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Travel abroad and taking cash / card

Consortius

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Hi All

I will be returning to the UK after quite some time being this side, as it will be a holiday and not moving i have a question regarding taking money over for spending.
Main concern is do i take cash over and covert it that side, or do i leave funds in my account and swipe.

I dont want to be gouged with swiping costs so if that is the cheaper / safer option, i have 3 accounts to choose from, Standard bank, FNB or capitec.

Pretty much just looking for someone that has been over recently and can advise on the best route that i dont end up paying my ass off in bank fees.
 
Maybe have a look at this:

 
a combination of both, use the card as emergency,
its not like you going to SA again...should be relatively safe as long as you not flashing the cash to everyone
 
Maybe have a look at this:

+1 for this.

Currently in the UK, I've been adding money to a Global GBP Account for sometime now.
A couple months before coming to the UK, I ordered a GBP Card that is linked to the Global account and I have been using that here.

There seems to be a yearly card fee of £15, but it got rebated? So £15 debited and immediately £15 Credited...

It has been amazing to not worry about converting and or seeing the Rand equivalent Notification pop up!


Also I have not needed Cash a single time, Tap & Pay is literally EVERYWHERE here!
 
Recently visited overseas, and I think card was way better for me

1. Just one downside when you swipe. It takes around 24hours before it actually gets debited on your account, so current amount hold will change to something else (i.e. 10 pound swiped, lets assume it says 200 rand is on hold. The next day this value can be 199 or 201 depends on which direction exchange rate moves)
2. Bank exchange rate is always better than cash conversion rate (in my opinion, can differ)
3. Bank can offer you discount on exchange charges, I had 0% my bank charge (just need to pay exchange rate + their bank fees)
4. FNB global account, apply for the card and before you leave, add fund there and just swipe it (also you get LoungeKey for free, which is a plus) Also it is instant transaction. No change in amount (like point 1)
5. Always have ~R500 worth of cash, emergency and/or for no-card place.

Also, how long will you stay there? If you plan to stay like a year... Then rather get a UK bank account.
 
a combination of both, use the card as emergency,
its not like you going to SA again...should be relatively safe as long as you not flashing the cash to everyone
I mean, i am im coming back. But as a british passport holder i dont go through the same checks as a South African would so declaring wouldnt be an issue.
I see the limit for cash is R25k if i choose to take cash for exchange over.
 
Just use your Capitec card (and choose to pay in Pounds on the POS - that means Capitec does the conversion instead of the UK bank). Phone them before you go to make sure they know and won't flag your card while you are abroad.

If you plan on taking over Rands to exchange there, you will definitely get gouged!
 
+1 for this.

Currently in the UK, I've been adding money to a Global GBP Account for sometime now.
A couple months before coming to the UK, I ordered a GBP Card that is linked to the Global account and I have been using that here.

There seems to be a yearly card fee of £15, but it got rebated? So £15 debited and immediately £15 Credited...

It has been amazing to not worry about converting and or seeing the Rand equivalent Notification pop up!


Also I have not needed Cash a single time, Tap & Pay is literally EVERYWHERE here!
What are the fees like while doing this?
 
Recently visited overseas, and I think card was way better for me

1. Just one downside when you swipe. It takes around 24hours before it actually gets debited on your account, so current amount hold will change to something else (i.e. 10 pound swiped, lets assume it says 200 rand is on hold. The next day this value can be 199 or 201 depends on which direction exchange rate moves)
2. Bank exchange rate is always better than cash conversion rate (in my opinion, can differ)
3. Bank can offer you discount on exchange charges, I had 0% my bank charge (just need to pay exchange rate + their bank fees)
4. FNB global account, apply for the card and before you leave, add fund there and just swipe it (also you get LoungeKey for free, which is a plus) Also it is instant transaction. No change in amount (like point 1)
5. Always have ~R500 worth of cash, emergency and/or for no-card place.

Also, how long will you stay there? If you plan to stay like a year... Then rather get a UK bank account.
Got a British account at Lloyd's but it's dormant cause I have been here in rsa for 7 years, just going back to visit family and see what my options are after brexit
 
Maybe have a look at this:


Another +1 from my side, I recently went to Europe and I mainly just used my global account card on Apple pay.

I also kept some cash on hand for a backup.
 

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