logo
The ATM rule you need to follow when abroad and best credit and debt cards for summer holidays

The ATM rule you need to follow when abroad and best credit and debt cards for summer holidays

Scottish Sun10-05-2025

Read on to find out which credit and debit card you should pack for your next getaway
DON'T GET BURNT The ATM rule you need to follow when abroad and best credit and debt cards for summer holidays
CREDIT and debit cards can charge you a fee of up to 5 per cent to use your card abroad.
And it can cost £5 extra to withdraw money from an ATM while on holiday.
Advertisement
1
You could be hit with a surprise bill if you bring the wrong card while on holiday
Credit: Getty
Andrew Hagger, personal finance expert at Moneycomms.co.uk, said: 'Taking the right plastic with you on your travels can end up saving you a decent sum over the course of a week or two overseas, so it's worth checking what your bank card charges you before you jet off.'
Adele Cooke explains how to get your summer wallet ready - and the ATM rule you need to follow.
Debit card
It can be easy to use your debit card while on holiday but doing so could land you with a surprise bill.
For example, Lloyds Bank charges customers who use their debit card abroad a 2.99 per cent foreign transaction fee.
Advertisement
This would cost you £2.99 for every £100 you spend.
But some cards do not charge fees when you use them abroad, so you can spend as you do at home.
Several big banks offer cards without overseas fees, so it's worth shopping around to get the best deal.
First Direct does not charge fees to pay with its debit card while abroad and there is no penalty to withdraw cash from an ATM.
Advertisement
Santander customers with an Edge current account do not pay any fees when using the card to make purchases or withdraw cash while overseas.
But the account has a £3 fee and you must pay at least £500 into your account each month.
Avoid these common holiday booking mistakes for a stress-free vacation
Meanwhile, Starling does not charge a fee to use its card or withdraw cash while on holiday.
Keep an eye out for cards that offer Visa, Interbank or Mastercard exchange rates as these will give you the best conversion.
Advertisement
Other cards charge a mark up on top of the exchange rate to cover some of their costs.
You can compare credit cards using websites including moneyfactscompare.co.uk or Compare the Market.
How to avoid roaming charges
Simrat Sharma, a mobiles expert at Uswitch, said switching to an eSIM - short for embedded SIM - can be cheaper than using international roaming.
'eSIMs make it easier to change networks," she said.
"So for example, if you're abroad you can quickly connect to the local network to pay local rates - without having to add or swap a physical local SIM card for your device.
"This means travel eSIMs are almost always cheaper than using international roaming, as users are effectively tapping into the same network plans as locals.
If you're regularly switching numbers or travelling to different locations, you'll be able to keep them all safely in digital format rather than carrying around a number of small cards.
'The software can easily be accessed via your device's app store and uploaded to your phone in a few quick steps."
Credit card
Many credit cards also charge foreign transaction fees of around 3%, which would add £1.50 to the cost of a £50 meal out.
But there are several credit cards that let you withdraw money from ATMs or spend in shops and restaurants fee-free.
Advertisement
The Barclaycard Rewards Card does not charge you transaction fees when you are abroad.
It uses Visa's exchange rate, so you will get the best value on conversions.
Meanwhile, the NatWest Credit Card does not charge a transaction fee so you can spend abroad without paying a penalty.
A credit card can also give you extra protection if something goes wrong while you are away.
Advertisement
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said: 'A credit card will also protect spenders under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act on purchases between £100 and £30,000 if a service or goods are not provided or damaged.'
Pre-paid card
A pre-paid card can be a good option if you want to keep an eye on your holiday budget.
The cards are not linked to your bank account so you need to top them up before your trip.
This means that you cannot become overdrawn and can lock in an exchange rate before you travel.
Advertisement
But some places may not accept the cards, warns Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor.
She said: 'A fee-free credit card is useful if you're planning to hire a car, as many operators don't accept prepaid travel cards.'
Some prepaid cards may also have hidden fees.
The Post Office Travel Money Card lets you load up to 22 currencies onto the card and spend cash abroad fee-free.
Advertisement
But you will be charged 2 euros to withdraw cash at an ATM.
You can load 15 currencies onto the Asda Travel Money Card and spend and withdraw cash without fees.
Watch out for the inactivity fee, which is £2 a month.
Avoid one button
You could lose cash by making the wrong choice at foreign ATMs or tills.
Advertisement
Cash machines abroad usually give you the option to pay in pounds or the local currency.
But paying in pounds could cost you more.
This is because the overseas bank will do the conversion to pounds and the rates are usually unfavourable.
You will usually get a better rate by paying in the local currency.
Advertisement
Cash is king
You should carry some cash with you when travelling abroad.
Andy Coley, 49, from London wished he had exchanged cash before his business trip to Istanbul, Turkey, in March.
The leadership development trainer was hit with high fees to withdraw cash from an ATM.
Andy packed his Post Office Travel Card, which he often uses when abroad.
Advertisement
But he found most shops and restaurants in Istanbul would not accept the card.
Andy was forced to withdraw £500 in cash from an ATM, which cost him £37 in fees.
He said: 'I would definitely travel with cash in the future and do a bit more local research.'
You can compare the rates on offer at different currency exchanges using Money Saving Expert's online tool.
Advertisement
The cheapest place to buy currency may depend on which type you want, so check the rates before you head to a bureau du change.
Do not exchange cash at the airport as you may get a bad exchange rate.
Never withdraw currency using a credit card as you may be charged a high interest rate or fees.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Advertisement
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Millions of mobiles can unlock cars using ‘virtual key' and even open boot as 13 major brands reveal big change
Millions of mobiles can unlock cars using ‘virtual key' and even open boot as 13 major brands reveal big change

