Not been abroad for 20 years

jimi_man

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

jimi_man said:

I wouldn’t use that abroad. Get a Chase, Monzo or Revolut. Any of those are better than your Barclays debit card. 

Never heard of of those are they free to get and can I just apply online?

Yup. Very easy, takes a few minutes online then you get the card a few days later. 

If you plan to do more travel then be aware that if you go to the USA, (and anywhere else they do this - Mexico for starters, and I think Belize)  the way they do tipping there is to present you with the bill. You give your card which they charge with the bill - and if you have one of those cards you can see it come out of your account on your phone - and then bring it all back but with the tip amount and the final amount blank and supply a pen. You fill in the tip and the idea is they charge your card twice - once extra for the tip. However, and this is the crucial point, this doesn’t work on U.K. cards and no matter what you write in the tip column (I tested it with $100 more than once) it will never get taken off. U.K. cards are set up not to have two debits taken for some reason. 

So if you want to leave a tip then you’ll need cash. 

eskbanker

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

I want to take some euros with me as well as a card where is the best place to change money and best rates?

The MSE article about travel money (linked on page one of this thread) doesn't just explain best cards but also links to the MSE tool showing best options for travel cash....

NoodleDoodleMan

zagfles said:

NoodleDoodleMan said:

J_B said:

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

NoodleDoodleMan said:

Do you mind telling us which bank issued your debit card 

My debit card is Barclays 

If you're OK with getting a credit card, then a "Barclaycard Rewards" visa credit card may be OK for you as you can also draw out cash from an ATM without any extra fees

It's a very good card for travel, however there is a downside to be aware of -  remember that you need to settle the full balance due after the next monthly statement is published in order to avoid fees for cash withdrawals.

That includes any goods and services you've used the card for, not just cash withdrawals.

There is a workaround - if you can transfer money by bank transfer online from your UK current account using an iPhone or tablet - you can withdraw cash at a foreign ATM, wait until the amount taken in Euros is converted to Sterling by Barclays (24 hours ?) and transfer that amount to your Barclaycard Reward credit card - effectively reducing your balance to zero - assuming you only use the card for cash withdrawals.

In truth, you'd be much better off using one of the cards recommended above and settling bills in bars etc.there and then.

You won't need a wad of readies in Spain.

You're confusing the BC Rewards cards with cards like the Halifax Clarity. 
The BC Rewards card treats ATM withdrawals like purchases. There is no need whatsoever to pay off ATM withdrawals soon after, just pay the monthly statement in full by the due date as usual. 

Could have been explained better - the suggested workaround would prevent a credit card balance build up if the OP has available funds in her Barclay current account that she would rather prefer to use up taking currency at ATMs rather than use the debit card.

NoodleDoodleMan

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

NoodleDoodleMan said:

Lots of helpful people hereabouts - don't hesitate to come back for further guidance if you need more specifics.

 

Thanks! 

I want to take some euros with me as well as a card where is the best place to change money and best rates?

https://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/

Which resort are you staying in ?

thegreenone

Apologies if I've missed anyone's post..... you will also need a free GHIC card.  Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
AND travel insurance.

Please do both.  ASAB As Soon As you Book your flight tickets.

I always take some small 5/10 Euro notes as I'm never sure whether a server will get their tip when it's added on the card machine.  

kimwp

Check what your phone charges will be abroad. Your service provider might offer a travel bolt on that you can buy for a month.

Download local maps ahead of going.

I had a weird quirk with my phone where it wouldn't connect to the local network, it was an app preventing it. (Sorry, that's probably not much use)

If you are going to mse it, take a food box with food for the journey and packed lunches.

NoodleDoodleMan

O2 seems to be the best deal for roaming there - no bumped up fees apparently.

A PAYG card might be worth looking at if you don't have an O2 contract.

SUPERGIRL2020

NoodleDoodleMan Which resort are you staying in ?

Going to Lanzarote staying in a hotel called Club Del Carmen

NoodleDoodleMan

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

NoodleDoodleMan Which resort are you staying in ?

Going to Lanzarote staying in a place called Club Del Carmen

After checking online, there is a branch of Banco Santader, (branch 5876) on Av. De Las Playas which will have fully branded Banco Santander ATMs - a 15 minute leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade from your hotel heading towards the central part of the resort.

Generally there will be machines both internally and externally - some branches have a secure monitored interior vestibule which can be accessed by an entry button when the branch is closed.

If you want currency from a hole in the wall I recommend a UK Santander debit card issued with an Everyday Current account and use as above. The one I've used for this purpose with no issues.

The terms and conditions are without strings attached - no Direct Debits or minimum monthly pay in required - no fees when withdrawing your Euros as long as you use the type of ATM above - avoid Euro Automatic Cash machines which include the Santander logo, they are only fee free for Spanish clients.

You can apply online here - https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/current-accounts/everyday-current-account

No need to ditch your existing current account either, although it is a perfectly serviceable day to day account on its own merits.

One caution - this card is not fee free for goods and services abroad - but ideal for Santander in the appropriate countries indicated on their webpage - and no, I'm not an employee !!!

Get back to me if more is required.

SUPERGIRL2020

Thanks everyone you have been very helpful