Latest news with #BanMahsoub
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Wales Online
Warning for anyone going to Greece, Spain or France 'payment may be delcined'
Warning for anyone going to Greece, Spain or France 'payment may be delcined' A third of holidaymakers make the common mistake and disrupt their holiday plans The situation is different in many countries Tesco has issued a warning to anyone heading abroad this summer as millions of holidaymakers have found themselves caught out over cash rules. While many of us are used to tapping and paying at home, cash only payments are still very common in some countries - including Spain, Greece, Turkey, France and even the USA. According to Tesco, just a third of us research how cash reliant a destination is before flying. A spokesman said: "Whether it's the food stalls of a Spanish market, a souvenir shop in Greece, or a taxi ride in Turkey, many everyday experiences abroad still demand physical currency. It was found that the top situations where cash is needed are, shopping at local markets, tipping, and paying in smaller shops and restaurants, all of which left travellers looking for an ATM." Tesco says people are most likely to be caught out in Spain, the USA, Turkey, Greece, France and Austria. Ban Mahsoub, Partnerships Director, at Tesco Insurance and Money Services said: 'While we're all used to paying with our phones and cards at home, travelling abroad often means going back to basics. Being caught without cash can turn a relaxing holiday into a stressful experience, whether you're trying to buy something at a market or simply pay for a taxi. "The best approach is a 'hybrid wallet', bring your cards, but make sure you've got some local currency too. A little preparation can make all the difference between a smooth trip and an unexpected hassle.' Article continues below To help Brits avoid those holiday cash blind spots, Ban offers her top practical tips for managing your money abroad:
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Scotsman
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Your Dad doesn't want any more socks for Fathers Day
Ban Mahsoub | Supplied Socks and cufflinks are out and gift cards are in, according to new figures. Across the UK, this Father's Day, more people are switching from 'predictable, throwaway presents' for something their dads want. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tesco Insurance and Money Service said gift cards are the go-to for Father's Day, especially for those who might leave shopping till the last minute. It has revealed that Father's Day gift card sales are increasing, making June the biggest month for gift card purchases outside of the festive season, having surged by up to 12 per cent in June. It added that if you're a last-minute shopper, you're not alone as the week before Father's Day sees a 32 per cent to 40 per cent spike in sales as people try to pick up the perfect present. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In June 2024, shoppers splashed out £20.8 million on gift cards, purchasing 675,000 cards in the run-up to Father's Day. The average amount loaded per card was £30.80. But the data shows it's not just about where to spend but what to spend on, with online shopping, gaming and fashion cards making up 80 per cent of all June gift card purchases. While the Christmas period remains in the lead, accounting for 40 per cent of annual gift card sales, Father's Day has firmly established itself as the biggest sales spike in card gifting outside of the festive months. The average amount people spend on gift cards in general is also on the rise, climbing from £30.60 last year to £31.34 this year.
Glasgow Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
5 easy ways to save money on travel money exchange rates
But, there's always a huge amount to do before we go away, so Ban Mahsoub, future partnerships and money services director at Tesco Insurance and Money Services has put together some easy ways to save money when buying your travel money. Ban says it's worth taking physical cash, as well as cards on holiday: 'While paying with a card is becoming more and more popular, there are several benefits to keeping cash on you whilst travelling abroad. "Whether it's tipping, avoiding foreign transaction fees, or simply making everyday purchases, having cash on hand can make life easier. It's also invaluable in emergencies. "Unlike cards or contactless payments, cash doesn't rely on electricity or internet access and is accepted in most places abroad. Keeping a few notes in your wallet ensures you're covered if you come across cash-only spots or face unexpected power outages.' Five holiday money tips from the experts Exchange your currency before you go on holiday Forgetting to change money into the local currency is something almost all of us have done, but it can leave you out of pocket, especially if you leave it so late you need to do it at the airport. Exchanging before you travel means you can shop around for the best deals. A lot of travel bureaus offer a click and collect service and some will price match the best deals. Stores with a bureau can have your order ready as quickly as the following day. Customers with a Tesco Clubcard are eligible for Clubcard Prices discount on travel money when buying their currency in a Tesco store or online. For even more convenience, Tesco Travel Money also offers home delivery. Why you should exchange money before your holiday Airport exchange rates are notoriously poor, and exchange bureaus abroad often come with high transaction fees. Sorting your currency in advance not only means you're likely to get a much better exchange rate, but also gives you peace of mind in case you arrive and can't immediately access an ATM or bureau. It also means you won't get caught out abroad without cash when you need it most or stung by unexpected ATM fees. Check your fees and exchange rates when paying with cards Before you use your debit or credit card abroad to make purchases, it's important to check with your bank whether you'll be charged any fees for making purchases or withdrawing cash. Remember, when paying, choose the local currency as it will usually be cheaper than paying in your own currency. Even if your card is your preferred method of payment, it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you to pay for taxis, excursions, tipping and general expenses that might come up during the