Woodytom Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 basically - How much do you get charged for using your card abroad? Is it better to get money exchanged (which Ive always done - but its going to be a ball ache to do it due to timing of trip/money coming in to my bank)? Cheers Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmooney Posted November 23, 2010 VT Supporter Share Posted November 23, 2010 Get an FX VISA card. Pre-load with cash (you can top up via your phone or the internet) in your target currency, works in cashpoints, shops, restaurants, etc. Much cheaper than using your regular credit/debit card. You can usually get one issued within about a week. I use FairFX. Caxton FX is also a good deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodytom Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share Posted November 23, 2010 How quickly can I get hold of 1? I leave Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmooney Posted November 23, 2010 VT Supporter Share Posted November 23, 2010 I think that's a bit too late. Should have thought it out a few weeks ago! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodytom Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share Posted November 23, 2010 Is it too late to start looking for my passport? If i was to withdraw £100 from the cash point - Do you know how much it would be? Lad at work says 2.5% which Im fine with, because you would pay that changing your money. he might be talking shite tho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bromsgrove_avfc Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 Best site for info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmooney Posted November 23, 2010 VT Supporter Share Posted November 23, 2010 Best site for infoFrom which: Travelex Cash Passport. If you need a card quick Not far behind is the foreign exchange giant Travelex’s Cash Passport. There's no fee for spending abroad, but it does charge 2% when you top up online, by phone or in stores. You’ll get the prevailing Travelex exchange rate, generally not as good as FairFX/Caxton, and the exchange rates you get on the best credit and debit cards. The big boon over the above cards is it's available at Travelex branches, plus Thomas Cook and Co-op Travel agents, meaning you can get one mega quick if your holiday is soon, though buy there and you can only then top-up in branches (where you'll be charged that shop's commission) or by bank transfer . It charges a £2/€3/$3.50 monthly charge if the card goes unused for twelve months. If you’re heading towards that situation, simply cancel the card as it’s rarely worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodytom Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share Posted November 23, 2010 might give that a whirl - cheers guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyh29 Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 I think its a fixed fee tbh , tends to be about £1.50 - £2.50 depending on your bank Nationwide used to give me free withdrawals abroad but now charge for outside Europe .. even allowing for this modest charge they give you pretty much the bank rate rather than the tourist rate .. I was getting a far better rate in Oz in August than my mate with an Abbey Nat account ( and he got a £2.50 fee ,which i didn't get ) and if you read the small print on your credit card you will see a fee is charged on all transactions made abroad , something that Nationwide don't do ( least they didn't last time i used it , that may now have changed as well) bit late for this trip , but worth checking them out if you are likely to go abroad a lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zatman Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 I prefer to take out abroad as it is safer than having all your money in wallet or in hotel. PLus i think its probably same price overall as currency exchange Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villa4europe Posted December 7, 2010 Share Posted December 7, 2010 I used my halifax card in china, smaller banks dont recognise any english cards but the largers one did, rate was a bit shite but i only got charged 1.50 per transaction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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