance they enjoy it even if you don't (and it's very much not the recommended approach).

But yeah this is not the kind of gameplay DCC is designed for at all, and your characters are clearly suffering for it - Paper

[vintagerpg]

It’s funny, I love a masquerade party adventure, but when I saw Acting Up in Lankhmar (2018) centered on a stage play, I felt my skepticism rise. That it was written by Michael Curtis made me settle down some, but still.

The premise is simple: low rent theater troupe performs a play that skewers piggish nobleman, piggish nobleman responds in a way that confirms his piggishness and necessitates the troupe’s hiring of the PCs as guards. There is a little bit of lower classes being on to the bullshit of the upper classes theming, but this mostly feels like a slightly reserved Marx Brothers film, only with swords and black magic.

The show must go on, of course, despite several attempt by the Duke to derail it. There is also one non-Duke related issue — a pair of thieves sneaking in to make off with the ticket revenue. They make the cover (by William McAusland), but they’re the one problem I would cut — they just seem like one problem too many. One of the Duke’s schemes requires a pair of PCs to step on stage for a spell (which, I admit, is probably a hoot, and the book has the play’s script for them to work from). There’s also a little mechanic for keeping track of the audience mood, which I like (DCC has an enthusiasm for trackers like this that I appreciate). The Duke’s final, deadly salvo seems a bit too…deadly, though. I expect it can be staged so that the PCs are on top of things, but if they are taken unawares, there is an extremely high likelihood of bystander casualties, which puts a damper on the farce. I’d want to work hard to make sure that didn’t happen — the idea of nobility spending the lives of the lower classes in a fit of pique seems to be exactly the opposite of the intended ending.

[trainsinanime]

Something for the model train fans following me: It's my newest locomotive, an EMD BL2 in N scale by Life-Like. I bought it at the international model railroad show in Gangelt (international because Gangelt is right on the border between Germany and the Netherlands, and so about a third of the exhibitors were dutch).

Now, "new" is doing a lot of heavy lifting here, this was bought used. Based on a website I found, this appears to be the 1991 version of the design. Detailing and so on isn't exactly at the highest end, it was a budget model even then, but I think it reproduces the overall shape nicely. You get why the BL2 was apparently called the Ugly Duckling.

Getting DCC into this machine will be tricky, as will be new headlights. The current approach has one single light-bulb that shines both through the front and rear, and is visible through the plastic shell, and that will definitely cause issues with DCC. I'll also need to change the couplers to Micro-Trains ones, and for that I'll have to see whether I have any appropriate ones around.

Still, for 50€, you can't complain. I'm really happy with it, I didn't even know anybody made a BL2.

[statecryptids]

TALES FROM THE MAGICIAN’S SKULL edited by Howard Andrew Jones

“Tales From The Magician’s Skull” is a magazine of Sword and Sorcery fiction drawing deep from the vein of classic pulps like Weird Tales and Amazing Stories. For those unfamiliar with the term, Sword and Sorcery is a darker, more personal brand of fantasy. In contrast to Tolkien-inspired high fantasy with its epic heroes performing feats of great magic amid world-shaking plots, Sword and Sorcery concerns heroes of often gray morality just trying to survive in a dangerous world where magic, if it exists, is usually dangerous and mistrusted. This is not to say there is no heroism in Sword and Sorcery, just that it is on a smaller, individual scale.

In addition to classic pulps, the magazine also takes artistic and literary influence from mass-market paperback fantasies of the 70s and 80s, and that most quintessential of fantasy creations- Dungeons and Dragons (and other RPGs of a similar theme). The magazine fully embraces this connection by providing gaming statistics for monsters, spells and magical items featured in each story, all of them formatted for Dungeon Crawl Classics, or DCC, the flagship RPG from the magazine’s publisher, Goodman Games, which emulates the style of classic 1st and 2nd edition Dungeons & Dragons from the 70s and 80s.

