Best Way To Access/spend Money Abroad

[shivvy]

Is it best to bring currency and spend cash? Or withdraw cash from ATMs when abroad. Or put main purchases onto debit card. Or credit card? And pay in home currency or destinations currency if using debit card?

I remember hearing an article about this on the radio recently but for the life of me I can't remember the advice they gave.

I am going to Poland in case that makes any difference.

Thanks.

[237SJ]

I take cash and use it for smaller spends such as taxi fares, a couple of drinks etc and use a credit card (not debit card due to loading fees) for larger purchases such as dinner in restaurants, car hire etc.

[237SJ]

BTW with regards to your question about which currency to pay in on the credit card (if asked) - pay in local currency.

[sandyRoe]

Don't take a lot of cash. Use a credit card as already been said.

[shivvy]

Ah great 237SJ. Thanks.

[SpikeyBush]

When using foreign cash machines, often they give me the option to use their exchange rate and tell me how much in my currency will be debited from my account. Do not take them up on this offer as they use a Dick Turpin exchange rate.

[puternut]

As far as I am aware banks/bulding societies also amje a charge when using ATMs abroad. Make sure it is enough for a few transactions.

As an example if you take out £100 it will only charge you 1 transaction fee but 5x£20 means 5 transaction fees

[puternut]

^^^

amje = make


[how did I make that typo ????]

[shivvy]

Thanks Sandy too. Apparently Poland is very cheap so I don't think we would need to take too much cash.
What about taking money from ATMs? Is there a charge for that?

[shivvy]

Thanks everyone.

[bhg481]

It depends on your bank/credit card provider as to whether they charge for foreign transactions. Post Office & Halifax credit card don't charge and Metro Bank & Norwich & Peterborough Bank don't charge for debits or withdrawals in foreign currency.

[wired]

If travelling in Europe get a Post Office card, I think the minimum that you can put on it is £50, use it anywhere that takes credit/debit cards.Use it like cards at home with a PIN number and it can be topped up while you're abroad. It's safer than your bank cards and one of the cheapest ways to convert currency.

[AhedHbaiu]

The exchange rate will always be lowest in the country but you should always take a lite bit of cash if you arrive late at night. Normally it is very easy to find an ATM at the airport and that will safe you money but some airports close early and it might be difficult to find the ATM without the Service Center being open.

Never allow the ATM to convert the amount to your home currency, they will always use a worth exchange rate.
Also take the time to ask your bank at home if there is an ATM where you can get cash without paying transaction fees.

When traveling it is always good to get familiar with the customs of the ATM Systems of the country. Some of them give you first the money and afterwards your card, others give you your card first. Some are time limited, if you don't take the cash within the minute they will stop the operation and take the cash and the card for security reasons. Others only take cards with a chip and not a magnetic strip, unfortunately the error message will not always be translated correctly.

Also check the ATM for movable components, if the card entrance looks to be tempered with, do not use it. It got too easy to copy a credit card and the hassle to get that straightened out afterward is unpleasant.

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Ahed Hbaiu
Http://www.ahedhbaiu.com