I'm currently studying abroad in Paris and after extensive research opted for Capital One credit cards. For now, I'm alternating between 3 credit cards.
All of them have no foreign transaction fees.
1) Capital One Quicksilver (Visa)
- Gives you 1.5% cashback on all purchases but requires "excellent" credit. If you don't think you qualify for this card, I'd replace it with their Journey Student card which gives you 1.25% instead but only requires "average" credit.
2) Capital One Newcomers (Mastercard)
- Not sure if you can still apply for this one, but I use it as a travel card. It gives you 2% on all travel-related expenses (train, bus, hotels, flights, etc). The VentureOne might be a good replacement or Chase Sapphire Preferred (although this one has an annual fee).
3) Chase Hyatt (Visa Signature)
- A back up card for me. Got 2 nights free at any Hyatt worldwide, after signing up and spending a certain limit. Also a rewards card, but in Hyatt points. Has an annual fee, but you can easily negate that since they give you a night's stay on your card anniversary each year.
Hope this helps!