This is especially fitting as D&D itself was heavily by influenced Sword and Sorcery fiction. The original edition of the game included Appendix N, a list of the literary works that had inspired its main creator, Gary Gygax. Appendix N includes the classic authors you’d expect, such as Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber, J. R. R. Tolkien, Edgar Rice Burroughs and Michael Moorcock. But there are also more diverse and unusual writers such as Fletcher Pratt, Sterling Lanier and John Belloir. The Magician’s Skull reprints this short but seminal list at the back of the magazine so readers can follow their own literary journeys.

Another excellent inclusion in The Magician’s Skull is an extensive appendix of used bookstores from all over the US where readers can find those Appendix N classics along with other bibliophilic treasures. I’m pleased to see that the Dawn Treader from my own hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan is in there. Though, sadly, no sign of the Book Barn from Niantic in my current state of Connecticut.

Lastly, The Magician’s Skull also features a directory of “Kindred Souls”- groups, gaming and otherwise, from around the world who share the editors’ tastes in classic sword and sorcery.

The authors featured in this first outing are all old hands at sword and sorcery. Several of the stories are but single episodes in the long careers of established characters, though you don’t need to have read their other adventures to enjoy these tales.

The magazine is abundantly illustrated throughout with full-page drawings for each tale along with architectural plans for some of the tombs, towers and other buildings.

Issues of “Tales From the Magician’s Skull” are available as print and PDF copies from goodman-games.com

[molgars]

for people looking to run a different kind of dungeon, may I introduce you to Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC)? It’s a wonderful system where the higher you roll on your magic, the greater (and wackier!) effect your spell has. I highly recommend it!

[cartooncadet666]

False Reality: Patients of New Generation

Patient: PM-256, also known as Pac Man.

Age: 14-15 years of Pac-Worlder age.

Blood Family: Zac Estin, Sunny Suprema, Spheria Suprema.

Found Family: CG-231, SAM-258, DCC-504, SS-509.

Contact with other main patients: Affirmative.

Mental health status: Data is about above and exactly average.

Physical health status: Data is above average.

Descendant of: SS-509

Notes: PM-256 is very sentient with most of our test subjects, he has full awareness that had excelled during his time here in the reality. Questioning appetite that never seems to end. Lacks self-control over hunger. His selflessness has progressed the following months of March-August. Has been searching for parents for a while, overprotective of the new Nether King, Dreamscaper, and Pointyhead leader to be. He won't be an issue.... Not yet at least...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Patient: SAM-258, also known as Spiral A. Marin.

Age: 15 years of Pac-Worlder age.

Blood Family: No data found.

Found Family: PM-256, CG-231, DCC-504, SS-509, SSA-090.

Contact with other main patients: Affirmative.

Mental health status: Average, had recently declined.

Physical health status: N̵̖̑̾o̵̮̩͒̐̆ ̴͑̋̏��̢̭ď̴̥̤̊a̴͙̤̯̍t̷̪͓̺̐̊á̵̼̠̕ ̸̢̮̜̑f̷̢̳̽͊ȏ̵̲̒͝ǔ̴̢͖̭n̷̝͍̠͑͒d̴̞͆ͅ?̶̮̮̪͒̽

Descendant of: Youngest son, D'Marcus.

Notes: SAM-258 is an interesting patient, somehow in some way he was able to enter the dreamscape in another universe, the reality had confused him with his variant and gave him the same abilities. Turns hostile when threatened, usually as sentient as PM-256, a friendly encounter at first, extremely dangerous when angry. I can't believe that my son allowed him to be the new dreamscaper, he is too irresponsible to handle the duties of being a reality jumper. Oh well... He won't do much harm to me at least... Original creator of the nightmare realm, there has to be something to deny his abilities, why does he have so much access?! This is not supposed to happen!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Patient: SLB-140, also known as Skeebo L. Borealis.

Age: 14-15 years of Pac-Worlder age.

