Best way to spend money abroad

redboy1

Doshwaster said:

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.

Never thought of that. Could do that I'm just not sure if or how much cash we would need. 

NoodleDoodleMan

You'll need to make an appointment by 'phone I reckon - mind and ask what ID paperwork is needed - and if you can get card(s) there and then.

I would go for both, however that's your call of course.

Which country are you visiting ?

redboy1

NoodleDoodleMan said:

You'll need to make an appointment by 'phone I reckon - mind and ask what ID paperwork is needed - and if you can get card(s) there and then.

I would go for both, however that's your call of course.

Which country are you visiting ?

Were not to sure. Definitely France but could be Switzerland, Italy aswell. 

When you say both you mean the credit card aswell? Never had a credit card in my life. What are the advantages of this as well? 

NoodleDoodleMan

"What are the advantages of this as well? "

Numerous - from your perspective you'd be able to pay for goods and services without having to use cash.

Hotels, restaurants and petrol stations etc.

Of course you need to be able to settle up when you come home and pay off the monthly balance by the date due deadline - otherwise interest is applied.

Basically, a credit card is a short term loan without interest.

You need to read up on the Terms and Conditions to ensure it's suitable for your needs - there are other "user friendly" credit cards apart from Metrobank for travel abroad.

redboy1

Thanks. I'll enquire when I go. 

elsien

The other benefit of a credit card, for future reference,  is the S75 protection if you are spending more than £100.
Section 75 refunds: credit card protection’ - MSE (moneysavingexpert.com)

NoodleDoodleMan

Another point - there is no such thing as a joint credit card - so if you want your other half to be included then they become an additional card holder on your account, with you responsible for any debts they incur.

martindow

Another advantage of having a credit card is if you are hiring a car.  They are likely to require a credit card and not accept a debit card.

Doshwaster

redboy1 said:

NoodleDoodleMan said:

You'll need to make an appointment by 'phone I reckon - mind and ask what ID paperwork is needed - and if you can get card(s) there and then.

I would go for both, however that's your call of course.

Which country are you visiting ?

Were not to sure. Definitely France but could be Switzerland, Italy aswell. 

When you say both you mean the credit card aswell? Never had a credit card in my life. What are the advantages of this as well? 

A credit card is useful in situations where you need to leave a security deposit - such as when renting a car or checking into a hotel. The deposit will come off your available credit rather than being held against the actual money you have in your account for a debit card. 

Credit cards are more likely to have a additional benefits such as sign up bonuses, cash back or shop/hotel/airline points. I put most of my day to day UK spending onto a Tesco credit card for the extra Clubcard points but it's not a good card for overseas usage. There are come cards with have no overseas charges such as Halifax Clarity,

Also useful for emergencies where you don't have the money to hand straight away.

Plus greater consumer protection as others have mentioned.