credit card or euro's?

greenclover35

I am going to spain next month, the hotel needs to be paid when we arrive, should I pay in euro's or on my Aqua Credit Card?
thank you

bigadaj

I would pay on credit card if your limit is sufficient, as a purchase it shouldn't cost you, just check if the hotel adds a surcharge, even if the do it still might be worth t.

guesswho2000

You'll also almost certainly get a better exchange rate from the credit card than you did for the euros you changed up in advance (assuming Aqua use the Mastercard exchange rate)...however the APR being horrendous I assume you'll be clearing it in full when you get back, meaning you get charged no interest

lisyloo

Exchange rate is almost certainly better on your credit card.
Also avoids te risk of carrying lots of cash.

zagfles

If it's the new Aqua Reward card it's a no-brainer. 3% cashback and no exchange rate markup, compared to buying cash at probably a 4-5% markup?

Make certain the hotel DOES NOT convert the currency to GBP. When you hand the card over tell them to charge it in Euros. Some retailers will rip you off by converting the currency at an unfavourable rate (known as Dynamic Currency Conversion).

lisyloo

DCC is around 4% IME.
Make sure you pay in local currency and get it converted by your credit card company.
If you let hotels, restaurants and shops do the conversion they will charge you more.

You need to have your wits about you because some of the waitresses, shop assistants will be unaware.