Credit Cards Abroad

pinpong

Hi guys,

I am going abroad in the next couple of weeks & have a quick question.
Is it best to take a Credit Card with me for backup funds, or a debit?
I'm thinking Credit Card as I'd have more protection on that??
My card is a Asda (Santander) card if that helps.

As I say its just for use in a emergency as we'll be taking €'s with us.

Cheers

jonesMUFCforever

I would take all kinds of cards to be honest (keeping them in different places of course).

pinpong

well I only have a debit & a credit card.

jonesMUFCforever

Then take them both but keep them separately in case you lose one.

pinpong

it was more if im protected more on my credit card or my debit?

dzug1

Protected in what way?

Usual advice is use credit card for purchases (usually cheaper than taking cash) and debit card to get cash out of an ATM. (no cash advance charges, no interest)

But if you read the currency section in overseas travel you'll find there are endless complications as to what is 'best'

lisyloo

As I say its just for use in a emergency as we'll be taking €'s with us.

What commission rate are you paying on your Euros.
You may well find that using a debit/credit card at an ATM is cheaper, plus you don't have to carry lots of cash around with you.

I am using the Halifax Clarity credit card for cash withdrawals.
There are no fees and the interest is 12.9%, which is about 0.5% if you pay it off when you get back from your 2 week holiday.
I think this is almost certainly cheaper than the commission you'll pau on changing your money here.

In my opinion carrying cash around with you is a greater risk that the other protection you mention.
What protection are you looking for?
Personally I would not buy the kind of items (electrical goods?) that are likely to have warranty issues abraod.
So what problems is it you forsee.
The normal things you buy on holiday - like paying for hotels, food, drinks etc. do not need protection with a warranty and cannot get stolen or suffer from non-delivery, so perhaps you can explain what protection it is you perecive you need.