Taking a Business Trip?
Here's everything you need to know
Travelling for business
Here's everything you need to know about using your card abroad
No matter where you're travelling, relax and enjoy your trip, and of course continue to use your cards for purchasing and cash withdrawals.
You don't need to let us know your travel plans in advance, provided you are travelling within the EU or to Turkey. If you're travelling outside of these areas, please contact us to let us know. That way, we’ll expect to see foreign transactions on your account.
It's not as expensive as you may think
For a more detailed breakdown of the charges for each of the services we offer, please see the charges and rates below.
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Breakdown of charges for foreign currency transactions
Currency conversion charge
A currency conversion charge is applied to any payment made for cash, goods or services using your debit card in a currency other than sterling.
2.75% of the value of the transaction
- If you're paying for something on your card in a currency that isn't sterling, it will be converted into the relevant currency using the Visa exchange rate (which is variable, but can be checked on the Visa website.)
- There may be additional charges from the bank, retailer or cash machine where you use your card - you should be told of these before you make the transaction. The way the merchant processes the transaction may result in a fee being applied to your account. If this happens please contact us.
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If you would like to view current rates you can use the Visa websites Visa Scheme exchange rates which are subject to change daily.
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Breakdown of charges for foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency charge card or purchasing card payments
A currency conversion charge is applied to any payment made for cash, goods or services using your charge card or purchasing card in a currency other than sterling.
2.75% of the value of the transaction
- If you're paying for something on your charge card or purchasing card in a currency that isn't sterling, it will be converted into the relevant currency using the Visa exchange rate (which is variable, but can be checked on the Visa website.)
Foreign currency cash withdrawals
In addition to the above charge, a cash fee is applied when using your charge card or purchasing card outside the UK for withdrawing foreign currency at:
- Visa or PLUS machines
- Over the counter at a bank or Bureau de Change displaying the Visa sign
2% of the value of the currency/cheques or £1.50 (which ever is greater)
- If you're paying for something on your charge card or purchasing card in a currency that isn't sterling, it will be converted into the relevant currency using the Visa exchange rate (which is variable, but can be checked on the Visa website).
Purchase of a foreign currency in the UK
If you use your charge card or purchasing card to purchase from other retailers, such as the Post Office, Bureau de Change or travel agents you will incur a cash fee.
2% of the value of the currency/cheques or £1.50 (which ever is greater)
- There may be additional charges from the bank, retailer or cash machine where you use your card - you should be told of these before you make the transaction. The way the merchant processes the transaction may result in a fee being applied to your account. If this happens please contact us.
If you would like to view current rates you can use the Visa websites Visa Scheme exchange rates which are subject to change daily.
Paying in Sterling
When using a debit, credit or sterling prepaid card abroad, watch out for a practice known as dynamic currency conversion where you are given the option of paying for goods and services in either sterling or the local currency. While this may seem like an appealing proposition as you'll know exactly how much you're spending, as a general rule, you should choose to pay in the local currency. This is because many restaurants and retailers may use an unfavourable rate of exchange to convert the price, which means you could end up paying over the odds.
Help and Support
Please see our most frequently asked questions
Unable to use your card?
You can call us for support between 8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm Saturday.
Current accountsPlease note that the cost of calls from abroad may be higher than our regular UK Call Charges. You should check the tariff for making international calls with the relevant telephone network provider for the country you are in, before making your call. Please see our UK Call Charges.
Important information about our call charges
If you’re calling from the UK, calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from landlines and mobiles; calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calls to numbers starting with 01 and 02; calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers cost 3p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge; calls to 0844 and 0843 numbers cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Charges for calls made outside of the UK will be determined by your local provider.
Calls may be monitored or recorded for security and training purposes.
Contact us
If you'd like more help & information, you can:
