A recent survey of 2,000 holidaymakers has uncovered that nearly half, a hefty 45%, were slapped with extra charges for using their bank cards outside the UK over the past year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that Brits made a whopping 86.2 million trips abroad last year, with the average person coughing up £21.
79 in fees for using their bank cards while soaking up the sun. This means that collectively, British globetrotters could be out of pocket to the tune of an eye-watering £845million due to these pesky charges. The research, carried out to mark the launch of Post Office Travel 's Travel Money Card now available at all 11,500 branches across the country, also found that a staggering 36% of people are blissfully unaware of the costs tied to swiping their debit or credit cards overseas.
Laura Plunkett, at Post Office Travel, weighed in: "Our research has not only shown a lack of awareness around bank card fees abroad, but that 21% of people also exceed their holiday budgets, which means it's really important to be aware of any hidden charges that could be adding to that cost." "While it is possible to pay with your bank card on holiday - many banks will charge a fee for every single transaction, which can really add up. Card fees can be avoided by using a pre-paid travel card.
" Plunkett also pointed out another money trap, saying, "But it's not just card fees to consider, exchange rates can also fluctuate daily and between banks, so if you pay as you.