Blood Family: Sebastian Loverman, Aurora Borealis, Fadil Borealis.

Found Family: ABS-389, BSS-666, ABS-945, SBN-190.

Contact with other main patients: Affirmative.

Mental health status: WARNING; Data is below average. Not likely to communicate properly.

Physical health status: No data found.

Descendant of: BSS-666

Notes: SLB-140 does not seem to be very hesitant to take drastic measures when it comes to this reality, I was not expecting for him to have more experience than our previous patient, then again, he is the youngest son of a very paranormal based family, I will have to give out harsher material to get more results, he isn't going to be breaking anytime soon if I don't take these chances... He does not seem to be very healthy according to ABS-389, DCC-504, and KRAFT-010. His mental health is slowly declining from self hatred and harm, he barely eats, sleeps, and never laughs or smiles considering the situation he's in... Is he turning into his variant from the Mothership universe?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Patient: TIP-080, also known as Tip the Pointyhead.

Age: 20 years of Pac-Worlder age, approximately 35 in Pointyhead years.

Blood Family: No data found.

Found Family: PM-256, SLB-140.

Contact with other main patients: Affirmative.

Mental health status: WARNING; Data is below average. Not likely to communicate properly.

Physical health status: WARNING; Declining health. Don't approach patient for another 72 hours.

Descendant of: APEX-070.

Notes: There is no possible way that I am able to have contact with this Pointyhead, and it's confusing on how I am not able to. His personality is very soft, almost father-like, but has behavior close to Coco, which any wrong action regarding PM-256, SLB-140, or any of their found family, blood family, even friends causes rage in his body. If I can't have contact with Tip then something is seriously wrong, SAM-258 is blocking my access off I can feel it, his behavior recently affected Apex, the one who had created this reality as a prison, he's turning his race soft... I don't know how to solve this, this experiment would have to be shut down if we can't get much results...

[whenfatecollides]

Personally I hate that they are leaning so much into the parasocial relationship with the fans, even in the dc notes... I understand that at the end of the day they are still a kpop group but they've built this fandom through music first and foremost, what has caused this shift? (money, but I think everything you listed could work the same or even better imo)

same, specially bc they weren't like this before :/ I feel like money is the biggest reason, it feels like dcc got a taste of it and stopped caring. but I think there's also a few other reasons like the person/people filming (and clearly editing the notes too...) for notes just isn't there to capture interesting moments so we end up with the girls talking alone from 5 to 10 minutes for no good reason (again this is also an editing problem tho). the other reason I can think of is that since siyeon called out someone during a vlive in 2020, they haven't been doing vlives that often and they now really completely ignore shitty comments while before they would actually call them out and even report them themselves (at least that I can remember). it almost feels like they're trying to "win" over these trolls and haters. maybe they thought siyeon's attitude was too much and advised them to not act like that anymore, or maybe the comments just became too much that they couldn't handle it anymore (and in this case this is an issue dcc should've solved themselves too but wtv). either way yeah, they're encouraging the worst type of people to support them which will eventually suck for them too, both dc and dcc alike

[artoftcbaldwin]

Chthonic Crawl issue 2 is now live on kickstarter! This issue features 10 weird and wonderful merchant npcs for your ttrpg/osr/Dungeon Crawl Classics gameplay. It will also feature (and this is my favorite part) ten creepy, slithery, ferocious monsters to throw at your players!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/773923561/chthonic-crawl-2-merchants-and-monsters-for-dcc-and-osr

[retromusicart]

Seein' me and Julio

Down by the schoolyard

Paul Simon - Paul Simon (Columbia, 1972) - Designed by John Berg and Ron Coro, photographs by P.A. Harper

Got a gut feeling Paul regrets wearing this part-fur coat more than 50 years later.

Paul Simon's solo debut....if you don't count the UK-only Songbook released while he was still performing with Art Garfunkel. In fairness, though, that album is mostly just re-recordings of Simon & Garfunkel hits (except "I Am A Rock"). This album features (then) all-new, all-original material by Simon.