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Millions of mobiles can unlock cars using ‘virtual key' and even open boot as 13 major brands reveal big change

The bombshell announcement means 33 car brands now support the feature CAR-AZY! Millions of mobiles can unlock cars using 'virtual key' and even open boot as 13 major brands reveal big change MILLIONS of drivers won't need to carry their keys around anymore - as mobile phones are set to replace them. Apple has announced that the Wallet app will soon update a handy feature which lets their devices act as car keys. 2 Millions of drivers will be able to open their vehicles using just their phones Credit: Apple 2 13 new brands are coming to Apple's Car Key Wallet feature Credit: Getty The smartphone giant made several exciting car-related announcements at WWDC on Monday. One of these was the revelation that 13 brands will be added to Apple's Car Keys feature in their Wallet app. This groundbreaking feature was launched in 2020. The concept allowed users to open their cars using their phone or smartwatch. Each version of the key varied by manufacturer, and some have more special features than others. For example, some boast an incredible proximity ability. This means that the car can be locked and opened and even started just by holding the phone close to the vehicle's doorhandle. Passive entry is also available with the Car Keys feature. This means the car can lock automatically when you walk away, and can then open as you come near it. On top of these extraordinary features, the car can be opened remotely and without the need for physical keys. Apples's big announcements from WWDC with a flurry new features for the gadgets you already own Now, 13 car brands are set to gain Car Key support. These include Acura, Cadillac, Chery, Chevrolet, GMC, Hongqi, Lucid, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Tata, Voyah and WEY. There was no specific timeline given for when these brands would be adopting car key support. But having made the announcement at WWDC during the iOS 26 presentation, they may all launch by the end of this year. This list may include more brands in the future. With the addition of these 13, the total list of vehicles with Car Key support on Apple devices now includes 33 brands. The rest of the list already includes car giants such as Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and Mini.

The holiday destinations Welsh tourists can fly to for under £50 this month
The holiday destinations Welsh tourists can fly to for under £50 this month

