Credit cards

[ddtwelve]

Im off to europe at the end of may and was wondering whats the best credit card in case of emergency? not gonna use it for fuel etc just in case we have any unforeseen cercumstances breakdowns etc

[richfzs]

Not sure what you mean - the best?

If Visa / Mastercard, wouldn't stress about it - which ever you've got, both widely accepted.

Charges aren't a big concern if you're only using it for emergency / contingency, so again, whatever you've got.

Check with your provider if they want to know where you're going though - some like to know, so they can add that in their anti-fraud systems. You don't want it refused because they think "A transaction in Italy, he lives in Woking" and suspect fraud.

[richfzs]

Have a read of this, too...

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

[locksmith]

As above, whatever card you've got!
Presuming you already have one. If you are thinking of applying for a card for the first time just for this trip then double make sure you can use it abroad without out any problems!!!

[peejay]

I use a Post Office Mastercard abroad as the PO do not charge for currency conversion, like a lot of other cards even if you clear the amount due at the end of the month.

[Lazarus]

avoid American Express - MANY european places refuse to accept it.

[Tmation]

I have a FairFX card as recommended in the link above, its a pre loaded MasterCard. I also got the additional cards for my children, once set up they are easy to reload from online account and as easy to use as normal credit card (but cheaper costs) plus it saves carrying loads of cash

[fazed600]

This could be a bit overkill for a tour but I usually take 2 on holiday. One stays in my wallet and one usually in the room safe, that way if I ever get mugged / drunk / forgetful I always have backup to obtain cash.

A bit like insurance really - you hope you never need it, but bloody useful if you do.

[ddtwelve]

Think I'm goin with the post office one as no fees for transaction we only need one fazed as were camping

[tomjimtom]

I just got back from 5 months in New Zealand, the gf and I both got N&P accounts. They don't charge for withdrawals abroad and use a very good exchange rate!


Probably a bit of overkill for a short trip though, think you have to have 3 transactions a month or they charge you a fiver...


If you do use a card that charges, make sure you take a wad out

[slimwilly]

This could be a bit overkill for a tour but I usually take 2 on holiday. One stays in my wallet and one usually in the room safe, that way if I ever get mugged / drunk / forgetful I always have backup to obtain cash.

A bit like insurance really - you hope you never need it, but bloody useful if you do.

Not over kill.
We had a bit of a funny farm moment last year when me and my mate rode two bikes to Barcelona Moto GP,


First i let my credit card fly out of my tank bag, was using it for the tolls, we were a bit shifty on toll releases as both of us went through the barrier lift each time,two for one, so it was a bit wacky races to get going, if he went to fast then the barrrier would come down before i got going


Anyway i had cash for me so i would be ok,,buuuuttttttt then my mate lost his cash and credit card


Yes he was fucked


ANyway i had a reserve credit card,,,bloody good job too    pair of plonkers we were.


So my advice is take a plan "A" , plan "B" and also a plan "C" , we needed it.It is your insurance to getting home.


Billy