If you’re preparing to study abroad, you might want to consider applying for a credit card before you leave the country. But even if you’re already living and studying internationally, you can still get a U.S. credit card, as long as you provide a physical address (which usually must be in the U.S.), proof of income and sometimes access to your bank account as well.
That credit card will come in handy for paying recurring expenses, providing more fraud protection that you get from a typical debit card, and of course making online purchases—and you might even earn you some cash back or other rewards. However, you do need to choose your credit card and monitor your usage carefully, to avoid paying extra fees.