Best way of spending down South

kah22

Will be down South a few days next week and I'm just wondering what's the best way to pay for good/services now that the £ is going up and down with Brexit.
Withdraw what I think I'll need from Hole In The Wall and just work with cash. I'm thinking of bank charges and exchange rates
Pay by Credit/Debit Card where possible e.g. The likes of Hotel / Restaurant Bills. Say in excess of €100 by Debit Card. Do you get rate on day or do the business set their own rate?
Any money saving tips welcomed

Kevin

ballyblack

Credit card usually gets the best rate & also protection for goods & services.

ripplyuk

I'd use a credit card.

I read once that you should pay in the currency of the country you're in, so when they ask if you'd like to pay in Euro's or Sterling, I'd say Euro.

I read this advice years ago so I've no idea if it's still relevant.

kah22

Come to think of it ripplyuk I recall hearing that same advice way back. Probably on the Forums

Milko

Always pay in the countries own currency


Depending on your bank or bs, you may incur charges on each transaction ... could work out costly if spending regularly but small amounts (fuel, coffee shops, restaurants etc...)


Set yourself a budget, lift the euros here & spend only what you have

kah22

BoI Debit/Credit Card + M&S Credit Card and Apple Pay

Milko

Not sure on Apple pay but I know both BOI & M&S will charge (I have the same cards)


Also, if you're not a frequent traveller it's probably best to inform both that you plan to use your card outside the UK as it may flag up their fraud alert & stop transactions

JulieElizabeth

zero foreign transaction credit card like Halifax clarity or Santander zero is the way to go

kah22

Milko wrote: »

Not sure on Apple pay but I know both BOI & M&S will charge (I have the same cards)

They don't miss a turn, do they 😖

BigAl94

Either a preload card from Revolut or a Monzo card- no transaction charges and current market rate applied.

https://revolut.com/

https://monzo.com/

kah22

BigAl94 wrote: »

Either a preload card from Revolut or a Monzo card- no transaction charges and current market rate applied.

https://revolut.com/

https://monzo.com/

Thanks, that never crossed my mind. A bit late for this trip but worth looking into 🤓