Big D

going to spain this weekend for a stag do and wondered if anyone has any advice on how to best get currency.

When travelling from the UK i would use my debit card at ATMS and the credit cards as much as possible - as this used to get the best deal and rates - not sure if its as good value over here going the other way!

I am off to read my Bank of America t&cs but any advice gratefully received!!

Englishmum

I'd just take my ATM card to Spain - but would try to use my credit card only if strictly necessary; the card companies add on high fees for foreign transactions.

Your ATM card should be fine - I was even able to use mine in India a couple of years ago - but just take out smallish quantities in case you lose it or get mugged....(just wondering if you're going to Barcelona....bit of a dangerous place for tourists etc.)

Big D

Thanks for the advice - that was my plan anyway! Surprised about credit cards though as UK ones are always such good value (well the ones i used were!!)

Bob

you'd get charged the cash rate of interest generally over here if you used them abroad...but anyway, you considered getting travellers cheques? can use those as cash in quite a few places, and the new ones act as a debit card, buy the cheques and they load a card up that you use as a debit card, stops you getting hit for international transaction fee's...though those would obviously depend on your bank...and wouldn't have a clue about BoA, but i'd check the small print online because they have been changing stuff around lately, what with getting mbna...

jaytee

One of the things to think about when using ATM cards in Europe.. security is a big problem as you tend to get vagrants or youths hassling you for money after sunset if you want to use town centre ATMs.

Bob

oh, and let the bank know in the US that your travelling as there not use to people buggering off on holiday and might think your cards been nicked and put a stop on it

Big D

Good point - Barclays did that to me a couple of years back in France - for a fiver!!!

Still i have my UK cards too so i will get some cash one way or another!!

Here's to the weekend!!

Pulaski

That is, I believe, an old wives' tail - yes there is a fee added to overseas transactions, but the exchange rate is at, or very close to, the wholesale exchange rate, which is likely to save more than the extra fee that gets added.

For convenience and value I'd just take my credit cards, maybe with an ATM card as back up.

cindyabs

In August, we had no extra charge from BOA (other than the 1.50) using the ATM in England IF we used Barclay's, otherwise 5.00 USD plus BOA 1.50 !

Bob

depends on the card, some view foreign purchases as cash withdrawals, which incur the higher interest rate...just somin' to keep an eye out for in the small print.

Bob

that's not bad going....but they are changing stuff around....just be glad you ain't in china...flat interest of 27% and you don't even want to know the penalty for late payments