What Pay as you go SIM card?

[er-minio]

If it's allowed (delete away in case, Richard) I do have referrals for Wise, that can be used to easily set up payments with the Fro... ahem French counterparts, as it might be tricky with some UK banks (I was unsuccessful trying to use my main HSBC account initially).

Follow here for the referral link to Wise

Full disclosure: you get a free card using the link + zero fees on transfers up to 500 quid (I suspect for a limited time). I get a kickback if enough users sign up. They never do though.

Everyone with a Wise account can refer other users. So, mates, family, others already on Wise, same story: they can refer.

 

[Berin]

For just accessing cash I’ve used a Caxton card for years. It’s a pre-pay, so any losses limited to the amount on the card, no fx fees, no cash withdrawal fees - but most cash machines abroad now seem to impose their own fee - and an exchange rate close to the fx rate. Load it from a debit card via an app.

It’s a Mastercard so can be used to pay for stuff direct too, which has been handy when travelling with a group, everyone contributes the same, I load it on the card and the card pays for everything that’s pooled.

 

[EPG_19]

Chase is top notch

 

[er-minio]

Related to my message above: the suggestion to use Wise is in order to easily get a direct debit setup with the Telepeage (Fulli, Emovis, Ulys, etc.) companies in the UK, since sometimes they are unable to set up direct debits on UK account.

Get Wise, open an Euro balance and you get an euro-based IBAN.

 

[snelly]

I usually take cash

Buy a grands worth of Euro's when the rate is very good .... I always use small family run hotels when abroad and cash gets a warmer smile

The last thing i want to use my card for abroad is services rendered; like you say cash always brings a smile;

 

[wessie]

Card machines in Spain: just a heads up, almost all card machines in Spain including Brittany Ferries will now offer to complete your transaction in UK pounds. This was not the case on my last trip in 2023.
The rates I saw were pretty shit so if you have the best card for exchange rates, make sure you select Euros. Annoyingly, the machines and cards have no memory of your previous choice so you have to select Eur every time. Annoying on successive pints at the ferry bar.
I stopped looking at the exchange rate offered and just hit the Euro button but I think I saw as low as 1.12 euros to the £, when the VISA rate on my Natwest Travel card was 1.186. About £9 extra on a 200 euro hotel bill.

 

[Wapping]

Annoyingly, the machines and cards have no memory of your previous choice

I guess that is to prevent concerns over possible cloning, whereby the reader records and retains details of the card used. It might also require the same reader to be used each time, which is doubtful.

 

[er-minio]

Ye, storing that information is a non option.
I am buying stuff on Amazon abroad, they offer the same option every time.

The rule here is, as always: use your own native currency at all times.

I noticed this change last year too.