Credit card for using abroad only

Clarita

I'm going to South America for 2 months soon and I need to get a credit card to take with me. I've never had a credit card and don't really know anything about them. I plan to set up a direct debit to pay it off in full while I'm away and don't anticipate not having enough money to pay this off in full.

There are a few things I don't really understand:

What are the charges on withdrawing cash from cash machines abroad, what do the banks call them (I've seen "cash advances". Is this it?)?

I've read Martin's guide to overseas spending and I don't really understand about the end part. Is he saying that some cards charge you interest on spending/cash withdrawls from the time you use the card untill the time your montly statement comes though and you would normally pay it off?
Or have I completely misunderstood???

Thank you very much in advance for any help.

Red_Elle

There is a lot of info on some other threads about this, so it might be worth searching through the site.
I took advice on getting the Nationwide Flexaccount card (debit card) and the Nationwide Credit Card. I loaded the debit card with money before I went abroad and used that. The CC was just a back up, but if you wanted one then it is a good card to get. I had no charges using the debit card at all.

Clarita

Thanks for the reply. I've seen in the articles on this site that the Nationwide debit card is the best but I don't think it would be accepted anywhere in South America. They are very picky because of lots of counterfeiting (sp?) etc. and I know most places only accept Visa or Mastercard.

I spose I could use the debit card for cash withdrawls only (as as far as I can see its free) and get a credit card to make purchases on.

carlwoodcock

the nationwide debit card is a visa

pin

Clarita wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I've seen in the articles on this site that the Nationwide debit card is the best but I don't think it would be accepted anywhere in South America. They are very picky because of lots of counterfeiting (sp?) etc. and I know most places only accept Visa or Mastercard.

I spose I could use the debit card for cash withdrawls only (as as far as I can see its free) and get a credit card to make purchases on.

That is exactly what you should be doing!! Also the Nationwide Debit card is a Visa card anyway.

However for protection, purchases should be made with the Nationwide credit card.

One word of warning, Nationwide are supposed to be quite picky about their credit checking.

Clarita

I have a £1600 interest free overdraft from Natwest (Graduate account) which has built up since 2002 but this is my only debt (appart from the £8800 student loan). I've never had a credit card and will cut it up as soon as I get back from this trip. Does this sound promising or really bad for getting a credit card? I really have no idea!

dc

Quickest way to find out is to pop into a Nationwide Branch, say you want a card for using abroad and they will take you through the application there and then.

Basic is a cash card ( not debit, but just for getting cash from machines) without any account, that can be pre loaded before travel, through to Visa credit card with instant acceptance or not, and credit limit notification. Takes about a week for card to arrive through post.

dc

grumbler

dc wrote:

...Basic is a cash card ... without any account, that can be pre loaded before travel...

:mad:
Nationwide cash card comes with their curent account (flex-account). As opposite to their debit card, cash card is Cirrus, but it is still can be uses abroad with cash machines carrying Cirrus logo

Unfortunately, this locator doesn't distinguish Mastercard solely and Mastercard/Cirrus ATMs.

dc

Apologies,for the error in my post the word cheque was unfortunatly ommited before account. I thought the op would be put off by thinking they would have to open a full current account, when that is not the case. You can get just a cashcard on its own.

dc