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Quote: Originally posted by christian3 on 10/4/2012

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and used credit cards on the self service petrol stations (but remember they take out the maximum amount then refund you the difference )

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We found out we could withdraw cash free abroad if we used atms that were part of the Barclays alliance network, this includes BNP PARIBAS in france and the three smaller banks they own so we were never far from a suitable cash machine. Keeping a float of cash and using my debit card for larger purchases ensured we did not get any large surcharges as their exchange rate included the charge for use, not perfect but with a little research it saved us incurring unknown charges whilst also not having to apply for new cards.

If you draw cash on a Barclays Debit card you avoid the transaction charge but you still incur a 2.99% foreign transaction charge which is hidden in the rate you get.

Saxo1

With the Halifax Clarity credit card there are no transaction fees for ATM use and you get the interbank rate, no foreign transaction fee .I set up regular payments to the account while I am away, that way the balance is paid off early and there is hardly any interest charged.

Saxo1