Never use a debit card outside of your home country (or really for any purchase). Credit cards have far stronger consumer protections and don't provide direct access to your bank account.

I charged back on debit cards quite often. Outside and inside my home country. But agreed; use credit normally; less hassle. I would’ve not paid these things like OP has and charge it back; let them come after me (they won’t anyway).

My understanding is that Apple Pay just gives permission to pay the presented bill. Unlike adding a Credit Card which they can charge without notice. The trick I am using is Gift Cards. I've been in a 1.5 year-long nomading trip so far and paying with Gift cards only.