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

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Popular Scots beauty spot named among best in Europe to see rare ‘Strawberry Moon' this week
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. It was the only place in Scotland named on the top list STAR ATTRACTION Popular Scots beauty spot named among best in Europe to see rare 'Strawberry Moon' this week Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SECLUDED and breathtaking Scottish beauty spot has been named one of Europe's top locations to view this week's 'Strawberry Moon'. This rare celestial event refers to the time of year rather than the moon's colour and is thought to have been named by Native American tribes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The almost full Strawberry moon rises up in to clear evening sky Credit: Alamy 4 The name refers to the time of the year - and is one of the lowest moons in the year Credit: Alamy 4 Glencoe was named one of the best places to gaze at the moon on Wednesday night Credit: Getty Full Moons are traditionally given nicknames reflecting nature's seasonal changes. For instance, February's is called the Snow Moon, while July's is the Buck Moon, marking the time male deer start growing their antlers. The Strawberry Moon, often the year's lowest full moon due to the Earth's tilt, hasn't been this near the horizon since 2006 and won't be again until 2043. Its closeness to the horizon can sometimes give it a reddish hue. This year's Strawberry Moon will appear tomorrow evening. The best places to view such phenomena are those with minimal light pollution, providing optimal dark skies. This comes after research revealed 62 per cent of travellers said they are considering visiting darker sky destinations and seeking starbathing experiences in 2025. The International Dark Sky Parks (IDSPs) has certified Dark Sky areas across Europe which are protected from light pollution. These areas, established in 2001, help to preserve the clear night's sky, allowing travellers to enjoy star-filled nights. And Winstons Beds has compiled a list of Europe's top ten stargazing destinations. Incredible video shows how US will mine the MOON to help humans establish new home in space The sole Scottish entry is Glencoe, a settlement in Glen Coe, Lochaber, famed for its pristine skies and lack of artificial light. Located roughly two and a half hours from Glasgow and three hours from Edinburgh, it lies between Scotland's central belt and Inverness. Elsewhere, La Palma in the Canary Islands was named Europe's top stargazing site, thanks to strict light pollution laws that preserve its clear night skies. Second on the list is Hella in Iceland, a remote town known for its exceptionally dark skies due to its isolated setting. Completing the top five are County Kerry in Ireland, Ylläs in Finland, and Northumberland National Park in England. Other destinations include Tuscany in Italy, Haute-Pyrénées in France, Stevns Klint in Denmark, and Aenos National Park in Greece. Rebecca Swain from Winstons Beds said: 'Stargazing is not only captivating but also promotes wellbeing, helping to rebalance the nervous system and encourage relaxation. 10 best stargazing spots in Europe La Palma, Canary Islands Hella, Iceland County Kerry, Republic of Ireland Ylläs, Finland Northumberland National Park, England Tuscany, Italy Haute-Pyrénées, France Glencoe, Scotland Stevns Klint, Denmark Aenos National Park, Greece (source: 'For those seeking calm and adventure, Europe offers countless serene locations where you can enjoy tranquility and breathtaking celestial views. "Experiencing natural darkness can help regulate the body's circadian rhythm, creating stillness and wonder.'


Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
World's most valuable players revealed as Jude Bellingham leapfrogs Erling Haaland… but lags behind Lamine Yamal
Two Englishman rank on the list while a Ballon d'Or candidate fails to make the cut TOP BILLING World's most valuable players revealed as Jude Bellingham leapfrogs Erling Haaland… but lags behind Lamine Yamal Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOOTBALL'S most valuable superstars have been revealed. This summer the Club World Cup has seen the creation of a unique transfer window format, with the shopping window open twice after a closure in the middle. 7 The 10 most expensive players in the world have been revealed Credit: Alamy 7 Jude Bellingham ranks joint second behind Lamine Yamal Credit: Getty 7 Erling Haaland is the Premier League's most expensive star Credit: Getty 7 Kylian Mbappe has seen his stock rise following his Real Madrid switch Credit: Getty 7 Bukayo Saka makes one of two English players on the list Credit: Getty June 10 represents the end of the first stage of the window, before it reopens on June 16 and runs through to September 1. And for any clubs looking to splash some serious cash on one of world football's best stars, figures from Transfermarkt have revealed the current top 10 most valuable players. Kicking the list off at number 10 is the oldest player on the list, Federico Valverde. The 26-year-old has been a top star for Real Madrid for a number of years and consequently he has a huge transfer value of £110million (€130m). READ MORE IN FOOTBALL MIC DROP Michael Carrick lands new job after Middlesbrough axe as John O'Shea joins him The midfielder is one of four Real Madrid Galacticos to be named on the list. Three stars have an identical value of £118m (€140m) from nine down to seven, and are all 22 years of age. Germany stars Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz both ply their trade in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively, while Spain star Pedri plays for Barcelona in La Liga. Pedri's value has increased from £101m in the last edition of the figures in March, no doubt due to Barcelona's league-winning campaign and semi-final Champions League run. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK However, of the three, only Wirtz has been linked with a mega-money transfer away from his club, with Liverpool trying to find a middle ground with Bayer over a fee. The Reds' latest offer saw them submit an offer worth £113m, although that is still some way short of the £126m Erik ten Hag's new outfit want to sell. New footage sees raging Jude Bellingham KICK VAR monitor in frustration after Real Madrid's last-gasp defeat The sixth player on the list is valued at £126m (€150m) and is the first English star to be named, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka. The 23-year-old's ability speaks for itself, and England saw how much they missed his flair and creativity against Andorra at the weekend. Getting into the top five, Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr was previously the joint most expensive star on the list at £169m (€200m). However, a disappointing season that left Real Madrid without a trophy saw his value decrease to £143m (€170m), which now ranks the 24-year-old ranked fifth. Just above him is team-mate Kylian Mbappe, who despite having the same lack of silverware has actually seen his value increase to £152m (€180m). That figure is identical to former Borussia Dortmund duo Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham. 7 Manchester City ace Haaland, 24, was previously valued at £169m, but like Vinicius, suffered a slight reduction after seeing his club fail to win a major trophy. Bellingham, 21, managed to escape the same fate and has remained on the £152m valuation. However, those figures place the trio behind Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. Yamal is one of the front-runners for the Ballon d'Or as a result of his stellar season for his club. He saw his value increase to now make the 17-year-old the single most expensive player in world football. Yamal only recently signed a new contract with Barcelona that will see him earn £33.5m per year. Cole Palmer narrowly missed out on the top 10 after seeing his value fall to £102m, putting him level with Declan Rice and Alexander Isak. Former Crystal Palace star Michael Olise is now in the top 20 after seeing his value rise to £85m. This matches Alexis Mac Allister and Phil Foden, the latter of whom has lost almost £25m in value. Champions League winners Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have gone up in value to now be worth £76m, with Ballon d'Or candidate Ousmane Dembele valued the same.


Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Britain's top ten modern status symbols for the home from solar panels to underfloor heating, survey shows
Energy-efficient improvements just don't give home owners the same buzz as a swanky new renovation. HOUSE THAT? Britain's top ten modern status symbols for the home from solar panels to underfloor heating, survey shows Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOMEOWNERS are shunning expensive eco-features like solar panels in favour of new kitchens and bathrooms, a report claims. The study of 2,000 property owners found more than half are prioritising cosmetic makeovers because they believe it adds more value and offers instant gratification. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Homeowners are opting for new kitchens over eco-features like solar panels Credit: Getty 6 Almost 40 per cent said they would rather spend on a new bathroom suite Credit: Getty 6 Many would rather splash out on a new kitchen (48 per cent) or bathroom suite (39 per cent) than invest in insulation (19 per cent) or energy-efficient heating systems (31 per cent). And 43 per cent admit they opt for these flashy upgrades simply because they want something new to enjoy – with 16 per cent confessing they just love the thrill of a fresh home feature. While 53 per cent said energy-efficient improvements just don't give them the same buzz as a swanky new renovation. The research, commissioned by Skipton Building Society, part of the Skipton Group, coincides with the release of The Big Retrofit report, which follows the energy efficiency transformation of a previously fossil-fuel reliant home. The report, developed with Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds, reveals how the retrofit of a typical 1930s detached home – featuring triple glazing, solar panels and an air source heat pump – cut carbon emissions, improved comfort, and boosted the home's EPC rating from D to B. Phil Spencer, TV star, property expert and Move iQ founder, said: 'It's easy to get caught up in choosing statement tiles or bold paint colours, but the most valuable home improvements aren't always the most Instagrammable. 'Green upgrades not only save money in the long run, but they can also boost comfort, value and sustainability, all without spoiling the look of your home.' But it seems a new kind of 'keeping up with the Joneses' is sweeping through Britain's streets and cul-de-sacs – and this time, it's all about going green. More than a quarter (28 per cent) now say they know a neighbour who's made big low carbon technology or energy efficiency related changes to their home – and 53 per cent of these have been inspired to follow suit. As a result, 48 per cent have looked into getting solar panels, 24 per cent have explored upgrading their loft insulation – and 15 per cent would consider installing triple glazed windows. George Michael's £10m London mansion gets modern makeover after row with neighbours over buildings 'left to rot' For 38 per cent, it was hearing their neighbours had managed to cut their energy bills that got them interested. Another 36 per cent said seeing what was actually possible gave them a lightbulb moment, while 30 per cent felt more confident after seeing the results up close. Almost half (47 per cent) of all homeowners now reckon making eco improvements has become a modern-day status symbol, according to the research conducted by OnePoll. Charging an electric car on the drive is seen as one of the leading signs you've 'made it' (32 per cent) – followed by underfloor heating powered by renewables (28 per cent) and having a heat pump (25 per cent). Michaela Wright, head of group sustainability at Skipton Building Society added: 'This research suggests we may be seeing a shift from 'keeping up with the Joneses' to 'greening up with the Jones'. 'As more people see their neighbours investing in greener technologies, it naturally sparks curiosity and motivation to do the same. 'There's something powerful about seeing these changes up close – it makes the benefits feel more real and achievable. 'The idea of a modern status symbol is evolving, and now things like solar panels, heat pumps and electric cars are part of that. 6 His and hers washbasins are another modern status symbol Credit: Getty 6 Underfloor heating is another common luxury investment Credit: Getty 6 A new bathroom can elevate the feel of a home and add to its value Credit: Getty 'It's a positive sign that more energy efficient choices are becoming aspirational, not just practical. 'We understand that making energy-efficient home improvements might not be at the top of everyone's priority list. 'That's why we took on the journey ourselves – to help demystify the retrofit process through The Big Retrofit project. 'We've documented our experience and created a series of resources, to support others who are considering making similar improvements.'