Amnesia180

Hi All,

I just have a quick question regarding holiday spending money!

I'm going to Abu Dhabi for 2 weeks, and don't really want to be carrying around hundreds of pounds worth of money, or leaving it hidden in my suitcase in my room!

So, would you recomend taking a £150-£200 quid for food spending money (i.e: eating in), and then all purchases for clothing/perfumes/electronics etc on the Credit Card? The reason I ask, is because my bank will be charging me 3% on all purcahses, that's only £3 for every £100 spent, but even still... it could soon add up!

I can't think of any other way of doing it either...

Cheers,
Amnesia

954RR

Hi Amnesia

Not sure what you man about the bank is this a credit card charge?
Why not just take some out of the ATM when you need it or is this the charge you are taling about?

Euc-

Most expats living in Dubai go to the UK to buy their clothes

No idea how it works, but even if you take money out of an ATM they will charge you that 3%?

Amnesia180

Hi there,

The 3% is for using my credit card or debit card over the counter.
I'm unsure about being charged for using an ATM, but I've been told by my bank that using my credit card in an ATM goes against my credit rating, as it's classed as a "cash advance".

Spugsy

just use your credit card to buy stuff, or use your debit card to withdraw cash via an ATM over here.

Euc-

So use your debit card

Never ever use your credit card for cash withdrawal, it's waaaaay to expensive.

Amnesia180

Haha, well last time I went to Abu Dhabi there were a few guys at the Hamdam (sp?) Centre selling knock off jeans... and I remember getting about 4 pairs for just under £30... bargain! (and they were adjusted to fit too!)

Yes, I've just checked with my bank - they'll charge 3% whether its using an ATM or over the counter.

954RR

Do not take money out with your credit card as you will be charged interest on it from the moment you get the money. Better to use you bank card.


Euc - Is right clothes are cheaper in the UK. Tax Free! I think not

Amnesia180

That sounds like the best idea, cheers!

Blue Cat

200 quid won't go far, bring 400

Bluelionesse

Take out a credit card which doesnt charge extra for overseas transactions, and load it with cash before you come out - you will be able to find information in this holiday money guide.

http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/

Timmy Molloy - London Boy

[QUOTE=Euc-;7734221]Most expats living in Dubai go to the UK to buy their clothes


To be honest I think you might be right. Dubai (even with all the Malls) cannot emulate Bond Street or Regent Street.

I've checked out both Thomas Pink in Harvey Nichols and Dubai Mall, extremely poor selections and non of the new stuff you see online. Same goes for Timberland, compare MoE to online, in fact the MoE Timberland store is a joke!

Timmy Molloy - London Boy

[QUOTE=Timmy Molloy - London Boy;7739616]
Actually changed my mind about this post - true about Pink, but other than that, Dubai Mall has it all

Cham128

[QUOTE=Timmy Molloy - London Boy;8117141] yeah although the place is still half empty

Bijilo123

I think that this is not a good idea. In the UK you have consumer protection (by law) when you do a credit card transaction. This means that if the goods are faulty or the service not supplied and the vendor does not refund you then you can claim from the credit card company because they are jointly and severally liable. If there is fraud - you don't pay.

This also works abroad - I dont know if it is a legal requirement or a voluntary arrangement - but it does work - I was ripped off by a hotel in Sharjah and managed to claim back via my bank.

BUT - if you load your credit card with cash then you change your credit limit. Any protection you have for faulty goods or fraud will be to the credit limit but NOT any cash that you put in.

If the situation does arise then the credit company will not pay up by saying that the transaction was from the cash element of the enhanced available funds rather than the credit they have availed you. In other words they'll tell you to F, off!