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Buying foreign currency online

We have a Nationwide flexaccount and have loaded it with money so that we can use it when we go on holiday on 26th August. However I would like to have some currency to tide us over until we get to an ATM and Thomas Global Exchange are offering the best rate for Hong Kong Dollars. They are also now offering the facility to buy the currency online and have next day delivery.

Does anyone know if there will be any sort of charge made by a bank or building society if I use a debit card to pay for such a purchase online? I ask because such a charge could wipe any sort of saving made by using them compared with say using the Post Office or M&S etc.

Comments

  • Use your nationwide card and there will still be no charge, but obviously you will get the Bureau de change rate rather than the visa rate.

    Most other visa debit cards make a charge...

    I don't know where you are going, but most airports have ATMs, you could check on https://www.visa.com before you travel. I usually just get cash on arrival these days, a bit of a risk admittedly but if you are traveling to a developed country not too much of a problem.
  • benjus
    benjus Posts: 5,433 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    The Travel Money Maximiser on this site has a link that lists the banks which do and do not make this charge.
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  • System
    System Posts: 178,365 Community Admin
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    Use your nationwide card and there will still be no charge, but obviously you will get the Bureau de change rate rather than the visa rate.

    Most other visa debit cards make a charge...

    I don't know where you are going, but most airports have ATMs, you could check on www.visa.com before you travel. I usually just get cash on arrival these days, a bit of a risk admittedly but if you are traveling to a developed country not too much of a problem.


    The only reason we need a bit of cash is for paying for taxis, tipping porters etc when we first arrive.
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  • KTF
    KTF Posts: 4,854 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I have never been to an airport that doesnt have an ATM in arrivals so never take foreign currency with me these days. Most airports have a website so you can see what facilities it has before you arrive.

    Of course, there is always the risk that your card wont work in the ATM...
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