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Holiday money tips for saving on fees & Charges.
After what seemed like an endless Winter, holiday season is finally in sight. Planning a well-deserved break inevitably brings up the question of a holiday budget – have you saved enough, how much should you spend while on holiday, and most important of all, how can you save your holiday spending money from fees and charges.
Making your holiday money go further isn’t so much about your holidays spending; it is more about where you spend it and how much you are charged for spending.
With the Pound worth around 9% less against the Euro than this time last year, here are some top holiday money tips to help holiday budgets go further this year.
Protect your budget with these Top Holiday Money Saving Tips
Plan ahead and shop around
Shop around for the best exchange rate deals to make the most of the weak Pound. Best place to look is on line where there are several holiday money tips on where to get the best deals. Order cash in advance online or on the high street to avoid the less competitive rates offered at airports. Look out for free postage deals or vouchers that offer preferential rates for collection at the branch.
Get the most from your money
Avoid using credit and debit cards – some charge 2.5% or more for an ATM transaction and the exchange rates may not be favourable. Consider a prepaid currency card instead – but make sure it’s fee free.
Withdrawing cash from ATMs
Even if you have a card that doesn’t impose fees for ATMs, some ATM operators may charge for their use. Be vigilant. If you have to use a fee charging ATM, plan to withdraw enough currency to last for a good few days so that you’re not racking fees.
Say ‘No’ to Dynamic Currency Conversion
If you pay by card, ensure the transaction is conducted in the local currency rather than sterling. Dynamic currency conversion allows customers to pay for goods and services in their own home currency however, the exchange rate is often less favourable.
Consider locking in the exchange rate
If you are worried about the value of the Pound falling further, a prepaid currency card will allow you to lock in the rate of exchange at the time you load the card.
Check the Ts and Cs on Prepaid Currency Cards
When you apply for a prepaid currency card, be careful to check the Ts and Cs. Most prepaid cards have charges that apply for their use and savings made on the rate of exchange could be lost through unexpected fees.
Keeping an eye on the above holiday money saving tips can make your hard earned money go further and put more holiday spending money in your pocket for that much needed break.
Tips by travel money expert ICEplc and the Ice Travellers Cashcard.
