[tgittos]

I moved out of Australia and let my bank know that I would likely be using credit cards overseas for a while.

Sure enough, as I was trying to buy furniture for my new place, the same thing happened to me. They blocked the card and when I called them they scolded me for not letting them know that I was traveling. I told the agent that I did in fact let them know, and asked them to update the account to note that I lived overseas.

Some 5 years later I needed to use one of those accounts again. I diligently phoned the bank, let them know I lived overseas and that I was going to use the card. I used the card, the transaction was blocked, I called and was again scolded for not telling them that I went on holiday.

I swear the 'notes' they add to your account are just an eye-roll and then a call disconnect.