Best way to spend money abroad

redboy1

When leaving in 3 days?

elsien

Probably depends what credit cards or accounts you already have. 

Something like Starling is quick to set up and is fee free as a debit card.

redboy1

elsien said:

Probably depends what credit cards or accounts you already have. 

Something like Starling is quick to set up and is fee free as a debit card.

I have a starling account but I use that as my sole trader account. Not sure if I can use that? If I did it could be messy sorting the books out later. 

maman

Where are you going and for how long? How much do you think you'll spend? 🤔
ETA - Are you travelling alone? Just thinking that I've travelled with my DH and used my fee free card as he doesn't have one. 

elsien

What credit cards do you have a nationwide clarity is good for travelling abroad. 

Monzo bank is another alternative similar to starling.
as above, how long are you going for?

ForumUser7

elsien said:

What credit cards do you have a nationwide clarity is good for travelling abroad. 

Monzo bank is another alternative similar to starling.
as above, how long are you going for?

Halifax Clarity (not Nationwide) - https://www.halifax.co.uk/creditcards/travel.html

Doshwaster

redboy1 said:

elsien said:

Probably depends what credit cards or accounts you already have. 

Something like Starling is quick to set up and is fee free as a debit card.

I have a starling account but I use that as my sole trader account. Not sure if I can use that? If I did it could be messy sorting the books out later. 

If you already have a Starling account you should be able to open another one easily

https://help.starlingbank.com/personal/topics/setting-up-an-account/opening-additional-accounts/

Probably not enough time to get the physical card but you could load the virtual one onto your phone. Of course that won't help you get cash from an ATM but your need for cash will depend on where you are going. Any big city now should be virtually cash free.

NoodleDoodleMan

You don't have enough time to get one of the fee free cards - except one possible option.

If you are travelling to one of the "usual suspects" popular holiday countries in Europe (except Turkey) then a Metrobank current account debit card is a good choice - I believe you can visit in person to open one same day and get the card.

Only drawback - there has to be a branch within convenient travelling distance and they are mostly in the South of England.

https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/globalassets/documents/customer_documents/personal/using-your-debit-and-credit-card-abroad_moreinformation.pdf

Their credit card deal might also be a decent choice - however I suspect there will be more hoops to jump through, and it would not be issued on the day.

martindow

NoodleDoodleMan said:

You don't have enough time to get one of the fee free cards - except one possible option.

If you are travelling to one of the "usual suspects" popular holiday countries in Europe (except Turkey) then a Metrobank current account debit card is a good choice - I believe you can visit in person to open one same day and get the card.

Only drawback - there has to be a branch within convenient travelling distance and they are mostly in the South of England.

https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/globalassets/documents/customer_documents/personal/using-your-debit-and-credit-card-abroad_moreinformation.pdf

Their credit card deal might also be a decent choice - however I suspect there will be more hoops to jump through, and it would not be issued on the day.

Second Metrobank for European travel.  When I opened my accounts I got a credit and a debit card the same day.  Things may have changed as this was some years ago.  You also need to check what ID they require - I think I took along my passport and a couple of utility bills - but I imagine this information will be on their web site.

NoodleDoodleMan

Yes, their ID requirements are listed on their website.

Unfortunately they don't allow credit card applications online, only by appointment in person.

Can't think of any other bank etc. that requires such.

redboy1

NoodleDoodleMan said:

You don't have enough time to get one of the fee free cards - except one possible option.

If you are travelling to one of the "usual suspects" popular holiday countries in Europe (except Turkey) then a Metrobank current account debit card is a good choice - I believe you can visit in person to open one same day and get the card.

Only drawback - there has to be a branch within convenient travelling distance and they are mostly in the South of England.

https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/globalassets/documents/customer_documents/personal/using-your-debit-and-credit-card-abroad_moreinformation.pdf

Their credit card deal might also be a decent choice - however I suspect there will be more hoops to jump through, and it would not be issued on the day.

There is a metro bank 50mins from me in Solihull. So that's an option.