Paying by card = euros or sterling?

shudd1967

Now I have seen this on the thread before...but do you think I can find it!!

If I pay by card abroad (Eurozone) or take money out of an ATM I know I get asked if I want to pay in Euros or Sterling, which one do I choose? I would be using the (previously brilliant) nationwide debit card.

Many thanks

antenna

Dynamic Currency Conversion........avoid at all costs..........google is your friend.

silvermaid

Hi Shudd
We are taking a 30 day euro account card to use for petrol, restaurants etc.
Any money left on the card will be reimbursed in sterling.
HTH

stilltheone

shudd1967 wrote: »

Now I have seen this on the thread before...but do you think I can find it!!

If I pay by card abroad (Eurozone) or take money out of an ATM I know I get asked if I want to pay in Euros or Sterling, which one do I choose? I would be using the (previously brilliant) nationwide debit card.

Many thanks

You should always choose the local currency, as opposed to your home currency.

antenna

So,you have a sterling credit/debit card and the bill (in spain) is in euros....will they ask you if you would like to pay in euros/pounds........i am confused.com
I have never paid for a service while in spain with a uk debit/credit card,i always use cash.

antenna

silvermaid wrote: »

Hi Shudd
We are taking a 30 day euro account card to use for petrol, restaurants etc.
Any money left on the card will be reimbursed in sterling.
HTH

Seems like the possible pound to euro and then back to pound double conversions could be expensive

shudd1967

Yes whenever you draw money from an atm or pay by card you are always given the option. I do remember being told which currency to choose and pretty sure it was Euros as its more favourable to me when the coversion is being done and charges etc......just need to be sure it is that way around!!

stinky84

Yes, always take the euro option as with your Nationwide card you will be given the full bank rate less the comission they now charge which will be a far better one than the ATM or credit card company will give you for their "0% commision" deal.
We always used the Nationwide debit card until they started charging but now use the Halifax Clarity Mastercard where last trip abroad (June this year) all purchases were at the normal bank rate with no commision, around €1.12 / £ and we took €300 cash from an ATM which cost us £1.25 in interest so worked out a fair bit cheaper than Nationwide is now.
A bit of a pain paying all the restaurant bill and bits from the supermarket with the card but works out cheaper in the end.

FluffyFiFi

I thought you always took the Euro option so you're bank can do the conversion. Otherwise the local company can give you whatever rate they want.