Going abroad - what to use?

oxfordmark

Hello

I am off to Florida for 2 weeks in May and Australia for 4 weeks in Dec/Jan.

What credit card do you recommend to use that has the lowest charges. I was looking into the Travelex cash passport but the reviews were really bad.

What is the cheapest option to use for purchases while away? (Not cash withdrawals.)

dzug1

Metrobank, Post Office Mastercard, Nationwide Select, Halifax Clarity - all have zero charges on purchases provided you pay in full by the due date. Santander zero ditto - but I don't think new customers can get one.

virgo17

All the suggestions above are good. The only thing I would add is that for May you might be leaving it a bit late to apply, get accepted and receive the card and your PIN. If you can get to a Metrobank that would help.

When I applied for a Halifax Clarity card last year it took a total of five weeks from acceptance to receiving the card.

Might be worth ringing a few of the above mentioned card suppliers to check on time scale.

oxfordmark

Thanks, Do you reccomend the prepaid credit cards?

virgo17

I use a Caxton FX Euro card for cash withdrawals. I have a property in Spain so can afford to wait until the rate is good before loading the card.

I use the Halifax Clarity card or Nationwide Gold Visa for purchases as they are commission free and the rate is good.

As a last resort I have my Debit Card from my Spanish bank, but I only keep a very low balance in there unless some Direct Debits are due.

oxfordmark

I am not entitled to the Nationwide Select card as its not my main bank account.

The reviews about these prepaid credit cards are really bad.

Update: I have opted for the Halifax Clarity card.

dzug1

oxfordmark wrote: »

Thanks, Do you reccomend the prepaid credit cards?

The right prepaid cards are good - most of them are no better than taking cash costwise and worse for flexibility.

You are better off using a debit card from the right bank

virgo17

oxfordmark wrote: »

I am not entitled to the Nationwide Select card as its not my main bank account.

The reviews about these prepaid credit cards are really bad.

Update: I have opted for the Halifax Clarity card.

My Nationwide card is the original Gold Visa, not the Select card, but it still features commission free purchases at Visa rates.

You need to pick the correct prepaid card to suit your needs. I have used the Caxton FX Euro card for two years now and been satisfied

Assuming you have been approved, I would keep checking with Halifax to ensure they provide the card in time for you journey.

zagfles

oxfordmark wrote: »

I am not entitled to the Nationwide Select card as its not my main bank account.

The reviews about these prepaid credit cards are really bad.

Update: I have opted for the Halifax Clarity card.

Good choice. If you make any cash withdrawals, pay it off as soon as you get back off holiday (don't wait for the statement) to minimise interest.

Tell them a few days before you go abroad so they don't stop your card.

oxfordmark

zagfles wrote: »

Good choice. If you make any cash withdrawals, pay it off as soon as you get back off holiday (don't wait for the statement) to minimise interest.

Tell them a few days before you go abroad so they don't stop your card.

I asked them how long would i need to wait until i get the card, he said 3 weeks. We will see

lisyloo

Yes, do phone them.
It's not a guarantee it won't get stopped, but I recently didn't do it and had to spend £20 on the mobile calling from Asia. Just because you're abroad doesn't mean you don't have queue.