Using a debit card abroad

Ballard

I seem to have caused a minor kerfufle and annoyed one or two posters. That was not my intention. The whole point of this thread was to show that if you're daft, as I was, you could end up paying more than you'd like to withdraw funds abroad.

I personally think that the benefits in using an ATM abroad are worth the fee that I was charged by Santander but not that by First Direct. I was lucky to get the refund from First Direct and won't use their card abroad again. Using an ATM is far easier and safer than carrying three week's worth of cash (which is often bulky in some countries due to the low denominations). It's been many years since I used travellers cheques as they are often cumbersome to exchange and aren't particularly cheap. I'm not even sure if they're still around.

I once forgot my pin in Ho Chi Minh City and was down to my last attempt before it came back into my mind. That was scary but other than that it's worked well for me.

I appreciate the advice about other cards but I don't personally feel that it's worthwhile for the relatively small saving.

mgdavid

Ballard wrote: »

For several years I've been using debit cards whilst abroad as I often go travelling .........

Ballard wrote: »

....I go on holiday a couple of times a year at most......

so which is it?

Ballard

mgdavid wrote: »

so which is it?

Being as it's important for you...

I work full time so I consider going travelling once or twice a year as 'often'. I am unable to take any more time off work. Sincere appologies for any offence that I've caused you.

[Deleted User]

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Ballard

ciaccino wrote: »

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That's very interesting. I've registered my interest, thanks.

Penelopa.Pitstop

I just came back from Korea and I was unable to withdraw cash from any ATM. I tried Nationwide and Lloyds cards and I got the same error. I called Nationwide and transaction wasn't hitting the card at all, they failed at cash machine.

I read a bit more about it and it seems to be known issue. I tried ATMs in convenience stores, subway stations and banks and none worked for me. In the end I exchange some USD and CHF I took just in case.

Just a bit of warning for other people travelling there. I use my Nationwide debit card abroad a lot and never had such problem. Credit card worked without any problem but some places accept cash only, for example subway system.