Advice re using Vanquis abroad

Skylark9999

Hi
We are going for a short well needed break and will reluctantly need to use our Vanquis credit card. My question is, is it wise to use the card abroad? If we want to use it say to pay the hotel in Euros, will Vanquis charge us exorbitant fees in conversion, etc? I'm sure I heard it is best to use a credit card when overseas but knowing Vanquis and their charges, want to be sure we are doing the right thing.
We unfortunately need to use it as money is tight.
Many thanks,

YorkshireBoy

Skylark9999 wrote: »

is it wise to use the card abroad?

It's not unwise! I use my cards regularly abroad.

If we want to use it say to pay the hotel in Euros, will Vanquis charge us exorbitant fees in conversion, etc?

The conversion fees are shown in your T&Cs (and the Vanquis website if you don't have your T&Cs to hand). Personally I think they're too high so I always use a card with zero conversion fees.

Re the hotel, if they swipe a 'pre-auth' on arrival it may swallow up a large part of your available credit so could limit your spending on other things whilst there.

Skylark9999

Thanks YorkshireBoy. Unfortunately we have no choice as don't think we would be accepted for another card due to a blip on our credit file.

YorkshireBoy

Did you take a look at the conversion fee? What is it?

Skylark9999

"We will charge a fee of 2.99% of the amount of any non-sterling transaction made abroad"
that's all I can see so hopefully that will be all!

YorkshireBoy

Be sure to pay in local currency...not Sterling...when you're offered the choice. If you're not offered the choice, insist on local currency before entering your PIN/signing.

That way you'll avoid the (up to) 6% dynamic currency charge (DCC).

Skylark9999

Thank you, much appreciate the advice

snelmark

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

If you're not offered the choice, insist on local currency before entering your PIN/signing.

That way you'll avoid the (up to) 6% dynamic currency charge (DCC).

Good advice but just found (in Spain) that although the amount was in Euros on the screen before I put the PIN in, the final amount had been billed in pounds. (Yes I protested. Strongly.)

Kayleigh09

I am planning on going to the States and considering using my Vanquis card. I am planning on just going over there and pulling out a lump sum and then not touching my card again. I am hoping that this wont have too much of a sting as I hoping to have just one payment coming out??

reclusive46

It's probably 2.99% or less. Thats £29 for every grand. Not really that bad considering the exchange rate is normally better anyway so in reality its probably about a 1% fee.

Kayleigh09

Sounds good. I don't need a lot,I already have some money, I just need it for a little extra cash when I am there (if I need it). I shall stick to doing that then. Thanks for your reply.