Clarity, 300 euros 298 sterling

keasy

I'm in Alcudia Majorca, just tried to pull 300 euros from a cash point and it was coming in at 298 pounds., Thought that was poor and didn't complete the transaction. Was I right or is this what I should expect? Was the machine charging me too much? It's about 30 quid too expensive i reckon.
I used the clarity in Mexico last year and it wasn't as bad. Should I try and find a better cash machine ?
Help appreciated, I'mquickly running out of cash.

[Deleted User]

It sounds as if you selected to be charged in Sterling. You should always choose local currency for a much better rate.

keasy

Deleted_User wrote: »

Did you select to be charged in Euros or Sterling? You should always choose local currency.

Not sure if I was given that option ZX, but I will look out for that when I try the next one. There's a Santander near me I will try. Thank you for the advice.

eDicky

When you see an exchange rate quoted by the ATM, that is what the ATM is giving you, not your Clarity card. Look for the option to reject it, often a little obscure, perhaps in small text beside the lower button on one side. It will say 'Without Conversion' or something similar. A second screen may give some kind of 'warning' and ask if you are sure (you are!).

You must succeed in rejecting the ATM conversion so that your card can do the exchange at the MasterCard rate.

YorkshireBoy

I'm in Greece at the moment and I was offered a 1.05 rate by the ATM, and I thought that was bad!

I'm using Metro Bank and it's gone through at 1.14

takman

keasy wrote: »

I'm in Alcudia Majorca, just tried to pull 300 euros from a cash point and it was coming in at 298 pounds., Thought that was poor and didn't complete the transaction. Was I right or is this what I should expect? Was the machine charging me too much? It's about 30 quid too expensive i reckon.
I used the clarity in Mexico last year and it wasn't as bad. Should I try and find a better cash machine ?
Help appreciated, I'mquickly running out of cash.

If you see any amount quoted in £'s on the screen then that is what the machine is charging you and will be a lot more expensive. Like other have said above you need to select the option to withdraw without conversion and in euros.

If you used it in mexico and saw the price quoted in £'s then again you have paid too much. You should always see the amount quoted in local currency and this local currency will appear on your statement and Halifax with convert it to £'s at a much better rate.