Credit Cards and the Bureau de Change

maxshanly

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YorkshireBoy

Yes it is.

NickX

maxshanly wrote: »

But wouldn't it just be treated like payment for a product?

No it will be a cash withdrawl transaction. Avoid like the plague.

Best bet is just use a Nationwide or Abbey Zero card for any purchases you make in Bilbao as these will not charge you a currency conversion.

Enjoy your trip :cool:

97trophy

maxshanly wrote: »

But wouldn't it just be treated like payment for a product?

why should it be?

NickX

maxshanly wrote: »

I take it that buying stuff in shops and bars in Spain and on the Ferry won't be treated as a cash withdrawal?

No they won't be, use one of the cards suggested above is the most cost effective way of doing it.

YorkshireBoy

You can't get cashback (in the sense you're referring to) with credit cards.

Suggest you spend some time reading the credit card guides on the main site. Start here...

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/

inmypocketnottheirs

maxshanly wrote: »

Ah okay, I'm quite new to this whole credit card thing. What about cash back in the shops on the Ferry? Isn't that all part of one transaction (for example, if I was buying a drink and food).

You can not get cash back on a credit card, only a debit card. I don't think the ferries will offer cash back facilities, it is not compulsory.

NickX

maxshanly wrote: »

Ah okay, I'm quite new to this whole credit card thing. What about cash back in the shops on the Ferry? Isn't that all part of one transaction (for example, if I was buying a drink and food).

You are unlikely to get cash back on a Credit Card - this is not really allowed, although I can get it in some UK pubs (they are breaking the rules).

If you use a Nationwide Debit Card you may get cash back if the merchant offers this facility. Otherwise you could just use this to withdraw funds. Infact you could use this to take out Euros whilst in Bilbao and benefit from no charge on the foreign currency conversion.

Naturally if you do not already have one, you need to set up a Nationwide Flexaccount with Debit Card facility. I set mine up specifically for trips abroad.