Revolut, Monzo and Starling shopping abroad

CreditCardChris

Yes I know these are not credit cards but this is still the most relevant section for this question. 
If I load GBP onto these cards, do I just pay for things normally like a normal card? Or do I have to ask the merchant to select GBP or whatever? I know Revolut lets you exchange GBP for any currency for free but is it safe to just stick with GBP on all 3 cards and withdraw from ATMs and pay by card without having to do anything?

maferit1909

Just use the card as you would in the UK. Some chip n pin readers may offer the option of local or sterling before asking for your pin or the cashier may ask. You are generally better settling in the local currency as you get a more favourable exchange rate as you’ll get the MasterCard exchange rate. Settling in Sterling the conversion will be done by the merchants bank which will usually be higher. 

maferit1909

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-5784137/The-proof-pay-local-currency-never-pounds-holiday.html

ryan121

I've used starling abroad and you just use it as normal.

[Deleted User]

maferit1909 said:

Just use the card as you would in the UK. Some chip n pin readers may offer the option of local or sterling before asking for your pin or the cashier may ask. You are generally better settling in the local currency as you get a more favourable exchange rate as you’ll get the MasterCard exchange rate. Settling in Sterling the conversion will be done by the merchants bank which will usually be higher. 

Revolut uses their own exchange rates unless you have the currency stored already.
Also, many of their newer cards are actually Visa branded.

eDicky

During card payment or ATM withdrawal, always select the local currency and reject 'Conversion'. Your card needs to convert from GBP to obtain the ideal rate, not the merchant or foreign bank.

Starling GBP account provides the daily MasterCard rate without fees. Also Monzo, but with limits on fee-free ATM use. Revolut gives the interbank rate at the moment of transaction or conversion between currencies on weekdays, with a small margin added on weekends.