Motorhoming in Europe

Fev

Fev

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Somerset
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Ace Milano
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My question is not about our motorhome but about using debit cards in Europe? We are taking our first European trip come December. I’ve read that you get charged every time you use the card be it shopping or getting cash out, is this true?
What does other people do please?
Sorry if I’ve posted in wrong place I’ve only just joined ?
 
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If you bank with Coutts & Co no charge on ANY foreign transactions whether debit card, Coutts & Co credit card or Coutts Silk charge card (y)

"Designed for a world without borders, Silk comes with a host of travel benefits, making it your ideal companion when you are abroad."

Silk Card

Coutts Silk Card - The debit card with extra benefits, including access to Coutts concierge with their global networks, as well as airport lounge access.
www.coutts.com www.coutts.com
 
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Thank you for the welcome, we are currently with Barclays and reading up, if I’m reading it right, we get charged?

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JJ said:
Is this serious advice I wonder?

Surely if you bank with Coutts you have staff to carry your money for you...

:rofl:


JJ :cool:

PS. "I am a man... not a number."
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JJ did they send your card to Portugal ?
 
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Hi,
You also need to watch out for the offer to pay in Euro or pounds, particularly in supermarkets. If you opt for pounds, then you're charged at whatever rate the supermarket decides, so always opt for Euro.
 
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Fev. :hiya2: and w2f

We also use a combination of the Metro debit card for cash withdrawals, and the Nationwide credit card for purchases only, ie, fuel, site fees, etc. Both are fee free. :)

PopesOnTour said:
You also need to watch out for the offer to pay in Euro or pounds, particularly in supermarkets. If you opt for pounds, then you're charged at whatever rate the supermarket decides, so always opt for Euro
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I concur with that advice. (y)

Cheers,

Jock. :)

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spitfire said:
JJ did they send your card to Portugal ?
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They will only send a replacement card to your registered address, I know as I lost mine a few weeks ago after a couple of bottles of Rose wine on a beach, luckily I had my debit card which I didn't know was also exchange rate and fee free so used that, otherwise I would never have known ;)
 
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Be aware that a lot of cash points are charging now regardless who you are with, usually €1.50 but can be €2.50 per transaction
 
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Have some euros in cash just in case. On a recent trip to Germany a couple of filling stations only took Germany-registered cards. I only found out after I'd filled the tank. Fortunately I had some euros cash.
 
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If we use our Santander debit card they charge us £1.25 I think it is every time, We use a Caxton prepaid card, easy to load and free!

Paul
 
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Fev said:
Thank you for the welcome, we are currently with Barclays and reading up, if I’m reading it right, we get charged?
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And probably a lousy exchange rate.
Just smiffy said:
Be aware that a lot of cash points are charging now regardless who you are with, usually €1.50 but can be €2.50 per transaction
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Was just Portugal but now Spain as well, so far just walked to the next bank and its been OK.

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Yes there can be 2 charges at ATMs, 1 your bank makes and 1 some atm owners make.
Best to have a free credit and atm card, using the credit card were ever possible, the Halifax Clarity credit card can be used as both as long as cash withdrawal are paid off your account straight away.
 
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Southdowners said:
We use a Halifax Clarity card and Revolut. Neither of these make charges for use.

Welcome to the forum by the way! :)
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Second the Clarity card but don't use revolut as clarity card gives me exactly what I need, no charges and spot exchange rate... No cash tied up in a revolut or caxton account..
 
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I got charged €1.85 this morning at a cash machine with Caxton. First time I've ever been charged. I was told the bank further up the road didnt charge, and also told to never use Santander as they were the most expensive.

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Use a Metro debit card and a combination of Metro, Santander Zero and Nationwide credit cards, all of which are charge free.
 
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596 said:
They will only send a replacement card to your registered address, I know as I lost mine a few weeks ago after a couple of bottles of Rose wine on a beach, luckily I had my debit card which I didn't know was also exchange rate and fee free so used that, otherwise I would never have known ;)
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Thank you . Was asking if they send to your European address or only if you have a U.K. address
 
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We use Metro card for hole in the wall transactions,and Nationwide credit card for purchases like tolls and fuel.
 
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Barclays is not a good debit card to use abroad (i Take mine for emergency only), open an account with one that does not charge, there are plenty. and get yourself a pre paid purchase card like WeSwap or Revolut, caxton etc as trhe rates are decent.
 
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Reallyretired said:
and also told to never use Santander as they were the most expensive.
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I'm sure Popeye got stung for fees at a Santander ATM in Calpe (or thereabouts), 2-3 weeks ago. :(

denisejoe said:
Use a Metro debit card and a combination of Metro, Santander Zero and Nationwide credit cards, all of which are charge free.
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Being a Metro customer, I might have a look at their credit card. :)

Cheers,

Jock. :)
 
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JJ said:
I don't understand the question...

Which card?


JJ :cool:
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Revolut card . Looking to get one but wasn’t sure they send the card to any addresses except UK . As you have one was just asking did they send your card there when you applied ?
 
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Another vote here for Halifax Charity card. Just come back from Spa and had excellent rates when using it for fuel. We don't do any other business with them and only use it when abroad, never had any issues.
We also pre-load a FairFX card but you do get charged on withdrawals. To minimize this, we usually withdraw a couple of hundred at a time.
Terry
 
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We take some Euros and use a Halifax Clarity Card.

Mrs QFour
 
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