I Tend to take the majority of money cash hidden in my vehicle, and used credit cards on the self service petrol stations (but remember they take out the maximum amount then refund you the difference ) My mrs used her cash card but im sure hsbc find a way of charging you.
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Quote: Originally posted by christian3 on 10/4/2012
and used credit cards on the self service petrol stations (but remember they take out the maximum amount then refund you the difference )
No they don't. It's the pre-loaded cash cards which do that - not credit cards, and not debit cards either.
Nationwide fee free Select credit card for nearly everything, with a cash float of around €200 for coffees, bread in the mornings etc. We get the cash from an ATM using the Nationwide debit card, chuntering about the fact that it's no longer fee free. When it was we used the debit card for everything.
We tend to use credit and debit cards but one campsite we stayed on only accepted cash or cheque for payment so we had to drive into town ot take out money from two different cash points bjt that was only one time
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As we tend to go back and forth to France quite a lot we only take a small amount of cash and always pay for everything with Credit Card unless just buying a coffee etc.
It has always worked for us, and as I have a Tesco Credit Card it helps towards my next Eurotunnel crossing with the points.
I always take a Debit card as well but dont aim to use it unless there was a problem
Unfortunately now we are in a situation where most banks and building societies charge for using debit cards out of country.But,Unfortunately,they are now a necessity when overseas.We found that most of the places where we purchased fuel,were supermarkets that did not have pay kiosks.Like everyone else,for us a mixture of cash,credit and debit cards when travelling would appear to be the way to carry monies,plus if cards are lost or stolen,they can be quickly cancelled and replaced by the issuing bank.Therefore it is imperative that emergency telephone numbers are noted and kept in a safe seperate place.
------------- If the moon reflects the suns light,why does it not reflect the suns heat?
We found out we could withdraw cash free abroad if we used atms that were part of the Barclays alliance network, this includes BNP PARIBAS in france and the three smaller banks they own so we were never far from a suitable cash machine. Keeping a float of cash and using my debit card for larger purchases ensured we did not get any large surcharges as their exchange rate included the charge for use, not perfect but with a little research it saved us incurring unknown charges whilst also not having to apply for new cards.
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If you draw cash on a Barclays Debit card you avoid the transaction charge but you still incur a 2.99% foreign transaction charge which is hidden in the rate you get.
sorry i thought that was what i said, perhaps i should'nt of used the words "exchange rate includes their charge for use" as "hidden sounds so much better!
With the Halifax Clarity credit card there are no transaction fees for ATM use and you get the interbank rate, no foreign transaction fee .I set up regular payments to the account while I am away, that way the balance is paid off early and there is hardly any interest charged.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: holiday money france????
