Cheap Travel Money Discussion Area

NiftyDigits

Nolwenn wrote: »

I am just about to take a trip to South America for a few months and I wanted to make sure I got the best account/cards. A friend of mine got the Metro bank debit and credit card (both Mastercard) and was told he would not get charge for using either but when in Argentina he discovered that he got charge anyway as they mostly use Visa over there.
I thought that the card being mastercard or visa would not have made a difference. However if there seems to be then which is the best visa card out there?

N&P Gold Classic/Light Current Account

mrsw1983

I just want to clarify my understanding. I will get the best rate on cash withdrawals (for small spends, will pay on the card where possible) using the Clarity cc whilst abroad despite being charged a daily interest rate, over changing my money here before I go at a bureaux?
Thank you

murphydavid

Nolwenn wrote: »

I am just about to take a trip to South America for a few months and I wanted to make sure I got the best account/cards. A friend of mine got the Metro bank debit and credit card (both Mastercard) and was told he would not get charge for using either but when in Argentina he discovered that he got charge anyway as they mostly use Visa over there.
I thought that the card being mastercard or visa would not have made a difference. However if there seems to be then which is the best visa card out there?

Thanks for posting this info. Sorry not an answer but as I am going to South America at the end of the year and was thinking to take a Mastercard (Clarity) I would be interested to know
1. Who charged your friend (ie was it Metro the mastercard company or the shop keepers or an intermediary or an ATM etc)
2. Did shops accept payment by Mastercard or was it used to get cash then payment made in cash?
3. How much in percentage terms approx was the charge.
4. Did he / she get cash from a bank a Bureau de Change or an ATM

Thanks there is nothing like first hand experience.

jackieblack

mrsw1983 wrote: »

I just want to clarify my understanding. I will get the best rate on cash withdrawals (for small spends, will pay on the card where possible) using the Clarity cc whilst abroad despite being charged a daily interest rate, over changing my money here before I go at a bureaux?
Thank you

Yes
Unless the exchange rate plummets between you leaving the UK and withdrawing the cash abroad.
But if we could predict changes in exchange rates we'd all be millionaires

murphydavid

mrsw1983 wrote: »

I just want to clarify my understanding. I will get the best rate on cash withdrawals (for small spends, will pay on the card where possible) using the Clarity cc whilst abroad despite being charged a daily interest rate, over changing my money here before I go at a bureaux?
Thank you

And if you need actual cash I find the best is to get it from an ATM - but take care to find a free one.

kingwheeler

Tl;dr Metro Bank vs Halifax Clarity


Hi all,

I hope I'm posting this in the right place.

I am going to New York in about 10 days, and have just got myself a Halifax Clarity Card for the fee free stuff. I am very happy about it.

However, a guy at work told me about getting his account with Metro Bank (I live in London) as it doesn't charge for payments and cash withdrawals abroad.

Now, would I be better getting one of these and pre loading it with some cash for withdrawals as cash withdrawals charge interest on the Halifax (all be it at a really low rate). As I understand it, the Halifax interest rate only starts straight away on cash withdrawals and not purchases, so I could use the Halifax for payments and the Metro bank for withdrawals.

Anything else I should be considering/thinking about?

Thanks

Russ

anandp

kingwheeler wrote: »

Tl;dr Metro Bank vs Halifax Clarity


Hi all,

I hope I'm posting this in the right place.

I am going to New York in about 10 days, and have just got myself a Halifax Clarity Card for the fee free stuff. I am very happy about it.

However, a guy at work told me about getting his account with Metro Bank (I live in London) as it doesn't charge for payments and cash withdrawals abroad.

Now, would I be better getting one of these and pre loading it with some cash for withdrawals as cash withdrawals charge interest on the Halifax (all be it at a really low rate). As I understand it, the Halifax interest rate only starts straight away on cash withdrawals and not purchases, so I could use the Halifax for payments and the Metro bank for withdrawals.

Anything else I should be considering/thinking about?

Thanks

Russ

Hi Russ - I have both a Metrobank credit and debit card.
I simply use the debit card for overseas cash withdrawals, but for any spending on the card, I just use the credit card.

Best scenario all round.

They don't do prepay cards though.

kingwheeler

Well when I said "preload" I kind meant put some money in my bank account! haha sorry for the confusion.

Ok, looks like I'll be popping in Metro bank on the way home tonight then.

downhillfast

Popped into Metro Bank after work last night at 7pm had to wait about 10 mins for a clerk but then it just took about 30 minutes and I was out of the door with my new card all working and a complimentary £3 in the account to "get a coffee on us"! Amazing service makes all that waiting for cards and PINs in the post very antiquated. Definitely worth going out of your way if your have an opportunity - and as they're open til 8pm you can avoid having to pay to park (in Hounslow at least!). All my spending money will go in here and now I don't have to worry about credit limits on my Clarity! Roll on Monday 5th... :cool:

kingwheeler

I did exactly the same downhill. My only worry is withdrawing cash over there. It seems like everywhere is going to charge me.

Wait, I can't see where you're going, but I'm going to New York and think I might have to take out cash only once or twice to avoid too many fees.