Attention, vacationers! Discover expensive expense traps when paying abroad

Attention, vacationers! Discover expensive expense traps when paying abroad

Vacationers beware: Using plastic cards abroad can quickly cost money, especially in countries outside the Eurozone. The Vienna Chamber of Labor (AK Vienna) warns urgently about the high additional costs that can be incurred when paying and withdrawing cash abroad. A new test shows that in some places you can incur up to 20 euros in fees just for withdrawing 400 euros in Turkey.

In the euro area, for example in popular holiday countries such as Spain and Italy, you can usually pay with debit cards free of charge. However, you also have to expect booking fees of around 34 cents per transaction. This can add up if you often pull out your card to pay small amounts. This makes it all the more important to pay attention to the operators of ATMs - especially in Croatia or Germany, where private providers like to charge additional fees of up to ten euros.

The fees in detail

As the AK found out, fees vary depending on card type, bank and specific country. For example, the fees for paying with a debit card are on average 0.75 percent plus 1.09 euros, while withdrawals are 0.75 percent plus 1.82 euros. Things are completely different with credit cards: up to 2 percent of the amount can be charged when paying, and when withdrawing cash it is at least 2.50 to 4 euros in addition to the 3 to 3.3 percent. The dynamic currency conversion at ATMs is particularly tricky, as it often leads to unfavorable exchange rates and hidden fees.

But it's not just Turkey that needs to be mentioned; Card payments also incur additional costs in Great Britain. Travelers should also be aware that withdrawing smaller amounts is often unprofitable - it is better to withdraw larger sums straight away to minimize expenses. It is advisable to take a look at your own card conditions and expenses, especially before your vacation.

What vacationers should pay attention to

As the Experts advise, travelers should always make sure to make payments in local currency to benefit from the better exchange rates offered by their own banks. It is also important to be vigilant at ATMs, especially in non-Euro countries where fees and exchange rates can vary greatly. An agreement made in advance with the bank about foreign assignments can be economically valuable.

Ultimately, one thing remains clear: with the right planning, you can save money on your vacation and avoid surprises when it comes to fees. Whether paying or withdrawing money, a good hand and a keen eye for all conditions can help you keep one or two more euro notes in your pocket. So nothing stands in the way of a carefree holiday!