MSE News: Avoid hidden holiday charges 18 June 2010 at 3:37PM in Flights, Currency & Car Hire 2 replies 1.4K views

Former_MSE_Natasha

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"New research from MoneySavingExpert has revealed stealth charges can add £100s to holiday costs..."

Read the full story:

Avoid hidden holiday charges

redpola

It might not suit everyone but I've recently made an arrangement with a friendly ex-pat. She regularly visits England, and I regularly visit her city in Europe. We now change each other's money for whatever google says the exchange rate is, avoiding poor rates and charges both ways.

WishI'dReadSooner

One important point missed. If you use ANY debit card abroad (even the best) at a 'hole in the wall' make sure you don't allow the bank issueing the money to bill you in sterling. This can give you 5% or more less money as they use dismal exchange rates & charge you to do this ON TOP of what your card charges. You could end up with 10% less money (or more) using the wrong card & opting to let the foreign bank use their exchange rates. Spanish banks seem notorious for doing this.

In the US many banks charge a fee when you use your card (any card) to withdraw. However some don't charge any fee. I'm sure someone will be along that can tell you which ones don't charge. I seem to remember Bank of America is free - but will be glad to be corrected if I'm wrong.