chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

When I go travelling around Europe, I am wanting to put a lot of the things like Hotels, Fuel, Food etc on my Credit Card so I don't have to carry loads of cash.

I currently have a Halifax one, which is a MasterCard. Are these accepted as much as Visa?

Is there a better card I should maybe apply for which gives me more protection?

Do they use Chip and Pin, or do you still sign for things?



Any other advice about using it abroad would be much appreciated


Thanks

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

I've used my Mastercard all over America / Europe without any problems This was a years years ago just before chip and pin though.

Shaun

boxst

Some places in Europe use Chip&Pin and it will validate, others including America do not.

You may want to check how much you get charged: Some credit cards will charge a handling fee for each foreign transaction in addition to give you a lousy exchange rate.

Steve

PaulC72

I think the nationwide one is still free for transactions abroad, worth checking it out.

David Lock

Before you travel tell your card security section where you are going or they may refuse to honour the card overseas. They are getting a bit hot on fraud now. dl

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Yeah, I did think about phoning them to tell them I will be using it abroad!

Didn't think about them charging me for actually using it abroad though! Will definately check that out, as I will get another one if they do.

Is barclaycard anything special? Just that was always advertised, and the guy was always abroad etc wasn't he....as if they had something special about their card for being used abroad.

Will check nationwide out as well thanks

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

I don't recall being charged to use my mastercard abroad..........it's just the exchange rate LOL

The real killer is taking money out of an ATM abroad unless you have the right card AFAIK .

Shaun

zip106

Post Office Platinum is the none- charging card to have.

I've just been to Japan and the USA using it and no charges at all. (unless you take cash out the ATM's - they ALL charge for that so try not to do it)

Cheap Travel Money: Pick the right plastic to spend abroad...

I applied for the Abbey card just for my holiday ( would pay back as soon as I got home) but after 4 weeks of waiting to get accepted (I did ) and many 'phone calls, I had to fill in loads of paper work.
In the end it went on for so long I actually cancelled the card before I got it and I used my Post Office card instead (which I didn't realise I even had ).

chrisdicko

iTrader: (21)

Cool, thanks Shaun

Zip, thanks for that link. I did look on there, but didnt find that for some reason! Helpful