Card payments

ehphchsh

Best way to pay for meals etc abroad without incurring charges. If you have an hsbc current acct would it be worth applying for a global acct

eskbanker

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money/

eDicky

Yes, the various options for fee-free 'travel' debit and credit cards have now been added to by HSBC with their Global Money Account and its debit card.

It's best to have more than one such card with you, in case of any problem with one, and always choose to pay in the local currency if a card terminal offers to bill you in GBP, so that your card makes the conversion and not the local merchant or bank at their own extortionate rates.

RavingMad

I have a Monzo and a Chase debit card for trips abroad.  As eDicky said, always choose the local currency over GBP 

Doshwaster

If you are already a HSBC customer then applying for the Global card only takes a few minutes. 

I use Starling as my main overseas spending card as I like the functionality of the app but have the HSBC Global as a backup

iViewTV

Do most places accept cards etc abroad? Or is if a case of takign your debit card and withdrawing at ATM’s?

oldernonethewiser

iViewTV said:

Do most places accept cards etc abroad? Or is if a case of takign your debit card and withdrawing at ATM’s?

It may depend on which country/countries you plan to visit.

Doshwaster

iViewTV said:

Do most places accept cards etc abroad? Or is if a case of takign your debit card and withdrawing at ATM’s?

"Abroad" is a very big place.

Some parts of the world, such as Scandinavia you will be looked at strangely if you try to use cash. Others, such as SE Asia, are still very much dominated by cash. The US is behind Europe is adopting contactless payments - many places still need you to sign a receipt (even though they never check the signature so you can sign "Mickey Mouse")

iViewTV

Apologies. Cyprus / Greece / Spain. 

NoodleDoodleMan

iViewTV said:

Apologies. Cyprus / Greece / Spain. 

Spain and Canaries - plastic accepted nearly everywhere. Make sure you have a "user friendly" card which doesn't make a charge - see links at top from Esbanker.

Look for favourable transaction rates at Banca March or Deutsche Bank ATMs - I found the former locations through their website.

Always elect to settle in Euros - the Without Conversion option which is usually on the left screen at payment.

Can't offer opinion on Cyprus/Greece - but probably very similar.

Doshwaster

Still a few cash only bars in touristy beach areas of mainland Spain and the Canaries (the €2 beer and all day breakfast type places) but no problems being card only in towns and cities.