Wales Online

time14 hours ago

  • Wales Online

The holiday destinations Welsh tourists can fly to for under £50 this month

The holiday destinations Welsh tourists can fly to for under £50 this month There are five locations you can get to for less than £50 from Wales at the time of writing - but some of these deals may not be around long Barcelona cityscape with Sagrada Familia seen from Park Guell at sunrise (Image: Getty ) If you're dreaming of the perfect getaway but haven't quite decided where to go, there's no better time than now to start exploring your options. Whether you're craving a cultural adventure, a sunny beach escape, or just a break from the everyday routine, a holiday abroad might be just what you need. It's worth checking out the latest flight deals available this month from Cardiff or Bristol - two of the most convenient and popular airports for travellers across south Wales- as you might be surprised at the number of affordable destinations within easy reach. ‌ From vibrant cities packed with history and nightlife to laid-back coastal spots where you can soak up the sun, there's something to suit every kind of traveller, and you don't actually need to spend a fortune to enjoy a memorable trip. With the right timing and a bit of planning, you could be heading off on a well-deserved holiday sooner than you think. ‌ At WalesOnline, we regularly check Skyscanner to see what locations are among some of the most affordable to reach, but it is worth checking your booking thoroughly to make sure you are getting the best deal. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here This month there are several locations which stand out as being the most budget-friendly, with five locations you can get to for less than £50 at the time of writing. France View at Cathedral of Saint Cecilia of Albi, France. Early in the day and evening . (Image: Getty ) Article continues below Flight prices start from £28 at Bristol Airport: France is considered an easy-to-reach destination from Wales, so if you're after a culture change without travelling too far afield it's the perfect last minute getaway option. It was also recently named the world's top tourist destination, with nearly 90 million visitors a year. It's the perfect country to explore if you are keen to experience great-tasting foods, amazing architecture and stunning beaches all just a stone's throw away from the UK. Ireland Fanad Head, the northernmost lighthouse in Irande (Image: Getty ) ‌ Flight prices start from £29 at Cardiff Airport: Ireland is a gorgeous country that's well worth getting to know better. Whether you prefer exploring historical sites, enjoying the scenic beauty, or immersing yourself in the local culture - it definitely ticks the majority of boxes if you're after a chilled out change of scenery with plenty of atmosphere. Lithuania Lithuania, Vilnius, view to the old town from Gediminas Tower (Image: Getty ) Flight prices start from £30 at Bristol Airport: Lithuania's diverse attractions, including medieval cities, pine forests, lakes, and Baltic beaches, make it ideal for hiking, cycling, and water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, Lithuania's affordable prices and relatively low tourist numbers compared to other popular destinations make it a great spot for visitors seeking a less crowded and more authentic experience. ‌ Spain Eixample district and Barcelona skyline at sunset, aerial view, Catalonia, Spain (Image: Getty ) Flight prices start from £32 at Bristol Airport: If you're after varied landscapes and a warm climate as well as incredible culture and food and drink, there's never a time when Spain isn't a good idea. And with a relaxed yet fun atmosphere, there's something for everyone, whether you're booking a family trip, romantic getaway or a big group holiday with loads of things to see and do, from flamenco dancing in Seville to enjoying the lively terraces and bars in Salamanca. Portugal Porto, Portugal (Image: Getty ) ‌ Flight prices start from £36 at Bristol Airport: If you're looking for a spot with a great coastline outside of the UK (with Pastel De Nata and great wine), then Portugal is another ideal destination which you could head to. With quiet beaches, there's always so much to see and do, from dolphin watching, to visiting historical sites or heading to a museum - as well as taking in the breath-taking coastline, Portugal is the ideal getaway if you are looking to escape to somewhere you can truly unwind. Poland Market Square in the Old Town of Wroclaw at summer, Poland (Image: Getty ) Article continues below Flight prices start from £39 at Bristol Airport: If you love charming cities, medieval castles and picturesque old towns, Poland is a great holiday option. It's also super affordable and easy to do on a budget, and Polish food is also well worth a try, with classics like the famous pierogi, a type of dumpling, and various meat and vegetable dishes which are a must-have if you are heading there. Poland has numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historical destinations. You can explore ancient cities like Krakow, with its central square and Wawel Royal Castle, or explore history of Warsaw, rebuilt after World War II.

Huge blackout hits Brit holiday hotspot leaving tens of thousands without power after ‘turbine failed'
Huge blackout hits Brit holiday hotspot leaving tens of thousands without power after ‘turbine failed'

Scottish Sun

time15 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Huge blackout hits Brit holiday hotspot leaving tens of thousands without power after ‘turbine failed'

More than 50,000 people have been left without power POWER CUT Huge blackout hits Brit holiday hotspot leaving tens of thousands without power after 'turbine failed' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MASSIVE power outage has left a British holiday hotspot completely dark. Outages began around 5:30pm and were first detected in homes and offices on the island of La Palma. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The entire island was left dark by the outage Credit: Getty The isle was left completely dark by the massive outage with tens of thousands of residents left without power. It is thought the outage was caused by the tripping of a generating turbine. An estimated 50,289 users across the island have been affected by the huge blackout. Previous outages have hit the island's major cities with the biggest, Los Llanos de Aridane, left dark in recent months. Desperate restoration efforts are underway on the island with authorities scrambling to fix the issue. Authorities have instructed residents to stay calm as they work to restore power to the island. It comes after a series of blackouts have hit the island in recent months. Santa Cruze de Palma, Los Llanos de Aridane and El Paso have all experienced recent power outages. The latest of these, on May 8, left the power out for hours and affected several of the eight municipalities in La Palma. Today's outage has been the worst of the recent blackouts with power out across the whole island and tens of thousands of users affected. The Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres said: "I send all my support to the people of La Palma." He went on to promise that power would be restored as soon as possible.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store