Totally, totally agree with *spunks*. We have the Charles Schwab card and only use it for international travel. As soon as we land at our destination, we withdraw cash. As already mentioned, there are no fees, we aren't limited to number of transactions, etc., so it's a real winner while travelling. For restaurant and shop purchases, we use our VISA card.
About 10 days prior to our US departure, I do a "test run" at our local bank's ATM with the Schwab card, to be sure everything is in working order before leaving US. This way, I'll have time should we need to order new cards, change our PIN, etc.