Thoughts on getting Euros over here or use ATM abroad...

[kingcook]

Halifax Clarity card for me.

Free to use at ATMs, including abroad.

Halifax | Credit Cards | Low rate & No Fee Cards | Clarity Credit Card

[Troll]

As title suggests, I'm away this weekend over to France for a few days and was wondering whether anyone knows if it's better to get currency over here via Travel Agent / PO etc or just draw it from the ATM over there.

These days, there are no high charges made by the banks for doing this and the exchange rates are usually quite favourable, often better than the PO / TA or so I beleive.

Any suggestions?

TIA

The best advice used to be use a Maestro card when abroad as then the ATM's were free...Maestro is no more and having just come back from Spain I can see the transaction charges for cash withdraws Also annoying is the transaction fees incurred on purchases abroad - having bought several high value items in the States earlier this year - these really add up so I am also looking at:

northernladuk

Interesting thread here if you are going to travel a lot and can be bothered reading it...

Cheap Travel Money: Top cards for spending abroad...

The best advice is take cash where possible

[redgiant]

Metro bank offer both debit and credit mastercards that have no charges when used abroad - they use the mastercard FX rates. The credit card also can be used to withdraw cash without interest and/or a charge being applied immediately - never seen this before on a credit card.

Worth having a look into - https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/

[Sysman]

I'd recommend getting your euros before leaving the UK. Just my thoughts.

I no longer do it that way around since I'm already abroad, but I found that UK banks have a bigger buy/sell spread than European ones.

If I need Sterling for the UK I change it here.

[BolshieBastard]

As title suggests, I'm away this weekend over to France for a few days and was wondering whether anyone knows if it's better to get currency over here via Travel Agent / PO etc or just draw it from the ATM over there.

These days, there are no high charges made by the banks for doing this and the exchange rates are usually quite favourable, often better than the PO / TA or so I beleive.

Any suggestions?

TIA

Having worked in the Credit \ Debit \ Charge Card industry a lot, you'll get stiffed for high charges if using an ATM abroad especially a credit card to withdraw money. Should have got a Euro pre paid travel card which is the best option.

I'd recommend getting your euros before leaving the UK. Just my thoughts.

[northernladuk]

Interesting thread here if you are going to travel a lot and can be bothered reading it...

Cheap Travel Money: Top cards for spending abroad...

[northernladuk]

Just out of ease I would use post office personally. The rates difference is so small I can't believe it would make a difference for the amounts you are talking about and I CBA with the hassle of finding ATM, card not working, not getting charged etc. Post office, get Euros, in wallet and holiday here I come for me.

[ChrisPackit]

As title suggests, I'm away this weekend over to France for a few days and was wondering whether anyone knows if it's better to get currency over here via Travel Agent / PO etc or just draw it from the ATM over there.

These days, there are no high charges made by the banks for doing this and the exchange rates are usually quite favourable, often better than the PO / TA or so I beleive.

Any suggestions?

TIA