Morning
I wonder if I may pick the brains of my learned friends lurking on this group :-)
I currently have a Barclaycard Platinium the balance of which is paid off in full each month. I also (for my sins bank with Barclays).
I am looking to book over the Internet a holiday with a firm based in Jackson Wyoming USA (Trekking holiday approximately $1600) and also buy a flight ticket on line from Continental Airways (US based carrier)approximately £670 sterling.
The Trekking trip will be paid for in US dollars. As I have a UK address Continental will charge me in £ sterling (no dollar prices quoted).
I have two concerns.
One
I will be paying in advance. Normally if booked with a UK supply the travel agent will be bonded (ATOL, ABTA etc)
Barclaycard tell me I will be covered if the firms become insolvent and even advised they would liaise with the appropriate body. I am suspicious as this would involve them becoming involved in a foreign jurisdiction.
Two
The fees charged by the banks on foreign currency transactions - 2.75% has been mentioned. Are there any ways to mitigate or avoid this charge? I always thought that the firms made their money by offering a lousy exchange rate loaded in their favour. Presumably they do both now!
Many thanks in anticipation.
Cheers
Alan