using credit card for overseas payment

TimmySaver

Hi,

I'd like to purchase some genealogy documents from the Netherlands. I've spoken to the department involved and have the costs of the items. However, as I've never made an overseas payment, I don't know what other costs/fees might be involved.

I'd really appreciate it if someone could give me a general overview?

Thanks for your time,

Tim

grumbler

TimmySaver wrote: »

...

I'd really appreciate it if someone could give me a general overview?

MSE article: Your Card's Overseas Charges

redux

It's straightforward, like any other transaction.

Most credit or debit cards charge the MasterCard or Visa official exchange rate for the day, plus an extra currency loading of up to 3%, though there are a few cards with zero loading. One or two banks' debit cards also charge a per transaction flat fee of £1.50 or so.

If the cost is relatively modest it's probably not worth the effort of getting a new account just to save a quid or two for one transaction, but if there may be more later or if you go abroad from time to time then you might look for a card without loading.

If you don't want to bother with a new credit card there are also prepaid debit cards for which you transfer money on in advance. Of these I'd choose Kalixa which has the best exchange rate.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

TimmySaver

Thank you both, the information you've given is really helpful.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

TimmySaver wrote: »

Thank you both, the information you've given is really helpful.

I've thanked this post for a couple of reasons.

• You clicked the buttons on the posts which gave you useful information.
• You took the trouble to say "Thanks" to them.

Very refreshing and I wish more people would remember. Happy genealogying