Using credit cards on holiday..(uk question)

Question

where can i find the exchange rate that will be applied to my credit card if i use it on holiday? does the exchange rate get applied on the day i use the credit card?

i plan to use my 'Barclay Card' in the States...

Answer 1

the exchange rate is set on the day of the transaction, but you need to ask barclaycard. they may show terms on their website, but i dont know if they vary from card to card. You would pay a processing fee as well and these are a few percent.  

Answer 2

The exchange rate that Barclaycard are using at the time of the transaction should apply, plus a handling charge.  I would take travellers cheques if you possibly can, if not inform Barclaycard that you are going to be using the card abroad as they may decline it for security purposes.  I find my Barclaycard quite difficult to use abroad at times.

Answer 3

You will be charged by your bank or card company for every time you use it. The only UK bank that don't is HSBC if you have a Plus account and you get full travel insurance cover..

Answer 4

I believe you would not be able to know just like that. Check with card provider. Mostly at the time of transaction what are the exchange rate + admin charge ( handling charge) +  may other hidden charge which is Terms & Conditions. You will be better off Travellers cheques. Another suggestion to borrow from friends or relatives and send back once you are in home country ( For example Western union.......) you might need to do leg work but I believe it worth it. It also depends on amount you want to spend.

Answer 5

Please do as another answer has suggested use travellers checks DO NOT USE THAT CARD when you purchase something abroad the current exchange rate at that time will be applied to your purchase but the charges you incur from your card provider are astronomical go to this website check out what is said about credit cards if you search there are ones which may be geared specifically for purchases abroad but please go to this website its run by Martin Lewis its entirely free it will show you the best deals, how to get them etc.

P.S

have a good holiday enjoy it

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/...

Answer 6

I don't know, but I do know it can be expensive. I'd get a Nationwide account. They don't make extra charges and use a reasonable exchange rate. Other than that, have you considered buying American Express Travellers Cheques? They don't take them in huge chunks of the world, but you should be OK in the States.

IF you do decide to use your Barclaycard, make certain that you pay in dollars, don't let the vendor convert it for you. Also it's illegal for the seller to make an extra charge to take cards, but it doesn't stop some of them trying.

Answer 7

Traveler's Checks---------never heard of that card, im a business owner and most businesses here are certainly fimiliar with visa, mastercard, discover, American Express, any major carrier.  Traveler's Checks are best just like money, except if you lose the money you dont get it back, if you lose the traveler's check you can get that back, just call them and your money is replaced, think about it lots of people who can get your number and do lots of things with it.

Answer 8

ohhh, i wouldn't do that most banks charge SILLY amounts of money for using your card abroad. You are better or withdrawing in the UK to take with you or ask at your local Barclay's bank what their charges are when you use your card abroad because it varies for different banks.

Also, i may have misunderstood your question in which case i apologise in advance. :O)