Common questions
What is a foreign transaction fee?
A foreign transaction fee is a percentage charge applied every time you spend in a currency other than your home currency, typically 2.5 to 3 percent on standard bank and credit cards. On a £2,000 holiday, that alone costs £50 to £60, money that a fee-free card avoids entirely.
Is it better to use a card or carry cash abroad?
A fee-free card for the majority of spending, with a small amount of local cash for markets, tips and places that do not accept cards, is the best combination for most destinations. Carrying large amounts of cash exposes you to loss or theft risk with no protection, unlike card spending.
Do fee-free cards work in every country?
Wise, Revolut and Starling all work anywhere Mastercard or Visa is accepted, which covers the vast majority of the world. Very remote areas or countries with limited card infrastructure (some rural parts of Africa and Asia) may still require cash, so always carry a card and some backup cash on international trips.
Should I notify my bank before travelling?
With modern fee-free travel cards this is rarely necessary since they expect international use by design. If you are using a standard high street bank card, it is worth checking whether your bank requires a travel notification to avoid your card being blocked for suspected fraud while abroad.