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Spending Abroad

Top 10 tips for spending and saving abroad

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Make sure you are up-to-date

Make sure your bank has your current contact details so they may be able to contact you if they spot unusual transactions on your card while you are abroad.
Call your card company before you go

Some banks and credit card companies ask you to let them know you are going abroad. If you are a Capital One customer, all we ask is you make sure we have your up to date contact details.
Exchange your money before you get to the airport

Shop around for your foreign currency before you get to the airport as the bureaux de change may not offer the best exchange rate. If it's too late, at least pre-order for airport pick-up and then you'll get those companies' better online rates.
Choose the right card

Some cards add a fee every time you spend on them abroad, but there are cards that are designed to be used abroad and don't come with certain international fees and charges.
Go native

Pay in the local currency and you may get a better exchange rate on your credit card purchases.
Be clever at the cashpoint

When you're taking money out remember you may have to pay a withdrawal fee.
Be sure to check your contracts

When booking things like hire cars, be sure to check the contracts as they may differ to those you are used to in the UK and could leave you seriously out of pocket if anything was to happen.
Protect yourself with the right card

Pay for items over �100 with a credit card and you may be able to make a claim with your supplier, credit card provider or both if things go wrong.
Work out the difference

It may be cheaper to pay by cash than card if your card provider adds a foreign currency fee. So work out the difference before you pay.
Watch out for foreign currency fees

These are typically added onto your exchange rate by your bank when you make foreign transactions. The only way to avoid this fee is by taking out a card that doesn't apply it.