Unable to use credit card internationally - no assistance & no solution

I wonder if this has happened to another Nedbank credit card holder..?

Before I left the country for an extended period of time to work and travel abroad, I went to my Nedbank branch to ask about the security verification codes required for some transactions, that one normally receive by sms. as it has happened to me before that I was left unable to complete a transaction because I couldn't receive the code. I was told to not be concerned and just inform them of the new telephone number that I will be using. Since arriving in France i have been trying for months to give a new telephone number to the bank to use for receiving my sms one-time verification codes, after having to cancel purchases red faced due to not being able to receive these.

Apparently the only possibility is to change your phone number in person, in your local branch!! Absa was able to accomodate me to let me receive these by email....

Really Nedbank?! Why do you offer a credit card if I cannot use it internationally?