Best Place To Change Pounds Into Euros

[black_cat51]

any one got reccomendations please?

[237SJ]

I never, ever use my debit card to pay for things overseas. There are hidden loading charges. A credit card`s fine but debit cards are a bit of a no no.

[Buenchico]

That's odd, 237SJ, 'cos I use my (Barclays) debit card whenever possible when abroad. Whenever I've done the sums (by looking at my statement) later, I've never found anything to concern me.

[237SJ]

I`ve found nothing to worry me either because there is no breakdown of the charges because loading is hidden. I don`t know about Europe because I hardly ever go there but in the rest of the world, debit cards are the most expensive way to pay for anything.

[237SJ]

Mind you, there is hidden loading in most credit cards too. I have Santander Zero (no longer open to new customers but Halifax Clarity is an alternative). Banks are crafty and will get your money one way or the other.

[jno]

I've got a Saga Visa card, only for the elderly and respectable but no commission on overseas spending.

[sunny-dave]

Halifax Clarity is the best - no loading or fees at all - even on cash.

You do pay interest on ATM withdrawals from the day of the transaction until you clear the debt, but this is a trivial amount provided you pay off the card as soon as you get home.

[Buenchico]

>>>If you take your normal UK cards abroad remember to tell your bank. Though some banks say that you do not need to tell them about travel to Europe you can cover yourself by making it clear where you and your cards are expected to be

The last time I tried to tell Barclays that I'd be going abroad they said that it was no longer necessary and, in consequence of that, they no longer have any mechanism for recording the information anyway.

[sunny-dave]

It varies, Chris.

Barclays (as you say) aren't interested, but Halifax, Nationwide and Saga very much are.

I have a chat with their various people every time I'm off abroad - Saga (actually AIB in Ireland) are particularly friendly and helpful.

[237SJ]

Now you mention it Methyl, it was Abbey. I hate Santander but they took over everyone and before I knew it, they had my mortgage, a savings account and my Zero card. I like the Zero because they know my spending pattern. I only ever use it abroad with the odd exception so they don`t quibble. I did apply for a Post Office card that had no loading and they wanted me to tell them every time I went abroad so I cancelled it.

[237SJ]

I don`t think there is either but when I phoned to ask about that they said they could not give an assurance that my card wouldn`t be declined if I didn`t phone them before I went away.

[237SJ]

PINs are not used in most of the world outside of Europe Methyl. You still have to swipe and sign in most places (bar a few duty free shops in the Middle East).

[zebo]

http://travelmoney.telegraph.co.uk/travelmoney?currencycode=EUR&utm_source=MoneySavingExpert&utm_medium=MSE&;utm_term=travelmoney&utm_content=travelmoney&utm_campaign=TelegraphMSE



I've found this the best rate recently, 1.20+ at the moment for £500 and over, free delivery and a quick turn-round, about 2-3 days

[theshedman]

I always find Thomas Cook quite good, order online and pick up in store.

[dzug2]

.. For $US I prefer HSBC because you can buy sealed packs which give less hassle at the US border. ...


???? What hassle is that? I've never had any hassle about money entering the US. Or any other country come to that. No one has ever asked how much I am carrying or asked to see it.