View Full Version : cash
colin crighton
11-01-2013, 09:37
hi come from uk what is best way to access cash debit card from machines bring loads cash do garages accept normal debit/credit cards any other thoughts on matter would be appreciated thx
florida4sun
11-01-2013, 10:01
All depends on what charges you bank has for ATM use overseas. Best to check with them. I typically use an amex card that has zero fees but I don't think that is offered now. Others will be more up on which card is best to use. Most visa/mastercards are accepted in all shops and garages. Carry photo ID as it is often asked for. When shopping with cash barter for discount (on worth while goods of course).
Katys Grandad
11-01-2013, 10:18
It's quite complex because there isn't really 1 solution that suits everybody and we each have our individual preferences. There are lots of websites that discuss which is the 'best' credit or debit card and they're well worth reading.
I think most people use a mix of cash/credit/debit cards dependent on which they're most comfortable with.
Agree with Martin's comments above...
Would add that, assuming you've a credit card with a low exchange rate (Post Office or Nationwide come to mind), you really don't need much cash. Just tolls & tips really....You'll probably get the best exchange rate that way.
Be aware that some credit card providers add 2.75% to any foreign exchange transactions !!!!
Garages are a bit of a pain.. you won't be able to use your card at the pump as it will 'ask' for a zip code - you'll have to go into the kiosk & pre-pay !!
For petrol/gas purchase - we get a Wal Mart Gift Card upload some $ onto it and then you get 5c a gallon off the posted price - only at Wal Mart locations of course. This does not work at Wal Mart express or Sam Club locations.
I always use a cash card like FairFX. Always a good exchange rate. You can also withdraw cash from an ATM if necessary for a minimal charge but make sure it is compatible with your card i.e. Mastercard. The only downside is you have to have access to a computer to add more funds to your card if you need to.
It's worth noting as said that if you use a credit card there is a surcharge but they use the Bank exchange rate which is quite a bit higher than the Travel exchange rate so it works out about the same as the Travel rate after the surcharge. So it not as bad as some people think. I did this on a recent trip for some big buys and was pleasantly surprised.
We have a Nationwide Select Credit card which has a zero fee for foreign use throughout the world but the Nationwide debit cards now carry a fee to use outside of Europe.
Gerry Reed
11-01-2013, 16:07
I always use a cash card like FairFX. Always a good exchange rate. You can also withdraw cash from an ATM if necessary for a minimal charge but make sure it is compatible with your card i.e. Mastercard. The only downside is you have to have access to a computer to add more funds to your card if you need to.
It's worth noting as said that if you use a credit card there is a surcharge but they use the Bank exchange rate which is quite a bit higher than the Travel exchange rate so it works out about the same as the Travel rate after the surcharge. So it not as bad as some people think. I did this on a recent trip for some big buys and was pleasantly surprised.
We use a credit card for everything except very small items - ice cream etc for which we use cash. As has been said the exchange rate they give is much better but then they take a fee of 2% + so not much in it. We find that the most convenient as it gives us one bill to pay at the end of the holiday. If you use the type of card that you load with cash make sure you read all the conditions as some make a monthly charge if you don't use it regularly and you can lose any money left on it at the end of your holiday.
you can lose any money left on it at the end of your holiday.
You are quite right. Although the card I use lasts for two years and you can carry over any remaining funds to your new card.
If I have quite a bit left on the card I withdraw from an ATM before I leave, taking in mind you have to pay a small fee. They will also refund your money for a £10 fee.
When using a credit card we use a Santander Zero card, you get a good rate of exchange and no conversion fees.
Robert5988
11-01-2013, 20:45
When using a credit card we use a Santander Zero card, you get a good rate of exchange and no conversion fees.
That is no longer on offer for new customers.
No Shoes
14-01-2013, 13:30
If you are old enough, Saga offer a pretty much near bank rate exchange with no loading.
Dont know if the link is allowed on here but if you look at the website for 'Money Saving Expert' there is a great section on the ways to get most out of your travel money.
There are several credit cards which do not load foreign exchange purchases with a fee (of about 2.75%) - Nationwide Select, Saga, Post Office, Halifax Clarity. But to get cash from an ATM without the extra fee, your options are limited. Just about all debit cards now charge a fee. But the Halifax Clarity card does not charge a fee for getting cash, even though it is a credit card, not a debit card. You will have to pay interest from the day of withdrawal, but as long as you pay off the balance quickly the interest will be a lot less than the fee charged on other cards.
You will almost always have to pay a fee to the bank which owns the ATM, usually a flat $2 or $3.
Just discovered that the TD bank ATM near the Red Lobster, just by the Harley Davidson store on 192 has been removed. They did not make a charge for using it to withdraw, anyone know where the have another one?
Andrna
We always take cash but occasionally turn to debit when shopping is good. I find every time I go down I call the bank to let them know I will be using my cards because they will be declined if not notified because they think they may be stolen. It has happened to me before.
I called yesterday since I will be going back down next week.
We always notify our banks when we are travelling and have found more than once that does not stop them declining a payment - now we use two credit cards so if one 'fails' we have a back up card.