MSE Poll: What’s your main way of spending when abroad?

Former_MSE_Sam_M

Poll started 25 July 2017

What’s your main way of spending when abroad?

School’s out for summer and many of you will be heading abroad to catch some rays. We want to know your primary way of spending (including getting cash) when in foreign climes.

If you use a combination of methods, try to pick the one you use most often…

Click here to vote in the poll

Did you vote? Are you surprised at the results so far? Have your say below. To see the results from last time, click here.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Thanks!


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NineDeuce

I pay with potatoes....

Wizard_of_Id

What's the difference between a specialist travel credit card and a standard credit card?

I use a credit card that doesn't charge anything for currency transactions worldwide (Saga) but I don't call that a specialist card as I use it at home as well.

Ian_from_London

As a VERY regular overseas traveller I would be kerchinged bigtime for ATM withdrawals abroad if it was not for the "specialist" Free Debit Cards. So although appreciating the Banks need to cream off something for their trouble, I challenge MSE with its clout to negotiate a Card in ATM, money out Free or reduced charges world wide Account linked [not Pre Paid] Debit Card deal as opposed to the App based [Starling Bank] recently launched ready for us oldies who don't use these things as N&P are closing their Current Account and Nationwide are upping theirs to £13 a month on those that give Free World Wide ATM use. Good Luck.....

lkmc01

what about the answer - I don't pay anything, its all inclusive

onesixfive

See my link from earlier this month....

My friend and I used approved cards to draw cash in Crete from cash point
Beware of the extra question - asks something like do you want our approved rate !
On first unguarded use mistakenly answered yes and was given 1.02 to £
Second time said no didn't want approved rates
It basically tries to say you risk the rate you get - twice - then you don't get rate on slip.
But on checking online banking the following day I got 1.13 to £ !
If drawing large sums this can make huge difference
BEWARE

apparently it was Dynamic Cash Conversion (DCC)

Not sure what dynamic conversion is
But I do know that I felt I was taking a risk
But in fact I was actually getting a much better conversion rate
Albeit I couldn't tell the rate until I checked online the day after
Plus I felt the wording of the cash points are lead you to accept the unacceptable low rates

happyinflorida

Last holiday I went on to USA, Florida, Orlando - Walt Disney World Had enormous problems using my credit or debit cards, had to keep getting cash out from my debit card through an ATM in the hotel lobby as no banks nearby at all?!! No banks at any malls we went to either.

Was really fed up - cost us £1.50 every time we used our debit card but had to use it as kept running out of money.

Pjollop

The option I use is not listed in the answers. I always take cash in £50 notes in a money belt secured under my trousers and change that in destination at the many exchange desks and banks that give better exchange rates than any other option.

PompeyPete

Pjollop wrote: »

The option I use is not listed in the answers. I always take cash in £50 notes in a money belt secured under my trousers and change that in destination at the many exchange desks and banks that give better exchange rates than any other option.

Same here.....£50 and £20, always in v.good condition, no rips or biro marks.

I wear a lightweight cotton gilet, loads of pockets, including zipped inside pockets ideal for carrying money. Never felt ill at ease.

snozdop

What about:

Cash - withdrawn from a foreign ATM using a credit card with no foreign cash advance fees. (Halifax Clarity)