Brits spent £23bn on plastic abroad

Britons spent £23 billion abroad on their debit and credit cards last year and were subject to £118.2 million of fraud, according to an industry body.

A guide for tourists issued by the Association of Payment Clearing Services (Apacs) revealed that while the number of transactions while on holiday or business has multiplied from 82 million in 1996 to 288 million in 2006 fraud has also increased by 43 per cent.

Apacs told consumers that using a card while way was the best way to pay but that they should be careful to avoid falling victims of fraud.

Britons, who spend the equivalent of £161 overseas for every credit card in the UK, should only take the cards they intend on using, inform their provider of travels and take the 24 hour numbers of their provider.

But they also need to be mindful while still at home as a proportion of fraud occurs when card details are taken in the UK and used abroad.The highest levels of fraudulent use of UK credit cards was revealed to be in the US, followed by France, Spain, Italy and Thailand.

The guide also warns travellers to be aware of overseas charges on their credit cards.