Using M&S Credit card abroad?

houmie

Hi There,

I am going to Singapore for 3 weeks and have already called M&S to make sure they won't be surprised when the card is being used there.

M&S says though they would charge 2.5% fee on foreign exchange currencies. When this means everything I pay for there would be 2.5% more expensive as it is right? So the 0.5% point reward isn't really worth it.

On the second thought maybe it would be smarter to take cash with me rather than spending everything on the credit card.

What do you think?
Thanks
Houmie

fatboyonadiet

If the £ is stronger then what ever currency is used there best to take £s and echange there, you will get more for your money. If you want to order money here before you leave order online (NOT at a branch as the exchange rate is poor_ from www.travelex.co.uk. They will charge an extra 2.5% but they use the Visa base rate which is basically a good exchange rate, it's best to get a card that doesn't load this rate like the Nationwide (they have both a credit and debit card ). I went to Barca recently and my credit card was loaded by 2.75% but it worked out more-or-less as the rate that I was charged by Travelex. HTH

houmie

Yeah you are right.
It is Singapore where I am going to. £1 = Sing$3
I guess I just change a little bit before I leave and take Sterlings with me.

I am wondering if I could use my HSBC Debit card in SIngapore for free. ;o)

regards,
Houmie

No_6

&more will also use the Visa rate when they convert your charges, which even with the 2.75% charge deducted, still works out reasonable.
You can always order currency from m&s travel money !
top-ish rates, beats the post office,free post, if over £500 pound ordered.
Pay with &more/card & they will give you untill next statement-payday before
you have to pay for your cash/travel cheques.
Free cash with no upfront fees ! can't be bad.
http://www.fxcorporation.co.uk/marksandspencer/
regards
No_6