Using Visa Credit Card in the UK

Make sure you let your bank know your travel dates before you leave; otherwise they may think charges from across the pond are fraudulent and cut you off. Also expect to take a bit of a larger hit on currency exchange rates versus exchanging cash at a currency dealer. However, you may just want to consider the higher captive US Bank credit card company exchange fee as more of a convenience fee that makes things simpler during the trip. Have fun!

 

You should be fine re credit cards up here in Scotland, there's not many places that don't take them.

 

Do your cards have pin & chip technology? We had to request updated cards when we went to Italy two years ago. Fortunately, the pin and chip technology is becoming more prevalent here in the U.S...T

 

You're set, my man! Safe travels, and post lots of pics...T

 

I use my cards in Europe all the time. I tell the BofA that I will be using my debit card but never told the other banks about Visa or Amex

IMO, Amex is hard to use except for hotels and cars. Most restaurants and stores don't use it. Some do, some don't. But Visa is accepted everywhere (I've not been to Scotland).

If you plan to get cash with your Debit card, contact the bank and tell them. Getting cash is much more difficult.

 

we were just in the UK - no problems at all. Chip and sign ... or if you have the pin then that is the way to go. My wife has the updated card with pin... I'm still chip and sign.
most people were able to do a swipe as well.

You do want to let them know where you will be... sometime they shut you off, sometimes not.

Had no issues with Amex at all in London.

 

1. Ensure you have a chip enabled card
2. Travel notification to issuer
3. Be mindful that most cards have a 3-4% foreign transaction fee, search around, there are some that do not

Check the different networks you have on the back of your card for ATM compatibility if you need cash.

 

It's around the mid sixties here in Scotland (on a good day) - too much heat isn't good for you.

 

I've never had an issue with Visa anywhere, in Europe, Middle East, Russia, Kenya, etc. nor have I ever had a problem with a Chase ATM card. I have never called the bank beforehand.

 

I ALWAYS call the credit card company beforehand (after having had my card rejected in France).

Also, Capital One (and some other cards no doubt) waives the 3% foreign transaction fee, which can add up to big money in no time.

 

I was there 2 weeks ago. Colder than winter in San Francisco!

 

Do you mean colder than summer in San Francisco?
T

 

It shouldn't be a problem. The place we've (my parents) run into problems with American issued non chip cards. Is self serve kiosks (pay at pump gas, etc.) and some ATM machines that are chip only.

My sort of girlfriend. Her father was British (he past away). She was born in Canada. Via her father (birthright) she obtained British citizenship and a passport. Anyway, she works in Los Angeles. She visits London and Sweden and has no problem with American non chip cards in either places.

Top tip more for Canadians. But Americans who frequent London, could do so as well. Several Canadian banks have branches in London. Comes in handy if you frequent London on business or even pleasure, to have a bank there!

Here is the list of Canadian banks with branches in London.

Canadian Banks in London ? Contact Information

Its fairly easy for Americans to open an account at any of the above banks. Again its just nice to have bank services there just in case if you frequent London. Any problems you can go to the branch and solve problems. Loose a bank card, very easy to get a new one if your bank is there!

 

Oh out of the banks on the list. The Royal Bank of Canada is the best option. They have offices/branches around the world.

https://www.rbcwealthmanagement.com/us/en/worldwide-locations