We're off to France fairly soon and it'll be our first time there. I'm just wanting to check before we go that I will be able to use my Halifax Visa Electron card to get cash while we're there. I'd rather know now than be stuck there with no way of getting any money out lol
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Yes it will be fine, but the Nationwide is better. They don't charge commission on any foreign transactions, just the prevailing exchange rate on the day. We have an account with them just for foreign holidays.
Sorry forgot to say have a super time - I'm sure that you will.
You might want to double check with your bank because Electron Cards (as well as Solo Cards) work in a slightly different way to Visa Delta or Maestro Cards. Its all to do with the authorisation system. If you can use them in an ATM here there should be no problems but it might not be as easy in shops. I was in a Shell Garage the other day and I noticed that they did not accept Electron or Solo cards.
Were of to France a week tomorrow, this will be our second time and last year we used our halifax visa electron at the hole in the walls all over south west France.
Will be using mine this year i Hope down South of France
Have a nice time
all the best Chris
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Hi I used my solo all over france last year without problem. I have just bought a Post office "reloadable" visa electron card for this years trip to France. It costs £10 but after that, as long as you use it in shops there are NO charges. The Halifax and the NATWEST (who I'm with) charge a transaction charge plus a percentage every time you take money out - so unless you are withdrawing large amounts in cash it ends up very expensive.
With the postoffice card you can ring them up and load it with money from your bank account (minimum £50) at any time and if you lose it you get a new one.
I'm sure your card will work out fine, though - but just watch out for those nasty charges per transaction. The banks are robbing us. I couldnt get an account at nationwide, wish I had, though!
I didnt think it was possible to use an electron card for transactions other than withdrawals from ATM's showing the visa or electron symbol. I am probably wrong but I thought they were only a means of accessing money in your account via an ATM and not a true debit card that can be used in shops, garages etc.
I get one from my bank every few years and cut it up and put it straight in the bin because my Debit/cheque card already lets me use ATM's. My electron card has a sticker on it when it comes that says "not a debit or cheque guarantee card. For use in ATM's only".
Carol
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I use mine for paying for petrol, shopping, and cash back . But i think you are right you can't use it abroad for paying for petrol or shopping ,just drawing money from the hole in th wall
thanks guys, thats put me mind at rest. I know Halifax charge for using abroad, think it was £1.50 a transaction last year when I used it in Tenerife to get money out. Yes they are robbing sods but thats banks for you, they gotta find a way of making as much money as is indecently possible
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
You can use your Halifax Visa Electron card for paying for goods abroad.
I used mine with no problems in the states a couple of years ago. In fact it was easier to use over there, they took it anywhere they had the visa sign didn't have to look for the electron sign. But Halifax do charge £1.50 a go.