Using Credit card abroad

sharktale

Hi all, am off to menorca in a few weeks and we booked the hotel direct, we pay when we get there but they take your credit card details when you book. The hotel is booked in euros, but I'm not sure what to do. I've given them details but I'll pay 2.75% conversion, should I apply for a nationwide credit card where they say 0%, or if the euro picks up should I buy a prepaid mastercard? I have been a nationwide customer for over 25 years. Any help appreciated. Thanks

NiftyDigits

You can use Revolut. You can open an account and have a virtual card in a couple of minutes.
If you have a Metro Bank near you, pop in and walk out with one of their debit cards and apply for their credit card. No charges in Europe.

lynnejk

I have had a nationwide cc for a few years for the same reasons.


If you get one now, remember to tell your hotel the new details so they don't use the one you have already given them.


You will then be able to purchase meals, tickets etc whilst away on holiday without having to take lots of paper money.


DON'T FORGET TO TELL THEM YOU WANT TO PAY IN EUROS - ALL TRANSACTIONS - ELSE YOU WILL BE CHARGED !!!


HTH
Lx

NiftyDigits

lynnejk wrote: »

I have had a nationwide cc for a few years for the same reasons.


If you get one now, remember to tell your hotel the new details so they don't use the one you have already given them.


You will then be able to purchase meals, tickets etc whilst away on holiday without having to take lots of paper money.


DON'T FORGET TO TELL THEM YOU WANT TO PAY IN EUROS - ALL TRANSACTIONS - ELSE YOU WILL BE CHARGED !!!


HTH
Lx

Yours is years old, so possibly a different card than the one available to the OP. Only the Select is currently fee free for purchases abroad.

greensalad

I have a Creation card. Used it recently for a trip and it's great.

zagfles

Bear in mind the CC charge quoted will be on the VISA/Mastercard rate which are pretty close to interbank. If you're one of the vast majority who change cash before going on holiday, you'll generally pay considerably more, maybe 3-6%, since they hide a markup of that sort of amount in the rate.

Having said that even 2.75% is worth avoiding with one of the cards mentioned above, or the Halifax Clarity.

sharktale

Thanks all, is it not worth the pre paid mastercard if the euro improves? I would only use the card for the hotel.

eDicky

sharktale wrote: »

Thanks all, is it not worth the pre paid mastercard if the euro improves? I would only use the card for the hotel.

It's not clear what you mean by "if the euro picks up" / "improves". It gains in value? Or its value decreases and you get more for your pounds?

Anyway, it has no relevance to what card you use. Just use those with the least (or zero) percentage spread from the perfect mid-market rate, as in the advice already given.

Your simplest solution for a single occasion is Revolut, you can convert to euros at any time before or when you make payment. But it's not worth trying to predict exchange rate movements unless you are a professional forex trader!

photome

sharktale wrote: »

Thanks all, is it not worth the pre paid mastercard if the euro improves? I would only use the card for the hotel.

Why would you only use it for the hotel

what are you using for spends

travellerboy

Read MoneySavingExpert advise on travel credit cards - best by far is Halifax Clarity Card.

NiftyDigits

travellerboy wrote: »

Read MoneySavingExpert advise on travel credit cards - best by far is Halifax Clarity Card.

Why is it better than the Creation Everyday?