first few days of your holiday. Think carefully when withdrawing cash If you don't like the idea of carrying too much cash with you but want to avoid card fees for withdrawing cash abroad, a Multi-currency Cash Passport could be a good option. This is a prepaid travel money card that you can buy in store at Tesco's Travel Money Bureaux or online and load with up to 10 currencies before you go. If you have cash left over at the end of your holiday, Tesco Travel Money buys back most foreign banknotes in the currencies it sells – even if you bought them elsewhere. Customers who also purchase Tesco's Buy Back Promise when ordering their travel money through them can return the currency at the rate they bought it, which may save them money. Recommended reading: How to carry your money while exploring Keep your cards, along with your passport and other vital documents as close to you as possible when you're out and about. Ban recommends recommend always having them on you, so you may want to buy a small cross body bag or a money belt to wear under your clothes, so that if you are carrying other things, you can put them down safely when eating or lounging, knowing that your most important belongings are still carried. This can depend on your location though, so follow local advice. Stay safe on holiday - don't carry all your money on you When possible, ensure your cards and cash are split evenly between several people, so more than one adult carries cards and cash, rather than one person looking after all the cards and another after all the cash. This way, if one person loses their wallet, you still have access to both means. Whether you're travelling alone or with a group, avoid carrying all your cash with you every day and leave some at your accommodation, in a safe. This can be your backup plan if you lose access to your money during a day out.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 easy ways to save money when buying your travel money
As holidays draw closer - with many planning May half term or bank holiday getaways - it's time to think about travel money, and how to make it work for you. But, there's always a huge amount to do before we go away, so Ban Mahsoub, future partnerships and money services director at Tesco Insurance and Money Services has put together some easy ways to save money when buying your travel money. Ban says it's worth taking physical cash, as well as cards on holiday: 'While paying with a card is becoming more and more popular, there are several benefits to keeping cash on you whilst travelling abroad. "Whether it's tipping, avoiding foreign transaction fees, or simply making everyday purchases, having cash on hand can make life easier. It's also invaluable in emergencies. "Unlike cards or contactless payments, cash doesn't rely on electricity or internet access and is accepted in most places abroad. Keeping a few notes in your wallet ensures you're covered if you come across cash-only spots or face unexpected power outages.' Forgetting to change money into the local currency is something almost all of us have done, but it can leave you out of pocket, especially if you leave it so late you need to do it at the airport. Exchanging before you travel means you can shop around for the best deals. A lot of travel bureaus offer a click and collect service and some will price match the best deals. Stores with a bureau can have your order ready as quickly as the following day. Customers with a Tesco Clubcard are eligible for Clubcard Prices discount on travel money when buying their currency in a Tesco store or online. For even more convenience, Tesco Travel Money also offers home delivery. Airport exchange rates are notoriously poor, and exchange bureaus abroad often come with high transaction fees. Sorting your currency in advance not only means you're likely to get a much better exchange rate, but also gives you peace of mind in case you arrive and can't immediately access an ATM or bureau. It also means you won't get caught out abroad without cash when you need it most or stung by unexpected ATM fees. Before you use your debit or credit card abroad to make purchases, it's important to check with your bank whether you'll be charged any fees for making purchases or withdrawing cash. Remember, when paying, choose the local currency as it will usually be cheaper than paying in your own currency. Even if your card is your preferred method of payment, it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you to pay for taxis, excursions, tipping and general expenses that might come up during the first few days of your holiday. If you don't like the idea of carrying too much cash with you but want to avoid card fees for withdrawing cash abroad, a Multi-currency Cash Passport could be a good option. This is a prepaid travel money card that you can buy in store at Tesco's Travel Money Bureaux or online and load with up to 10 currencies before you go. If you have cash left over at the end of your holiday, Tesco Travel Money buys back most foreign banknotes in the currencies it sells – even if you bought them elsewhere. Customers who also purchase Tesco's Buy Back Promise when ordering their travel money through them can return the currency at the rate they bought it, which may save them money. Recommended reading: Easy phone mistakes on holiday could cost you hundreds Martin Lewis says 'don't pay to pay' on holiday Martin Lewis shares key advice for mobile phone users Keep your cards, along with your passport and other vital documents as close to you as possible when you're out and about. Ban recommends recommend always having them on you, so you may want to buy a small cross body bag or a money belt to wear under your clothes, so that if you are carrying other things, you can put them down safely when eating or lounging, knowing that your most important belongings are still carried. This can depend on your location though, so follow local advice. When possible, ensure your cards and cash are split evenly between several people, so more than one adult carries cards and cash, rather than one person looking after all the cards and another after all the cash. This way, if one person loses their wallet, you still have access to both means. Whether you're travelling alone or with a group, avoid carrying all your cash with you every day and leave some at your accommodation, in a safe. This can be your backup plan if you lose access to your money during a day out.
