Currency for holidaying in France

madaminx

Hi All

Going to Lagrasse in the Languedoc region of France for a week in September, can't wait.

I am trying to suss out how much spending money but not sure what the cost of living is in the area we are going to.

Thinking perhaps £2-300 (euros). Any idea where you can find out cost of living / holidaying in a particular region?

Also best way to do foreign exchange, I bank with Nationwide so perhaps just bring my Nationwide card? Advice grateful for.

Thanks

Carol

benjus

The Nationwide card used to be the best in the business for use abroad. Nowadays it's not great (although better than most).

Have a look at: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

Summary: Get a Halifax Clarity credit card and/or Metro Bank debit card, if possible.

Gloomendoom

We spent a couple of weeks in the Languedoc region a couple of years ago. We found eating out more expensive than we are used to in the UK. Supermarkets prices also seemed higher for similar items too.

As for 'spending money', it would really depend on what you plan to spend it on.

budgetflyer

2-300 Euro ? is that per person? I dont think thats much unless you just eat in every night

madaminx

budgetflyer wrote: »

2-300 Euro ? is that per person? I dont think thats much unless you just eat in every night

Thanks.

Yes was thinking 2-300 euro per person, is that not enough. I'm not planning on shopping just getting supplies, few day trips not eating out every night.

What do you think?

Thanks

C

madaminx

Thanks again for all replies, any advise on prepay travel cards, this would be my preference.

Thanks

Carol

benjus

madaminx wrote: »

Thanks again for all replies, any advise on prepay travel cards, this would be my preference.

Thanks

Carol

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/62201051#Comment_62201051

It may seem counter-intuitive, but EUR prepaid cards actually work out more expensive than the Kalixa card (which is GBP-denominated).

madaminx

Thanks will check it out. I've applied for the Halifax Clarity card, for some reason I thought I could transfer funds into the card to make a positive balance as I don't particularly want to run a debt however they have advised me against this - why would they advise against this? Is this so that they can earn interest on it or is there any other reason?

Thanks

Carol

benjus

madaminx wrote: »

Thanks will check it out. I've applied for the Halifax Clarity card, for some reason I thought I could transfer funds into the card to make a positive balance as I don't particularly want to run a debt however they have advised me against this - why would they advise against this? Is this so that they can earn interest on it or is there any other reason?

Thanks

Carol

Not sure why, but it's pretty standard with credit cards... maybe something to do with the legal status of credit cards compared with bank accounts, but really don't know.

You're only away for a week - if you transfer the money over to the credit card as soon as you get back, the amount of interest charged will be minimal.

Gloomendoom

madaminx wrote: »

Thanks will check it out. I've applied for the Halifax Clarity card, for some reason I thought I could transfer funds into the card to make a positive balance as I don't particularly want to run a debt however they have advised me against this - why would they advise against this? Is this so that they can earn interest on it or is there any other reason?

Thanks

Carol

Pay off the outstanding balance as soon as you get home. You are only away for a week, the interest charged will be pennies.