Travel money

It’s always worth having a budget in mind when you go on holiday, that way you won’t return home with a hefty credit card statement waiting for you!
 

Here are some other tips for getting your holiday spending right:

  • Only take the cards you intend to use
     
  • Tell your card provider that you’re going away. If you don’t, they could block your card as they may think it’s being used fraudulently
     
  • Note your credit card numbers and expiry dates and leave them with someone you trust at home
     
  • Take 24-hour emergency card cancellation phone numbers with you
     
  • Check that your type of credit card is valid where you’re going
     
  • Choose the local currency when you’re asked if you want charging in pounds or the local currency; you’ll get a better exchange rate.

Fees

Check your card provider’s fees. Many charge a percentage on the transaction as well as a flat rate fee for each withdrawal or transaction.

Before you go, look for a card with no charges or a very competitive rate.

Avoid taking cash out of ATMs in lots of small amounts, you may get charged per withdrawal.

Cash

Get some cash before you travel for bus or taxi fares; airports ATMs are not always available.

Order less used currencies at least a week in advance.

Keep it safe

Don’t carry more money than you need when you’re out and about.

If you need to carry a big amount of cash, split it with a friend or your partner.

Divide your cash; keep some in your wallet, some in a money belt and some in an inside pocket.

If you’re leaving cash in a hotel room, lock it in your room safe with all your other valuables.

Prepaid cards

A prepaid card is one that you can load up with foreign currency before you travel.

Abroad they can be used like a debit card.

Prepaid cards can often avoid ATM withdrawal charges and other bank card charges.

If you lose your card the money is protected, but you may have to pay for a replacement card.