Holidaymakers who buy foreign currency with a debit card in the UK will no longer be charged a transaction fee by five of the major banks as a result of an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation, it was announced today.

Can I use my UK debit card in France?

Yes, you can use your debit card in millions of shops and cash machines worldwide – anywhere you see the Visa sign. We’ll charge you a 2.99% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee for using your debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or when you are being refunded.

Do you get charged for using debit card abroad?

You may be charged for using your debit or credit card abroad to buy something, or withdraw cash in a foreign currency. What you’ll pay depends on the transaction you make and the card you use.

Can I pay Euros with my debit card online?

The simple answer is Yes. However your US bank or credit/debit card provider will charge you their fees for the international exchange at whatever their exchange rate is. This is probably based on the US Central Bank’s exchange rate, plus your bank’s mark up.

Are there any fees for using a debit card in Europe?

While you have your bank on the phone, it’s helpful to find out the fees you’ll be charged for using your debit card in Europe both for purchases and for withdrawing cash from the ATM. Most banks charge a fee for converting your transaction to another currency.

Do you have to pay foreign transaction fees in France?

Before using a debit card or credit card in France, it’s important to know what the bank charges in foreign transaction fees. Foreign transaction fees can accrue every time the card is swiped, so it’s a good idea to ask the bank what the charges are. Card-users may also get a separate charge by the institution they are using the card at in France.

Do you have to pay with credit card in France?

At restaurants, consider paying for your meals in cash so servers won’t have to take your credit card elsewhere. (French restaurants often use portable card readers that servers bring directly to you, but you can simply use cash as a precaution.)

Can you pay for a train ticket with cash in France?

Cash is really only used for things like taxis, buses and trains, though it’s possible to pay for train or subway tickets with a card too. Any debit or credit cards a person plans on using in France must have a chip in it and a pin associated with the card. Most cards in the U.S. now have a chip in them.