Tips for using your money cards on holiday

A new consumer guide for holidaymakers using their plastic money cards overseas has been released by the UK payments association Apacs and travel association ABTA.

Britons used their credit and debit cards abroad over 300 million times last year, according to statistics from Apacs.

Half of all overseas spending by British travellers was by card in 2007, with transactions totalling £25.2 billion - £18.1 billion on credit and debit card purchases and £7.1 billion taken out of overseas cash machines.

So the 'Using your plastic overseas' guide provides timely information for travellers who will be using their cards abroad this summer.

Travellers overseas should ensure their card company has up-to-date contact details - including a mobile number - and that they take the 24-hour contact phone numbers for the cards with them.

Sandra Quinn, director of communications at Apacs, warns travellers to be aware of extra costs that may be incurred for using cards overseas and take steps to protect themselves from fraud.

"Card thieves are hoping to catch us relaxed and off-guard when we are overseas, so we need to take the same sensible precautions with our cards abroad as we would in the UK," she commented.

The guide explains the new dynamic currency conversion service, whereby travellers can choose to have a transaction converted into their home currency immediately.

It also notes the consumer protection available when using a credit card overseas.

The Using your plastic overseas guide is available from www.choosingandusing.com.