Withdrawing Euros in Calais or Folkestone?

sazzywoo1

I have a Halifax Clarity Card and want to use it to withdraw approx £150 cash - in Euros. Do I have to wait to get to Calais and if so, where can I withdraw the cash. Or, can I withdraw Euros from a cash machine on this side in Folkestone. Thank you.

zagfles

If there are Euro cash machines in Folkstone they're likely to be the rip-off type which charge in GBP and convert the currency at a rubbish rate.

Best waiting till you get to Calais. Why do you need Euros in Folkstone?

benjus

I think there are Euro cash machines in Folkestone, but if you use them with a Clarity card I think they will probably force you to convert to GBP at the cash machine's rate.

Wait until Calais. There are cash machines at the Cite Europe shopping centre just next to the Eurotunnel terminal. Or you can probably stop somewhere like a motorway service area - which way are you heading out of Calais?

warwicktiger

DEfinitely in Calais, I travel frequently, and any machine on the "wrong" side of the channel is a rip off. If you know you will need Euros on arrival in Calais then buy beforehand from a competitive bank or travel agent

sazzywoo1

Was just trying to be organised and get them before heading off from Calais. Heading to Saint-Witz, so sat nav is advising A1. Wanting some cash for tolls and also ice-creams and minor expenditure whilst away. Will be using credit card for all other purchases. Thank you for your advice.

sazzywoo1

Just looked it up on a map - brilliant, 10 minutes drive so will definitely do that. Thank you so much.

warwicktiger

Peage booths in France will accept VISA or Mastercard credit cards.

PeacefulWaters

Pay the tolls with the card as a purchase. Then you're not paying little bits of interest on cash withdrawals.

zagfles

warwicktiger wrote: »

Peage booths in France will accept VISA or Mastercard credit cards.

Yes and it's much quicker to pay by card - shorter queues in the card lanes. You don't need to enter your PIN just swipe and go.

chappers11

Hi

I use a clarity card just for foreign travel and pre-load with my expected spend so that it has a positive balance (eg pay in £500 before i travel) and that way the withdrawls dont trigger any charges...and if you dont spend that much, use it in the UK for normal spending - you cant lose!

eDicky

chappers11 wrote: »

- you cant lose!

- Unless they return the funds and cancel your account for violating the T&Cs.