If you are a UK citizen travelling abroad, foreign exchange fees, travellers cheques and bank fees can quickly add up. Here are a few ways you can avoid these extra charges!

Note: Your situation may vary, check first that these options are best for you. Information was correct at time of writing, but verify anything directly with the financial provider.

Not from the UK or Europe? Check out my Australian and USA recommendations!

Debit/credit

Regardless of bank, debit or credit – not all providers are the same. The big three are Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Amex is big in the USA and moderately accepted in Australia, but is almost never possible to use in South East Asia (except in high-end western stores). Mastercard is widely accepted – but Visa… Visa is king.

Visa is the most accepted method in South America and South East Asia. Some ATMs in the Philippines will only work with Visa debit cards, for example. Be aware of this when picking a card. Having multiple cards through different providers is recommended, in case one network is down.

Accessing Cash

Need cash? Go to any ATM with these banks! Never use travel cards.

NOTE: Revolut and Monzo are also often recommended. However they have very low limits (£200) on fee-free transfers, and are not recommended for this reason. Starling has no limits or fees.

Starling Bank

https://www.starlingbank.com/travel

Simple, straightforward. An online/app-based bank.

Account name: Personal Account

Fees: none.

Bonuses: Free to send money to anywhere in the world.

Requirements: none.

Card type: Mastercard

Credit Cards

For online shopping, from any seller not in the UK, this credit card is one of the best options.

Halifax

https://www.halifax.co.uk/creditcards/travel/

Account name: Halifax Clarity Credit Card

Fees: none. Of any kind, anywhere.

Bonuses: You can use this to withdraw cash (interest fees apply, but only interest). Purchases are protected by insurance as per Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 – overseas or domestic.

Card type: Mastercard