Halifax clarity the most cost effective way of spending abroad? (Hong Kong)

Diamond_Dude

Hi looking for a bit of help on my parents behalf. They are soon going to Hong Kong and have asked me to help them find a good method of spending money over there/buying currency. I think the best way appears to be the Halifax Clarity Card (seems even better than taking currency). They will be taking some cash too, not decided where to buy that from yet (online prices seem good but then seem to get hit with fee's for buying currency online with a card/even BACS apparently).

So, would you agree that this card appears to offer the best rate for this purpose? Not doing any cash withdrawals abroad. Also, if anyone has used this card in Hong Kong it would be great to see how you got on with it - if most places accept it etc. Finally are there are charges I should know about/how to minimise interest on the cash spent over there (is this applicable if not withdrawing cash?).

Thanks a lot for the help, apologies for the amount of questions.

grumbler

Diamond_Dude wrote: »

They will be taking some cash too, not decided where to buy that from yet (online prices seem good but then seem to get hit with fee's for buying currency online with a card/even BACS apparently).

Not necessarily. I see 12.83 without fees: http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/holiday-money/hong%20kong%20dollars/delivery/weeks/200-pounds-worth#results

So, would you agree that this card appears to offer the best rate for this purpose?

It's a known fact that doesn't need any confirmation.

Not doing any cash withdrawals abroad.

Why? It's good for cash too if the ATM doesn't charge.

Finally are there are charges I should know about/how to minimise interest on the cash spent over there (is this applicable if not withdrawing cash?).

No withdrawals - no interest - if you pay the balance in full. For withdrawals just divide your APR by 12 to get the approximate monthly interest. Typical one is ~1%, i.e. very small - less than you pay for getting currency in UK. And you can make it next to zero by making extra payments to the CC before the due date.

Diamond_Dude

Thanks grumbler for taking the time to reply, very helpful.

grumbler

Always have backup(s).

matty_544

regular traveller to HK.

Last visit Dec 13 was the first time i used my clarity card over there,

Can clearly remember using it twice over there for large amounts, once in the Apple store and at a restaurant for a meal for 10 ppl.

No problems with it being accepted over there. Sometimes you may have to sign rather than chip and pin.

Diamond_Dude

Thanks grumbler and matty_544. Fortunately they have some currency from when they went before so I am thinking of suggesting they take that (which will see them through the first few days) and then paying for what they can on the card and withdrawing cash from an ATM that hopefully doesn't charge any fees/foreigners fees. To matty, do you recall if you used the card to withdraw money over there? Would be interesting to see if anyone has any experience with that too .

grumbler

Diamond_Dude wrote: »

...ATM that hopefully doesn't charge any fees/foreigners fees. ....

AFAIK, some ATMs can offer to charge you in ££, that you have to reject. So can some shops. If you have never heard of Dynamic Currency Conversion, have a read of Matin's blogs:
Using plastic overseas? Always PAY IN ...
Spanish cash machine gave me more info than I’d bargained for…

Also, this MSE article:
Going on holiday? How to maximise the value of the pounded pound

matty_544

Sorry only used an ATM over there whilst using my local HSBC debit card. But i dont see there being any problems. HSBC is the big bank over there, and all machines were available in English.

chattychappy

I've used Santander ZERO and Barclaycard in Hong Kong. Don't remember any local fees being levied nor being invited to be charged in UK pounds. Just put the card in, chose the amount of HK$ to withdraw and hey presto.

They should pick up an Octopus card if planning to travel on the MTR. They can get it at the airport and load it for use on the Airport Express. There is a helpful desk for tourists who can sell you one, though from memory they don't take credit cards there (willing to stand corrected).

philby79

I am thinking about applying for one of these cards for use on holiday but I already have a halifax CC that i used for a balance transfer. Will i automatically be declined if i already have a Halifax credit card?

guesswho2000

philby79 wrote: »

I am thinking about applying for one of these cards for use on holiday but I already have a halifax CC that i used for a balance transfer. Will i automatically be declined if i already have a Halifax credit card?

Some have reported success with applying for a Clarity while holding another Halifax CC, but IIRC their official stance is one Halifax CC per customer.

You could always call them up and see if they'll switch your existing card to the Clarity, perhaps?