What are the charges for using my credit card abroad?

I鈥檓 going on holiday to Europe shortly, I鈥檝e heard that the credit card companies now make charges if you use your UK credit card abroad to pay for goods and services. Can anyone tell me what they are and how to avoid them?|||Although most credit card companies now make a charge for processing a foreign transaction on your credit card of between 1.75 and 3%, you don't need to pay this if you have the right credit card. These charges usually apply if you use the card in a shop, restaurant or hotel, but if you draw cash from an ATM abroad they can charge you a cash advance fee as well as the foreign exchange fee. Many credit card companies charge 3% for cash advances, so if you don't tread carefully you can end up getting charged 6% for spending your own money.





There's lots of information about using your credit card abroad, the charges and how to keep your identity safe on my Blog





http://www.cardchoices.co.uk/information鈥?/a>





I've got a comparison of credit cards with reduced charges for travellers, including one with no foreign exchange transaction charge





http://www.cardchoices.co.uk/compare-cre鈥?/a>|||Sometimes using your credit card abroad will get you a better exchange rate.





I would definitely get a hold of your credit card company, though. Make sure you know what charges you can expect.





I actually have to contact my credit card company prior to traveling overseas so that charges can be made on my card. I tell them what countries I will be visiting. It is a safeguard they have put in place to prevent unauthorized transactions.|||the only way to avoid the charges are not to use the card the charges varies from one card to another your best option is to get in touch with your credit card company and ask them what their charges are|||Get a Nationwide credit card, or any nationwide cards they don't charge you any thing when you are abroad.