going to usa, which cards to use where ?

zvonkokracun

hi, we are going for the first time to california. am i right in assuming: use "nationwide debit flex card" for ATM cash. and our "abbey zero" for purchases? and there will be no charges, at least on the UK side?
is there a chance that usa ATM's can charge, if yes, is one notified prior using ? are there any we have to avoid? or is there somehing else to look out for?
thanks zk

SimbaSimon

zvonkokracun wrote: »

hi, we are going for the first time to california. am i right in assuming: use "nationwide debit flex card" for ATM cash. and our "abbey zero" for purchases? and there will be no charges, at least on the UK side?
is there a chance that usa ATM's can charge, if yes, is one notified prior using ? are there any we have to avoid? or is there somehing else to look out for?
thanks zk

Yeah using those cards are the cheapest way to go.

ATM's can charge similar to the UK. If its located in a hotel or an ATM in a shop then its likely to charge a few dollars. You can avoid the charge by looking out for cash machines at the local banks but even these occasionally will charge. Again, like the UK you are warned of the charge before hand. If its the only ATM near you sometimes its worth it, othertimes cross the road to the bank!

dzug1

Rather more ATMs than in the UK make a charge - it's the norm rather than the exception. Certain banks do not charge - somewhere here there's a thread on the subject of who does and who does not. If you seasrch you'll probably find it.

It will probably warn you - but I've been warned and not charged, so it's not foolproof.