Travel card in Iceland

Shazza54

I am confused by how card usage works in Iceland. I gather I cannot load a Revolut card with ISK. If I load it with GB pounds and use it in Iceland is it cheaper than using my UK bank debit card. Am I to gather the Revolut fees and exchange rate is less than a bank debit card? 
I need to pay by some sort of card as I have been advised that is preferred in Iceland.

Troytempest

Don't know anything about Revolut but certainly everything on some sort of card. We used our Nationwide Flex Plus credit card for everything. No cash required at all even for small amounts. Tipping is not expected. 

400ixl

It will depend on whether your bank debit card charges you any fees. Many now do not charge fees and uses the Mastercard or Visa exchange rate which are as good as you can get. You have to make sure you pay in local currency and not withdraw cash.

A credit card with no fees would be the best answer.

You couldn't pay me to use a Revolut card. Far too many risks and ethical issues for me.

daveyjp

No need at all to use Revolut and for many reasons best avoided.

Just open a Starling or Chase current account.  Free forex spend.
 

Or a forex free credit card.  Barcalycard Rewards is good as any.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/

and if you buy anything of value don't forget to apply for the VAT refund.

DullGreyGuy

Just make sure you choose to pay in ISK, many terminals and ATMs will offer to run the transaction as GBP but their exchange rates are shocking 

zagfles

DullGreyGuy said:

Just make sure you choose to pay in ISK, many terminals and ATMs will offer to run the transaction as GBP but their exchange rates are shocking 

I don't think I ever saw DCC tried anywhere in Iceland last year, have you been very recently?