Spending Overseas: The cheapest way to pay Article Discussion Area

5starslfc

I am going to spain on the 1st July for 2 weeks, which is next tuesday. I have not yet decided the best way to spend money when I get there. Should I exchange my money here in england, over in spain or get a Flexaccount Visa Debit card? I realise that the Flexaccount Visa Debit card may not be an option as I may not get it in time.

I have read through the spending overseas article as well and I have a query about it. What is the cash withdrawal interest rate? I understand all the other charges, but can somebody please explain this one to me . Thank you for your time.

jane22

5starslfc -

Interest charge on the Flexaccount visa debit card? There is none. It's a debit card - you're withdrawing cash in your current account, not on credit. They dont' charge you interest for withdrawing your own cash!

5starslfc

jane22 wrote: »

5starslfc -

Interest charge on the Flexaccount visa debit card? There is none. It's a debit card - you're withdrawing cash in your current account, not on credit. They dont' charge you interest for withdrawing your own cash!

Ahhh ok, I got confused after reading about all the top credit cards . So I just put whatever amount I need in my account and go on holiday and spend money as if I'm in England. Do you think if I apply for one today I will everything (Card, Pin etc.) by the 31st of June? Thanks for your help :beer:

jane22

There are only 30 days in June!

I applied in a branch last Saturday. My card arrived yesterday but my PIN is not here yet. They said to allow 10 working days for the card to arrive but mine actually only took 5. I wouldn't rely on it arriving in 5 though.

If I were you I would go into a branch as soon as possible - if your application is approved today, you might just get it all in time.

5starslfc

jane22 wrote: »

There are only 30 days in June!

I applied in a branch last Saturday. My card arrived yesterday but my PIN is not here yet. They said to allow 10 working days for the card to arrive but mine actually only took 5. I wouldn't rely on it arriving in 5 though.

If I were you I would go into a branch as soon as possible - if your application is approved today, you might just get it all in time.

I think I might stop posting as I'm looking more stupid with every post . Ok, I'll go into town today and apply, I will ask when they think I might receive everything by. Going back to my previous question, as there is no charges on anything overseas with this card, can I spend money in Spain as if I were in the U.K.? i.e. Use ATM's, pay on my card etc. withouth worrying about charges?

jmw20

Can someone please confirm if I have this correct or not. The Egg money card charges no fees for cash withdrawals abroad and then interest at 7.9%. Is this not far better than any other credit card?

pedroandjen

it's too late to get any new cards, so is my best option to take cash or use my a & l debit card to withdraw cash in the resort and use m & s c/c for meals etc or buy a preload card, or does anyone have any other suggestions?


cheers.

djm1972

Just a quick note for anybody scanning this thread before going on holiday...

Don't forget to haggle over your exchange rate at any high street "Bureau de Change"! They're pretty much all "commission free" these days (they make their profit on the exchange rate and buy/sell spread) but I noticed that M&S were offering the best Euro rate this-morning (1.219) however our local M&S doesn't have a foreign exchange counter. I popped into Thomas Cook and asked if their rate was negotiable, they asked what I had been quoted elsewhere and then agreed to match the M&S rate.

tight_so_tight

Does any one have any experience of the Thomas Cook Cash Passport (basically a pre loaded debit card) and is it as good a deal as it appears to my novice eye:question:

5starslfc

Has anybody used ''international currency exchange'' before and if so are they reliable? On their website it says if you order before 3pm then next day delivery is guaranteed. I don't know whether to use international currency exchange or use Travelex and pick up my Euros up at the Airport.