Paying for things in foreign currency

[funkylad20]

Hello...I am about to book a big group ski holiday, on my credit card, from a French company (so all figures are in Euros). If I use one of my credit cards, will I be charged a conversion rate on top of the transaction? I understand I would if I were abroad and used my card abroad, but I'm not, I'm in England just wanting to pay for something via company registered in France.... Thanks!

[dzug2]

Yes you will. It's the currency the transaction is in that matters, not where the transaction takes place.

[Old_Geezer]

There has to be a conversion rate at some level to convert from one currency to another. You'd need to ask what that rate was from your card provider, and whether there was an additional management charge.

[ladyalex]

What you can do is load a debit card with Euros and use that either here or abroad. You'll probably get a better exchange rate and no transaction fees.
You can re-load it with euros from anywhere if you have secure internet access.

[funkylad20]

OK, apparently Nationwide Creidt cards don't, but I just don't understand the terminology all my different card providers use! I understand that they will set the exchange rate, but I want to avoid an ADDITIONAL charge on top of that, if that makes sense...

[ladyalex]

I know what you mean...it's the transaction charge slapped on top.
You don't get that with a loaded debit card.
Here's the company I use...there are others..

http://www.caxtonfx.c...onal/travel_money.asp

[dzug2]

The reason there are no extra fees with (some) preloaded debit cards is that you've already paid them when you load it in the form of a worse exchange rate.

With the best cards that works out better overall than the average credit card - but with many of them it works out worse.

[ladyalex]

We've always had a better exchange rate and no additional charges......

[bednobs]

however, wouldn't it be better to pay on a cc in case the travel company goes tits up?

[ladyalex]

Good point, bednobs

[spudqueen]

If you use a Post Office credit card abroad there are no commission charges at all. I presume that the above scenario would also count, but if you have one I'd double check first.
http://www2.postoffic...ard&campaignid=PPC_CC