Going abroad this summer? Don’t get stung on credit card charges

Posted in 'Personal Finance' by Barry Stamp

20 June 2007

Traffic Jams, Big Brother and hay fever – summer is finally here.
If you’re planning to head off on holiday to escape it all, you’ll probably be planning to take a credit card along for convenience and any emergencies. Choose the wrong card and any transactions you make will cost you more than you need pay.
Whilst it is common practice to have a higher APR for cash withdrawals, even when using your card in the UK, the vast majority of cards carry even more charges when used overseas.
By using a Post Office card rather than one you might already have in your wallet, you can make a considerable saving.
Accepted in 165 countries around the world, you can enjoy all the convenience, without the extra cost.
The Post Office card carries a number of benefits in addition to its attractiveness for use abroad. With a typical APR of 16.9%, you also get 0% on balance transfers for 10 months, 0% on purchases for 3 months, and a balance transfer anniversary offer. It’s a current best buy and should definitely be in your holiday wallet.
For more details about the Post Office card, click here.
Don’t forget to apply early for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – it’s free, takes 3 weeks if you use the form from the Post Office, but is much quicker using the online form at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers.