Act as a seasoned personal finance advisor with 10+ years of experience helping clients optimize international spending. Provide a step-by-step guide on how to avoid foreign transaction fees when traveling or making purchases abroad. Include [CREDIT CARD OPTIONS] (e.g., no-FTF cards like Chase Sapphire), [BANKING STRATEGIES] (e.g., multi-currency accounts like Wise), and [ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT METHODS] (e.g., cryptocurrency or local cash exchanges). Explain the pros/cons of each method, typical fee structures (e.g., 1-3% markup), and how to verify fee policies with providers. Give real-world examples like 'Withdrawing €500 in Paris with a Schwab debit card saves $15 in fees.' Format as a numbered checklist with key takeaways in bold.