When Warner Bros. re-issued the album on vinyl in the mid-80s, the photo was scaled down a bit, and a border was added, causing the cover to resemble a framed picture.

Oddly, the CD release from WB at the same time used the original cover.

The vinyl release from DCC Compact Classics in 1998 restored the original cover, which has been used for all subsequent releases since then.

Images courtesy of Discogs.

[mongo-the-liensis]

Carl not understanding social cues is literally the best part of him.

Carl, women don't want litter boxes for their birthdays, no matter how many times they mentioned it to you, and no it doesn't matter how expensive it was.

(Also him dropping child abuse lore when Katia was sharing a story about her mom not liking it when Katia tracked mud in the house was 💀💀)

[europa6502]

I was thinking about this further - and CDs (and, by extension, DVDs and other optical media in a similar vein) are probably the best chance at media preservation we have (at least here in the West, and specifically the US).

Analog formats like tapes, records, etc. all degrade with use. This is simply the nature of having an analog format and nothing can really be done about it (you can do things like store your media well to make it last longer, but you cannot reduce degradation in its entirety. The grooves of an LP will wear out, the little particles of metal on magnetic tape will wear off - it's a fact of life.

Digital formats don't suffer from this issue - they have their own issues (such as bit rot), but you could, in theory, play a CD an infinite number of times and it'd still sound as good on playthrough n+1 as it did on playthrough 1. Here in the West (and specifically the US - I don't really have any personal experience elsewhere), CDs reign supreme when it comes to physical, digital media. MDs never really took off here, DCC and DAT were pretty much dead-on-arrival thanks to record companies/the RIAA, and I'm sure there are other formats I'm forgetting as well). CDs do have manufacturing defects that can occur, issues relating to age that can develop over time, and they are still susceptible to issues relating to improper storage conditions, but that is still really minor compared to what happens with analog media under normal, regular use.

Furthermore, if someone were to ask "but what about lossless audio files on a hard drive" - well, hard drives corrupt and heads crash, even under the best of conditions that's a risk - CDs don't have that issue unless a drive is malfunctioning in some way. One can be sure that any sort of optical media drive used in an archival setting should be checked regularly for issues, similar to essential mechanical equipment.

This also has only covered pre-recorded media thus far. user-created media has a lot of variables that would be very difficult to cover in its entirety, but overall the fact remains the same - CDs (and other, similar, optical media) are the best chance we have at media archival. CDs, being digital, can record a bit-for-bit accurate duplicate of a digital source - or a very high-quality duplicate of an analog source. The principle of GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out) still holds true, however - if your source isn't good, the recording won't be good either. But, compared to something like audio tape, you don't get gradual generational degradation of recordings (so you could record A from 0, B from A, C from B, and, as long as the signal path is entirely digital, C will sound just as good as the original 0, as opposed to something like tape where C will be degraded even ever so slightly from 0 - and that will only become more apparent as time goes on). Other digital formats could do the same thing, but offered easier recording (recordable CDs being practical for consumers didn't come around until pretty well into the lifetime of the CD, although it was the early 90s when they first came about), which caused the RIAA to quash those formats before they saw much adoption IIRC).

This also doesn't only apply to audio - DVD-Video and Blu-Ray for video will be more reliable than videotape (although, under the right circumstances (i.e. vault archival or other actual archival conditions), I'd consider film to be the superior archival format in this case) , all the various data formats for data, etc. This is the other thing it has going for it - you can store so many different kinds of media or information on a CD (or DVD, etc.) and that is just really, really cool.

