Topping up Euros abroad..

Ex Footy Legs

Well-known member
Going on holiday in a week and think we are taking plenty of euros but if we need more - what’s the most economical way of getting more quickly ?

If I just used my HSBC or Santander debit card in a restaurant do they cripple you on the exchange rate or fees to make a transaction ?

I’m really not upto speed with this stuff these days and wondering if you folks can offer any wise advice ?

Thanks
 
There are Euro account preloaded cards. May I suggest Revolut. If you need topping up you just exchange Sterling for more Euros by transferring from your online bank account to your Revolut Sterling account and then exchange with no fees. Revolut card can be used as a charge card or in cashpoints.
 
Haven't bought euros or any other currency in years, as above go with a Revolut, transfer kidney over as you need it and it converts it as you use it

If you must have cash there are online comparison sites that will show you the best deals for collection, post etc
 
Caxton is the other card. Pre paid, top up if needed whilst way. Good exchange rates. Any left over euros, just transfer the Stirling equivalent to your UK account.
 
Haven't bought euros or any other currency in years, as above go with a Revolut, transfer kidney over as you need it and it converts it as you use it

If you must have cash there are online comparison sites that will show you the best deals for collection, post etc
Transfer a kidney, bl00dy ell TFG how much debt are getting in and where are you going where they accept your kidney as currency 🙈
 
Caxton is the other card. Pre paid, top up if needed whilst way. Good exchange rates. Any left over euros, just transfer the Stirling equivalent to your UK account.
I’m always sceptical of these types of accounts because I automatically think ; so how do they make their money then if they give you no charges for switching pounds to euros; or do they offer you a poor exchange rate meaning you lose out that way and that’s how they make their money back from you
 
I’ve started taking more euros. The fees on cash machines abroad are extortionate. Have a starling card as back up which I just top up from my bank account when needed.
 
I’m always sceptical of these types of accounts because I automatically think ; so how do they make their money then if they give you no charges for switching pounds to euros; or do they offer you a poor exchange rate meaning you lose out that way and that’s how they make their money back from you
They make their money by charging for additional services. They have tiered products plus they get a small turn on the transaction fees from the credit card processor.
 
I’ve started taking more euros. The fees on cash machines abroad are extortionate. Have a starling card as back up which I just top up from my bank account when needed.
Don't know about your card but Revolut have a partnership with many European banks (listed on their website) which don't charge any fees for euro cashpoint withdrawals
 
If you think you are taking plenty of cash and might only need a few extra euros if you’re a bit short you’ll get decent rates at the local money exchange shops. Obviously your contributing to money laundering for probably drugs lords, child prostitution rings and illegal immigration gangs, but they don’t mention it in the shop so……..

Revolut is good 😉
 
I use Monzo when in Spain. No fees and a good exchange rate when using your card, and you can make free cash withdrawals too.
 
Another one for Revolut (y)

I stopped using my Revolut when I opened a Change Bank account. You get 1% cash back on all spending (including foreign) and you can set up round ups and get 5% interest on them.

No charges to spend abroad on Chase and I think bank withdrawals are better than Revolut. You don't need to faff exchanging the rate on the app either.

Chase are very impressive. I use it for everything now.
 
I’ve started taking more euros. The fees on cash machines abroad are extortionate. Have a starling card as back up which I just top up from my bank account when needed.

The last two times I have been abroad I have used no cash at all. Everywhere takes ApplePay now so I just pay on my watch. So much easier and secure. (Other contactless payment options are available lol)
 
I’ve just been abroad and used debit card for everything, lots of places have contactless now too, and have the bank app on my phone so that notification pops up as soon as transactions are made, also when paying with your card and given the option of local currency or sterling, choose the local currency.
 
A word of caution with Revolut. The basic account has interest free exchange and withdrawal limits so I’d check those out beforehand. Additionally, any exchanges executed on a weekend with automatically incur a fee.
 
I use Starling but I just transfer what I need from my NatWest account when I go abroad. Usually just a couple of hundred at one time really. Can do it on my phone so don't need anymore most days. I carry it with me in case I run out of euros or want to pay something by a card a meal for instance.
The good thing about it though is as soon as it's used it sends a message to your phone so it's a good security measure. I know many other banks also do this now as well.
 
The last two times I have been abroad I have used no cash at all. Everywhere takes ApplePay now so I just pay on my watch. So much easier and secure. (Other contactless payment options are available lol)
But doesn’t apple pay charge it to your uk credit card, so you were paying their exchange rate. I use Apple Pay but I have a Spanish bank account and I swap from my English credit card to my Spanish one when I come out and vice verca.
 
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