Holidaymakers planning to pay for presents and treats abroad on credit are warned to take care when using their cards, according to a trade body.

Research by the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS) revealed £82.8 million worth of fraud was committed UK cards abroad last year.

And it certainly looks like using a credit card abroad has become second nature to many tourists as UK travellers spent nearly £21 billion abroad last year - £20.4 billion on credit and debit cards and £343 million of cash was taken out of overseas cash machines.

"While industry initiatives, such as chip and PIN, have made the life of the international card thief more difficult, we must still follow a few simple rules to make sure we are protected when on holiday," said Sandra Quinn from APACS.

"Simple things like using a concealed money belt to hide our cards and checking our statements carefully on our return can make all the difference."

Over one-third (40 per cent) of fraud abroad took place in just three countries - France accounted for 14 per cent (£11.6 million) of losses on UK cards used abroad, the USA 14 per cent (£11.2 million) and Spain 12 per cent (£9.5 million).