CDs (etc.) may not have the "cool" factor that something like tape or vinyl does, but I do think it's really important to consider the marvels of technology they embody, especially for the time - in 1984, when the CD was introduced, there wasn't much of any widespread audio format for consumers that did what CDs did where you could use it without it degrading with each play (there have been video formats for a while that have done that, but they've been (mostly) analog IIRC and have never seen the same sort of adoption that videotape (VHS specifically) and DVD have seen). I love analog formats - I have a sizable compact cassette collection and would be interested in starting to collect vinyl, but I also love CDs and how relatively immutable they are. Also the fact they're random access is really, really nice - both for creation and playback. You haven't lived until you've had to sit through waiting for a computer program to load from cassette tape only for it to error before it finishes loading (and honestly floppies aren't that fast compared to CDs either).

But yeah, my basic point is that the CD is way too important to die - if not directly important to the consumer, then important to archivists such as myself who take pleasure and pride in archiving stuff that may otherwise be lost to time.

HOLD THE LINE!! KEEP PUSHING!!!!!

[dccanimalhospital]

Understanding Cognitive Health Concerns in Pets

As pets age, they experience changes in their physical and cognitive health, much like humans. Recognizing and addressing these changes early can make a significant difference in their quality of life. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common yet often overlooked condition in aging pets. Here's everything you need to know about this critical aspect of pet care.

What Is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)?

CDS in pets is akin to dementia or Alzheimer’s in humans. It primarily affects older dogs and cats, leading to a decline in memory, learning, and problem-solving abilities. Symptoms may include disorientation, disrupted sleep patterns, loss of housetraining, and changes in interaction with family members.

Signs of Cognitive Decline in Pets

If you notice the following behaviors, it may be time to consult a veterinarian:

Disorientation: Your pet seems lost in familiar environments.

Interaction Changes: Reduced interest in play or affection.

Sleep-Wake Cycle Disturbance: Increased activity during the night.

Housetraining Accidents: Forgetting previously learned behaviors.

Activity Level Reduction: A decline in exploration or exercise.

Causes of Cognitive Issues in Pets

The exact cause of CDS remains unclear, but factors such as brain aging, oxidative stress, and reduced blood flow to the brain are believed to contribute.

How to Support Your Pet's Cognitive Health

1. Diet and Nutrition

Providing a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins can help combat oxidative damage and support brain health.

2. Mental Stimulation

Engage your pet with toys, puzzles, and training exercises to keep their brain active. Interactive games can help maintain cognitive function.

3. Regular Exercise

Physical activity not only keeps your pet’s body healthy but also boosts their mental well-being.

4. Consistent Routine

Stick to a regular schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime to reduce stress and confusion.

5. Veterinary Care

Routine check-ups can help identify early signs of cognitive decline. Your vet may recommend supplements, medications, or specific therapies tailored to your pet's needs.

The Role of Love and Patience

Dealing with a pet experiencing cognitive decline can be challenging. However, your love, patience, and understanding can make their journey easier. Providing a safe and comfortable environment, along with plenty of affection, can significantly enhance their quality of life.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you suspect cognitive decline in your pet, don’t wait to seek expert advice. At DCC Animal Hospital, our team is equipped to diagnose and manage cognitive health concerns with compassion and expertise.

DCC Animal Hospital: Pioneering Pet Wellness in India

Part of a renowned Japanese veterinary hospital chain, DCC Animal Hospital operates four state-of-the-art facilities in Delhi NCR and one in Jaipur. Known for compassionate and expert care, they offer a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnostics, advanced treatments, grooming, and rehabilitation.

DCC Animal Hospital also focuses on educating pet parents about health management and nutrition, ensuring pets receive the best possible care at every stage of life.

To learn more or book an appointment, visit DCC Animal Hospital.

[hitchzone24]

Travelling Soon? Essential Tips for using your Credit Card Abroad

Ever packed your bags for an overseas trip and wondered ‘How’s my credit card going to behave abroad?’ Yes,credit cards are helpful but sometimes unpredictable in new places. Worried? Don’t be. We have a host of tips for you to make your credit card work wonders on your travelling adventures.We will show you how to turn your credit card into a savvy companion. Let’s break down the points!

