Which method of payment when I pay abroad...

simonkirkland

Hi all,

I have read Martins article on spending whilst abroad but it does't mention any of the cards that I have (and I don't have the time to apply for new ones).

I am going to France skiing in the next couple of weeks and know I am going to spend a large amount of euros on buying liftpasses (12 peoples worth = >£2000) and would like to know the most cost effective way of buying these.

The cards I have available are Barclaycard, AMEX (Blue), HSBC debit and credit, A+L debit, EGG credit, halifax one credit, mbna credit.

If anyone can list these in a best buy order with the amounts they charge that would be great as my dad is also in the same predicament but has a smaller choice (Barclaycard or HSBC and possibly some others)

I've previously used my barclaycard to pay for these and with them I get a very good exchange rate but they do charge a commision fee (which shows on my statement as a seperate entity) although it seems to work out reasonable overall.

Many thanks

Simon

zx2011

HSBC Credit Card (Gold) 2.25%
Egg 2.65%
American Express(Blue) 2.73%
A&L 2.75%
Barclaycard charges 2.75%
Halifax 2.75%
HSBC Credit Card (non Gold) 2.75%
HSBC Debit Card (Maestro) 2.75%
MBNA 2.75%

Your card might be different from what I have just checked with.

I suggest that you check with your card's provider to check their charges for your specific card.

newfoundglory

Yes, the HSBC gold looks the best in that list given you are spending quite a lot.

Might be a good idea to use a mix of cash and cards. It is probably worth taking more cash with you if you can find good exchange rates so shop around (especially if you can divide up the cash between a number of people) - using ATMs while you are there would probably be expensive with the cards you have. If you buy foreign currency before you leave, be wary of using Visa debit cards to buy currency when you are not at your own bank. Such transactions are processed through the visa network and will cost you are fee (unless your bank will pay this - unlikely, so check first). Banks rarely offer good over-the-counter rates...Switch debit cards use to be okay on fees for buying currency anywhere, but since its now Maestro I don't know if this has changed... maybe someone around here does?