Six smart ways to make the most of your holiday money this summer
PLANNING for an overseas holiday this summer?
Treat yourself to an extra beer by the pool by getting the best deal on foreign currency. Here’s our guide . . .
SWAP SMART: Check a site such as Money Saving Expert’s TravelMoneyMax to find the best deals. Enter the currency and sum you want, how long until you travel, your postcode and if you want to collect it locally or at the airport, or have it delivered. It’s usually cheaper to collect than have cash delivered. Never buy at the airport unless you pre-arranged it.
FEE CAREFUL: Don’t buy currency using your credit card as it counts as a cash withdrawal, meaning you may be charged fees and a higher interest rate.
PICK A CARD: If you’ve a month or so until your holiday, consider getting a fee-free card. Best are Starling Bank or Chase’s debit card, which have no spending or ATM fees. Credit cards give you more protection if something goes wrong, like a product is faulty or a service isn’t delivered. Halifax’s Clarity and Barclaycard Rewards credit cards are top-rated by Money Saving Expert for overseas travel. Always pay off credit card debts before interest is charged.
CASH DASH: Some foreign cash machines might charge fees. Ideally it’s best to take currency with you. Note that if you use the Clarity card to withdraw cash you’ll start paying interest immediately.
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CARD TRICKS: Don’t pay in pounds in shops and restaurants, as businesses can set their own exchange rate and more often than not it’s more favourable to them.
BE UPFRONT: If on a budget, consider a prepaid card, where you buy currency in advance, at a fixed rate, and load it into your account before travel. Caxton FX’s Currency card is a top pick, as it’s free, has no overseas ATM fees and has competitive exchange rates. You can load up to 15 different currencies on to it.
- All price on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers are subject to availability.
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