Warning Payment by Card!!!!!!!!!!

grumble_100

Gutted-wish I'd read this topic before I went to Gran Canaria last week. I have gone to a gread deal of effort to obtain the best Credit card for spending abroad (Halifax clarity) and am very money saving concious. I paid my hotel Bill(drinks etc) before leaving this morning and after entering my pin noted that the printout said "I have chosen not to use the Mastercard currency conversion process.....". I was not offered any option and it was not mentioned at all. I am surprised athat a 5 star hotel is not complying with the rules. This also happened on a local trip at the island a few days earlier.
I'm really dissaponted and feel as though I have been ripped off.

gnasher18us

ferf1223 wrote: »

In general, the merchant gives you the choice - pay in local currency, or in GBP...if you pay in local currency - your bank/card provider determinds the exchange rate...if you pay in GBP, the merchant determines the exchange rate (and it will be in their favour - the conversion to GBP will mean you will pay more in GBP than you would if you paid in local currency and your bank/card provider set the exchange rate).

As a rule - if you are offered the option, you want to pay in local currency.

Unfortunately, it sounds as if some merchants are sneaky.

I totally agree. You always pay in Local Currency if offered.

If this isn't offered, the payment should be in local currency.

I use the Halifax Clarity card - free for withdrawals, and a good exchange rate on both purchases and cash withdrawals (the proper exchange rate as date of purchase).

You just need to bear in mind that if you are withdrawing cash, you pay interest from the date of withdrawl, and receive no interest free period.

Transactions are just the same as in the UK. Brilliant! :dance:

gnasher18us

grother1 wrote: »

Gutted-wish I'd read this topic before I went to Gran Canaria last week. I have gone to a gread deal of effort to obtain the best Credit card for spending abroad (Halifax clarity)

...Just put this problem down to experience, and check for it next time.

At least you'll get your fiver for spending over £300 - little consollation I know.

Halifax Clarity is a brilliant credit card for overseas. :T

looptip

I have used my debit card all over the world without trouble, so I think that is a sweeping generalisation.