Will my credit card debt follow me overseas?
Rachel Davis
Updated on February 20, 2026
Technically, nothing happens to your debt when you leave the country. It’s still your debt, and your creditors and collectors will continue trying to get you to pay it back. Just as they would before, those efforts may include phone calls and letters.
What happens if you have debt in another country?
Technically, nothing happens to your debt when you leave the country. It’s still your debt, and your creditors and collectors will continue trying to get you to pay it back. Eventually, your creditors may file a lawsuit in an attempt to collect your unpaid debts.
Is it illegal to use a credit card in India?
However, this practice is considered illegal by the Reserve Bank of India. Several American banks have moved toward chip-enabled credit cards, but magstripes are still quite common. The situation is similar in India.
Where can I pay with a credit card in India?
Large establishments, hotels, restaurants, shops and most online retailers allow you to pay by credit card, and some even accept American Express and Discover. However, most smaller vendors accept only cash, so it’s ideal that you keep local currency handy at all times.
Do you need a credit card to travel to India?
When picking a credit card for your trip to India, make sure that you’re looking at travel credit cards. A common feature of travel cards is their lack of foreign transaction fees. These fees are often small, but they’ll add up every time you use your card while overseas.
What happens to credit card debt when you move abroad?
Some people have said to have collectors following them to their new country of residence, although the country may or may not be required to extradite you for having debts. If you are leaving the country with the intention to continue paying off your credit card debt, contact your credit card company and make it aware of your situation.