Card for 2 month holiday in and around Europe.

[dave0010]

In May myself and my fiancé are heading around the Greek Islands, then onto Italy and finally to Sri Lanka for 2 months in total. I bank with Nattiest and my partner banks with Santander. Can anyone help with advice for the best cards to use abroad and not incur fees??

[Ozzie Osmond]

Check out the Halifax credit cards. Get the basic one and you should be free of all fees and charges.

[egroeg]

Yeah clarity is what you need. I never get foreign currency now except from cash machines locally.

[Simpo Two]

I got a Halifax Clarity last year specifically for a trip to Canada, and it worked perfectly.

[Ken Figenus]

I use the Fair FX Euro card - seems to give good rates and 1.5E charges to withdraw cash abroad. Mind you upgraded to a Flex Plus account with Nationwide (just excellent value at the £10 a month current rate given the benefits) so probably dont need to bother now as this card is totally fee free abroad too (no transaction charges either).

[NordicCrankShaft]

When me and the missus went travelling we used a Caxton FX card, as we went to Asia aswell we used both a Dollar and world traveller cards. Decent rates and very helpful staff when we had a minor issue whilst away. This was 2 years ago so no idea what they're like now.

[marshalla]

Another vote for the Prepaid cards here (FairFX, Caxton etc.)

They have the added advantage that if someone decides to clone them, the damage is inherently limited to the amount in the account.

And you can top them up online as and when you want to, to take advantage of rates or to deal with emergencies.

[Ozzie Osmond]

With a credit card you have NO exposure to fraud at all, it's all down to the card provider.

[Gareth79]

I have the Santander Zero card (now withdrawn) but I believe the Halifax Clarity is identical in fees (nothing) although both will charge a cash advance interest rate from the moment the cash is withdrawn. If you don't want to incur that interest then the solution is to make ad-hoc payments to pay off the balance as you go. Pre-loading is often mentioned (putting the account in credit) but the card companies don't like this.

[dave0010]

great thanks for the replies all. I do already have a Halifax credit card but not the one mentioned above. I think I'l have a look at the pre loaded cards as I like the idea of reducing the damage that may be able to be done.

[megapixels83]

Another one with Fairfx cards here. Have the USD and the EUR one. You see the fx rate when loading and it is pretty good to be honest. Small charge to withdraw cash but obviously free to use with a merchant. I did 6 weeks in the States and didn't touch cash once, just used the card for everything ranging from 69cents to $1000.