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0 pointsOJFord2y ago0 comments

Not sure where you're from, but it's true at least if I went to NL from the UK and used any credit card, there'd be probably both 1) an awful FX rate; 2) a flat charge. ATMs are typically worse, even if the machine operator itself doesn't add a fee.

Some debit cards (or pre-paid 'charge cards', such as any specifically marketed for travel) like Monzo bank's don't, are just like using it at home in GBP (as long as you make sure you're being charged the foreign currency, not 'helpfully' converted for you (at a terrible rate) by the merchant's PoS provider).

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kmlx2y ago· 1 in thread

it really depends. there are so many providers in the UK that you can find all the possible combinations (high FX rates, high FX fees to mastercard/visa FX rates, no FX fees).

> Some debit cards (or pre-paid 'charge cards', such as any specifically marketed for travel)

for anyone checking this thread, these two are not the same. debit cards are different from pre-paid, and some shops will have issues with pre-paid.

> not 'helpfully' converted for you (at a terrible rate) by the merchant's PoS provider

oh yes, this is one of things travellers always need to be aware of: never select currency conversion by the PoS, always charge in the local currency and let your bank to the conversion.

OJFordOP2y ago

> these two are not the same

..hence one or the other..?

> never select currency conversion by the PoS, always charge in the local currency and let your bank to the conversion

That's not good generic advice. Be aware of your best card's fees and see what's better. Credit cards especially are generally atrocious. Some banks' debit cards are free (Monzo, Revolut) and others are no better than credit cards. Hence the market for the pre-paid ones I suppose.

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