Euros, pounds and currency conversion
When a terminal or cash machine offers to charge in pounds instead of euros, it is offering its own currency conversion. Choosing euros leaves conversion to your card provider; compare the displayed conversion with your provider’s terms.
- Check the terminal before entering your PIN or approving payment.
- Ask for the currency choice to be shown when it is not clear.
- Your card may still charge a foreign-transaction or cash-withdrawal fee.
Using cash machines
The machine may show an operator fee before withdrawal. Bank-branded machines and independent tourist-area machines can have different charges and conversion offers.
- Read every screen before accepting.
- You can cancel rather than accept an unwanted fee or conversion.
- Avoid repeated small withdrawals when your card adds a fixed fee each time.
Card declined, retained or blocked
Use the official banking app or overseas support number. Do not rely on a search advert or an unsolicited person offering to call the bank for you.
- Keep a second payment method separate from your main wallet.
- Freeze a missing card before trying to retrace your steps.
- Check pending transactions as well as completed transactions.
Cash and exchange shops
Compare the final amount you receive rather than relying on a large “0% commission” sign. The exchange rate can include the provider margin.
- Count cash before leaving the counter.
- Keep a receipt for a substantial exchange.
- Do not carry all holiday cash in one place.