Check card fees before paying abroad
The exchange rate is only one part of a foreign-currency payment. Check who is charging you and what the charge applies to before deciding which card or cash machine to use.
Read your card’s fee list
Look for foreign-currency purchases, overseas cash withdrawals and any minimum fee. A cash withdrawal may be treated differently from a card purchase. If you use a credit card, also check the cash-advance terms and when interest starts.
At a card terminal
Read the currency and total shown before confirming. If you are offered a conversion into your home currency, compare the displayed rate and extra charge with your card’s own conversion terms. Choosing the local currency leaves conversion to your card provider; it does not remove that provider’s fees.
At a cash machine
Check any machine-owner charge as well as the conversion offer. Cancelling a costly withdrawal and trying another machine can be worthwhile. Avoid several small withdrawals if your bank charges a minimum fee each time, but do not carry more cash than you are comfortable protecting.
Compare a complete example
Use the amount you expect to spend in local currency. Add the conversion cost and any fixed charge under each option. Keep deposits and temporary authorisations separate from completed spending when checking your remaining balance.
Useful next steps
Official information
Practical information reviewed on 17 September 2026. Prices and operating arrangements can change.