Pay in euros using debit card - what will Halifax charge me in Pounds?

Annabelle_

I want to pay a hotel directly for a stay in Italy so they are charging me in Euros of course (around 100 Euro per night). If I pay with my Halifax debit card does anyone know what I would actually end up paying in pounds?

Havn't been able to find anything about this on the website so excuse me if I'm being thick but it only mentioned international payments from bank to bank which this is not.

Is there a rate and then a fee? - please help...

noh

There is a rate which is the Visa rate on the day the payment is processed.
There is also a fee which in the case of Halifax is 2.75% plus £1.50.

Visa exchange rate calculator here (put 2.75% in conversion fee box):-
http://www2.visaeurope.com/fxcalculator/main.jsp

Halifax fees and charges here (at the bottom of page):-
http://www.halifax.co.uk/bankaccounts/account-fees-and-reward-payments.asp

"Buying goods and services in a foreign currency
When you use your debit card abroad to pay for goods and services, or to withdraw cash at cash machines, the exchange rate we use will be the Visa Reference Exchange Rate. We will charge a conversion fee of 2.75% of the amount of the transaction and a fee of £1.50 for each payment."

serena90

Hi Annabell, and thanks noh for that information.

I did something similar this morning; I haven't checked the actual rate yet , but I used my First Direct Visa Debit card to pay 1114 euros to a Travel Agency in Greeceand I've been debited £948. A word of warning though, if you haven't already carried out the transaction. My first attempt at paying online was declined. Seconds later, I received a call from HSBC's Fraud Department, wanting to know if 'd just been trying to make a large international transaction. This was despite using 'Verified by Visa' (possibly because it took two attempts to get my password right! )Anyway, the operator apologised and reset my card immediately. I then re-sent the payment which went through immediately. The lady in Greece who I was trying to pay said not to worry because it happens all the time! It is good to know that First Direct/HSBC are keeping an eye on things I suppose, but it did start a minor flap and they did contact me immediately they flagged up attempted transaction.

I just though I'd share this-it's slightly off-topic but it's worthwhile noting that it could happen .

magpiecottage

It may be too late for you but the Nationwide FlexAccount Debit card will only charge you at the prevailing VISA exchange rate for Euros with no commission. Credit Card transactions are the same (though with cash advance fees).

If it is still some time before you go then you may want to get these set up ready.