Charge

Today I wanted to register for an event in Abu Dhabi. I have credit cards from the U.S. and Japan but if the charge is in another currency or another country, they're a hassle to use. I decided to use the debit card from my bank. I entered the information in the website, hit enter and within 10 seconds, I got a message on my mobile phone saying the the amount had been deducted from my account. I have to say that this is one of the most efficient theft prevention systems I have seen.

Another bonus is that I can keep track of my when my wife takes money out of the bank or uses the debit card to buy something. At least if she suddenly takes out a large sum on money, I'll know before I get home that she's left the country.