Notify Your Bank Before You Travel

One of the most important steps before your journey is informing your credit card issuer about your travel plans. Many banks monitor transactions for suspicious activity, and using your card in a foreign country without prior notice may trigger security measures. This will lead to your card being temporarily blocked. Most banks offer the option to notify them of your travel plans through their app or website, making this process quick and painless.

Know the Foreign Transaction Fees

Before you start swiping, it’s imperative to be aware of any foreign transaction fees associated with your credit card. These fees typically range from 2% to 3% of each purchase made outside your home country. While these charges might seem small, they can add up over time. The good news? Some credit cards (travel-focused ones in particular) waive foreign transaction fees altogether. Consider applying for one of these cards before your trip to avoid unnecessary costs.

Always Pay in Local Currency

It’s almost always better to choose in paying for things in the local currency when travelling. The reason? Paying in your home currency involves Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This often comes with hidden fees and poor exchange rates. By opting for the local currency, you’ll be charged at the card network's exchange rate (which is generally more favourable).

Use a Card with Travel Perks

Travel rewards credit cards are designed to enhance your travel experience by offering perks such as free airport lounge access, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. All of these manage to level up your travel experience. Some cards also allow you to earn points or miles on your purchases which can be redeemed for future flights or hotel stays. If you’re a frequent traveller, using a card with travel perks can make your journey more enjoyable and financially rewarding.

Carry a Backup Card and Some Cash

While credit cards are widely accepted in most parts of the world, it’s always a good idea to carry a backup card and some local currency just in case. Some smaller businesses, particularly in rural areas, may not accept cards or you may find yourself in a situation where your primary card doesn’t work due to network issues. A second credit card from a different issuer can also be useful if your main card is lost or stolen.

Avoid ATM Fees

Using your credit card at ATMs abroad can come with high fees, both from your card issuer and the ATM operator. To avoid these charges, use your credit card for purchases whenever possible and rely on your debit card for cash withdrawals. Some travel-focused credit cards and banks offer reimbursement for ATM fees. So, it’s worth checking if your card includes this benefit before you depart.

Take Advantage of Travel Insurance

Many credit cards come with built-in travel insurance. It can be a lifesaver in the event of trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies abroad. Review your card’s insurance policy before your trip to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.

Monitor Your Spending and Statements

While abroad, it’s central to keep track of your credit card spending and regularly monitor your account for any suspicious activity. Most banks provide mobile apps that allow you to check your balance, review recent transactions, and even freeze your card if necessary. Staying on top of your spending helps you manage your budget.

Know Your Credit Limit

Overspending abroad can easily push you close to your credit limit. Keep an eye on your available credit to avoid maxing out your card, which could lead to declined transactions or penalties. If you anticipate high spending, consider requesting a temporary credit limit increase from your card issuer before your trip.

Protect Yourself from Fraud

Be cautious when using your card, especially at unfamiliar ATMs or in crowded places. Stick to well-known, reputable establishments and avoid giving your card to anyone to take out of your sight. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, contact your card issuer immediately. Most credit cards offer zero-liability protection, meaning you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges. Remember though – swift action is essential.

Keep a Copy of Your Card Details

In case your card is lost or stolen, it’s helpful to have a copy of your credit card details. This also includes the customer service number for reporting lost cards. Keep this information in a safe place, separate from your physical card. Having this on hand can make it much easier to resolve any issues quickly.

Use Contactless Payments

Many countries have fully adopted contactless payments. It offers a faster, more secure way to pay. If your credit card supports contactless technology, take advantage of it when traveling. Not only does it reduce the risk of fraud by minimizing the physical handling of your card, but it also speeds up transactions in places like public transport or busy retail stores.

While travelling, remember that your credit card is ready for adventures – as much as you but it needs prep work too. Remember and apply these tips on your travels and your adventurous ways will not suffer any kind of negative consequences.