There can be a lot to prepare before an international trip … usually more things than I tend to consider in the long term. For instance, notifying credit card companies and banks of your trip, so international charges don’t register as fraud. I typically use my American Express card whenever I travel internationally, and alerting them of my travel is not an issue.

I’m currently in Madrid, and before my Tuesday departure, I wanted to book a few of my excursions, particularly a relaxing Friday afternoon at the local hammam. When I proceeded to reserve my appointments, I noticed they did not accept American Express, so I needed to use my Visa. I proceeded with the booking, making note to call the credit card company while I waited for my flight the next day.

In the British Airways’ Galleries lounge the following afternoon, I called and alerted them of my trip, to which they replied, “You need to activate your card.” I’d used it two days prior to my trip at a clothing store with no problems. “My card is activated and has been activated. It doesn’t expire until July 2014.”

Despite the far-off expiration date, my credit card company had re-issued my card for security purposes. I hadn’t received the card before I left, nor did I know of its imminent arrival. Apparently, there was nothing to be done, and I was in the airport, preparing for departure, with a card that wouldn’t work. It’s completely and utterly useless to me during my time in Spain. Suppose I had no other credit cards in case of emergency with me? What would I have done then? The customer service representative apologized, but offered no solutions, make-goods or alternatives. I was befuddled and annoyed.

Luckily, I also brought my ATM card, the American Express card and cash, so I wasn’t left with just a limited supply of money; but I hadn’t requested a new card, wasn’t due for a new card and had yet to activate a new card, so I was annoyed to find my credit card rendered useless moments before departing the country. I’m trying to decide my next steps with the credit card when I arrive back home.

— Kim Krol, managing editor