Using a credit card abroad....

exel1966

stingray_316 wrote: »

How does a credit card work abroad every time you use it on meals or shopping/presents etc.
How much do you get charged every transaction for using it.

Doe you get a charge for the banks having to exchange from euro to pounds..... if so how much do they charge to do this.

Is it better to try and buy in pounds or euros on credit cards.

And finally would it work out expensive using you card abroad most of the time . l have a Lloyds tsb mastercard so would just like to know charges etc for using the card overseas.. Thanks

I'd also suggest reading this guide ;-

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/cards/2009/07/going-on-holiday-ensure-your-cards-

NEVER EVER when using a card abroad have your purchase transaction converted to GBP. ALWAYS take the charge in the local currency regardless of what any store will tell you. Converting the charge to GBP on the spot is known as DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) which only favours the retailer and the card company. You will lose out because you are in effect having your transaction pass through two currency conversions which will ultimately cost you.

Ihatebanks_4

Following the advice in money saving expert, I have got the Abbey Zero card. Now to get the cash money to take with me. Again using this site I find the best deal, and the Abbey card has no cash advance fee - but how do I avoid the 29% APR from the date of transaction. I have thought about paying this off now before I do the transaction - so it immediately should give zero balance. However I am guessing this will not work - I bet I still get charged interest to statement date. Also they will also deduct purchases on holiday first so making sure they leve a balance. So anyone have any experience of this? Any good ideas?

Any

You can get money passport for cash. You can theoreticaly put money on the card in advance, but some credit cards can block your card as you are breaching T&C....

Otherwise it's Nationwide Flex current account with Visa debit card... But I've heard some people were having problems if they tried to open it without actually moving accounts...