Using A Credit Card While Travelling For A Year

jonnywoods

Please advise...

I am a novice with Credit Cards as I have never actually had one! But I am going travelling for a year and will need one to book certain flights, as well as for extra money as I am bound to run out!!

I would preferably like to get a card with 0% interest for 12 months or more. But I am under the impression that most cards also charge you to use them abroad? Is this correct? Is that just for purchases or for cash withdrawals too? Does anyone know which card might suit me best???

Like I say I really don't know much about them so any help would be much appreciated.

silkglade

Hi, I know that the Nationwide credit card is free for overseas spending... that is the only reason I now keep it after my 0% ran out. :-) hope that helps.

jonnywoods

Am I right in thinking the 0% interest doesn't last long though?

On cards that charges fees for purchases abroad do you know how much they charge? I am not sure whether I would be better off with a long 0% interest card or one that doesn't charge...

CLAPTON

normally the foreign currency charge is around 2-3%

if you dont already have a good credit history (i.e. already have a CC) then its fairly unlikley you will get a 0% card.

be aware you will need to make at least minimum payments each month so make sure you make suitable arrangements

also be aware that drawing cash can be very expensive and is not recommended.

also note that, except nationwide debit card then debit cards also charge a foreign withdrawal fee.

McKneff

Nationwide do charge for a foreign withdrawal fee, they only dont charge for foreign purchases, ad do the post office and Liverpool Victoria.

Abbey Zero is the only card that doesnt charge for foreign purchases on both
puchases and cash withdrawal but this is a special offer for 6 months only.
Be aware that although cash withdrawals are free the cash does attract interst from day one.

CLAPTON

nationwide debit card (i.e. using its flexaccount) do not charge a foreign currency fee on either purchases or cash atm withdrawals