Hawaii and UK Debit Cards

[Wrangler3]

I am off to Hawaii in a fortnight. I was planning to take a couple of hundred pounds in dollars and rely on my Lloyds-TSB debit card for restaurants, trips and other larger bills. Can anyone see any flaws in this plan?

[BlueToffee]

Halifax credit card.

Exchange rate rather than tourist rate and NO, that's right, NO charges

[dotty.]

make sure you let your bank know you are going and that you are using your card there, they may stop it if the computer flags up unusual usage.

[BlueToffee]

Thanks Dotty, should have mentioned that too

[dotty.]

on a similar topic, contact your mobile phone network and ask them for a short overseas bundle for international calls/messages, a one off low payment now might mean alot less of a huge phone bill when you get back.

[237SJ]

Only that debit cards are just about the most expensive way to pay for anything abroad due to the hidden loading charges. Have you got a credit card you can use instead?

[rojash]

"due to the hidden loading charges"

What's a hidden loading charge?

[237SJ]

It`s a charge (unlisted) that they manage to incorporate into the exchange rate without telling you. If you look on moneysupermarket or google it you will find out about it. Much as I dislike dealing with Santander, I have their Zero card (which was Abbey Zero when I got it) as they have no hidden loading charges. Some other`s do. Post Office do I think. Debit cards have higher loading charges than credit cards which is why I never, ever in a month of sundays use my Lloyds debit card abroad.

[237SJ]

When I say Post Office "do" I mean PO do one without loading charges. I did actually get a PO one but then they said I had to phone them every time I went abroad which was ridiculous as I would have to phone them every time I go to work so I stuck with Zero.

[gingejbee]

Another suggestion is to use a prepaid card- many don't charge fees for loading the card, nor charge for withdrawing cash from ATMs. Caxton FX, Escape and Travelex are the best ones (according to Which?)

[gingejbee]

....forgot to mention that you can load them with Sterling, Euros or US Dollars over here - so won't get any shocks re exchange rates etc. over there.

[theshedman]

Hi, I used a prepaid card like gingejbee mentioned when I went abroad this year. I too am with Lloyds and they have some of the highest rates for using a debit card abroad. Found the prepaid one quite good for buying from stores and for getting money out from ATMs. At least by using one of these cards you wont get a shock when you get your statement from the bank.

[Wrangler3]

Thank you all - interesting and helpful. I was toying with the idea of a prepaid card and will make further enquiries today. Once again thanks to all - every answer was useful to me.