Cards for Abroad

dggar

chattychappy wrote: »

Not easy if you have just eaten a meal or are checking out of a hotel. Also, in Spain I've had an experience where the machine shows the local currency against which you enter your PIN. The seller takes back the machine and can then choose the currency.
:

I'm surprised that a seller can make any amendment after the pin has been entered and registered.

bigadaj

dggar wrote: »

I'm surprised that a seller can make any amendment after the pin has been entered and registered.

It is surprising but I had this when paying a hotel bill in Spain.

zagfles

dggar wrote: »

I'm surprised that a seller can make any amendment after the pin has been entered and registered.

It's basically fraud. Like altering the amount of a cheque after you've signed it. You authorised (eg) a payment of EUR 500, not (eg) GBP 400, so they have no right whatsoever to charge you GBP 400.

Always state you want to be charged in the EUR (or whatever local currency) when handing your card over.
Always check the PIN pad, refuse to enter your PIN if they've converted the currency.
Always check your receipt carefully - if GBP is anywhere on the receipt (sometimes it's in small print after EUR in large print), then DCC has been applied, demand a refund or contact your bank and report the fraud (banks have a chargeback code for "wrong currency").

adindas

grumbler wrote: »

Well, Europe is 'abroad', but 'abroad' isn't Europe only.
In Toronto airport only one out of three different ATMs didn't charge.
In San Jose (Costa Rica) it took me a while to find a free one.

What is your method to easily find the Bank ATM which did not charge for the use of their ATM.?

I have not found any best way apart form trying it directly and see if there is a warning on the screen regarding charges. In some countries like Indonesia, Thailand they even never warn you that there is a charge of using their ATM.

Do you have any better method to spot the Bank ATM which does not charge for using the ATM ??

grumbler

adindas wrote: »

Do you have any better method to spot the Bank ATM which does not charge for using the ATM ??

Nope...........

grumbler

chattychappy wrote: »

Agree. Also, it would only avoid the interest, not "all charges".

Most cards load the exchange rate by 3% and will charge a cash advance fee. These would be applied even if the account is in credit.

The question was about "the travel credit cards" that presumably, at least, don't load the exchange rate.

eDicky

adindas wrote: »

In some countries like Indonesia, Thailand they even never warn you that there is a charge of using their ATM.

I wouldn't say 'never', because I have never been charged without warning by an ATM in those countries.

bibirella

Santander is a good company! but maybe take a prepaid one.. so you won't use too much money or better written have it more under control!

chattychappy

bibirella wrote: »

Santander is a good company! but maybe take a prepaid one.. so you won't use too much money or better written have it more under control!

For those that have it, Santander Zero is a great credit card, with the same deal as Halifax Clarity - no loading, no charges on ATM withdrawals (except interest from date of withdrawal). Unfortunately it doesn't appear to be available to newcomers.

adindas

I remember someone here is mentioning about Travelex Cash Machines’ in London Heathrow which work exactly the same as if you were withdrawing Euro In Eurozone countries.

Do you mind to provide details the location of this cash machines. The cash machines which are before the departure gate, so you could withdraw euro even without flight booking.
Thanks