Using cash machines

Whatever you use/do, don't accept a machine/retailers suggestion that you convert the local currency to £ immediately.  Accept the charge in the local currency and,  usually, you will be better off when it comes to the exchange rates used for the conversion.

 I found this out by using ATMs in Portugal, as against a store purchase in euros.

Does anyone know if the Post Office credit card lets you draw cash wihout fees, same a tge Halifax Clarity?

I know that they don't charge a fee for foreign purchases, but I've never withdrawn cash abroad with it.

I know that I need to check their t&c's but wondered whether you wise folks know the answer?

I use the Caxton preloaded cash card in France although it didn't work in all Petrol Stations - so the CC came into use. 

The trouble with Caxton type cards is tgat you get a poorer exchange rate when loading the card......a bit like buying currency at a travel agent or bank.

That's why I want to draw cash using a credit card - you get the full 'official' exchange rate and (if you use tge right card) don't pay a fee.

I now know that this is the case with a Halifax Clarity card........just wondered about a Post Office card. I know that the PO don't charge a fee when making purchases. Not sure about cash withdrawals though.

I would have thought that drawing cash on a credit card starts immediate interest charges (even if abroad) whereas drawing cash against a debit card doesn't.

That is true it does if you use a credit card but as explained further up the thread there are ways of keeping it to a minimum. Even leaving it to the statement date does not usually incur very much in the way of interest but then it does depend how much you withdraw, if its thousands of euros it will add up!!! Another problem is that not everyone has a debit card that allows commission free/interbank rate and I imagine it's less of a hassle to apply for a credit card than open a new bank account just to get such a debit card?

David