How do you normally pay for things when you're on holiday abroad?

MSE_Emily · 1 August 2023 at 12:22PM

We're well into summer now (although you might not know it with all the rain!) and millions of us are planning an overseas trip. So this week, we want to know how you normally pay for things when you're abroad. Do you stick to cash, or do you think a credit card gets you more bang for your buck (or euro, or dong)? Let us know in this week's poll.

Click here to vote in the poll.

Did you vote? Are you surprised at the results so far? Have your say below.
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Thanks!

elsien · 1 August 2023 at 12:39PM

I use a mixture of methods, but the poll only allows one option.

I always have some cash for emergencies or for somewhere that doesn’t take cards. So I buy some currency before I go, but then sometimes use the fee free cashpoints to get more out if I need to.

I also spend on the clarity credit card or the Starling current account because they are both cost-effective ways of doing so.

so basically a bit of everything.

Tim.5 · 2 August 2023 at 8:30AM

Use to do cash but this time we are going to mainly use Chase Card for spending, First Direct Debit Card for Hotel deposit and Halifax Credit Card for Car rental deposit. As well as taking left over cash from last time

DullGreyGuy · 2 August 2023 at 9:10AM

No singular answer because it depends where in the world you go to... Europe would be mainly Starling debit card but going to Central/South America and many shops etc dont accept cards and so need cash from local ATMs via Starling or Santander card. If making a big purchase where S75 could be of future benefit then credit card.

jbrassy · 2 August 2023 at 9:42AM

Agree with the sentiment above - it depends where you go. My default option would be to use Barclaycard Rewards credit card, but a lot of countries are still largely cash-based societies. Where it's not possible to pay with card, I will withdraw cash from an ATM using my Starling debit card.

DigSunPap · 18 October 2023 at 5:45PM

I will always take some cash with me for when I arrive. But once that runs out I will tap my Monzo card. I have found they have the best rates and I have recently upgraded to premium which means that you get up to £600 free withdrawal for the first 30 days you are abroad.