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Travel guide

Spending
Abroad

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Can I use my debit card abroad?
Register my card for travel
Will I be charged for using my debit card abroad?
Fee free transactions
Download the app
Frequently asked questions
Order travel money

Can I use my debit card abroad?

Yes, you can. However, it's important to be aware of any fees associated with making purchases or withdrawing money from an ATM. Check out our tips below for using your debit card abroad.

  1. 01

    Debit card providers will charge a Non-Sterling Transaction Fee of 2.75%.

  2. 02

    Paying in sterling rather than local currency is often more expensive as there could be a local charge.

  3. 03

    You can use your contactless card abroad like you can in the UK. Just look for the contactless symbol. Limits can vary when you’re abroad.

    Don't forget to register your card for travel

    You can register your card in the app. Just give us 24 hours notice and you’re good to go.

Register your card before you go

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In the mobile app

Enter the details of your trip in the 'Manage my card' section of the mobile app.

App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. 

Register in the app

You can register one trip at a time. It can include up to seven countries and last 90 days. Register each country you are visiting. The marker will apply to all debit cards in your name. Joint account holders should register separately. 

Will I be charged for using my debit card abroad?

Depending on your account type, you may be charged Non-Sterling Transaction Fees for using your debit card abroad. Select your account to find out more.

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

No

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Free

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

No

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Free

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

No

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Free

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

No

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Free

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

Will I be charged?

Yes

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee

2.75% Non-Sterling Transaction Fee
A Non-Sterling Transaction Fee of 2.75% applies to all ATM withdrawals regardless of your account type.

Important fee information

Card currency calculator

Try our card currency calculator and you could get a clearer picture of your conversion rates and charges while using your debit, credit or savings card abroad.

Try our card currency calculator

No Non-Sterling Transaction Fees on debit card purchases with a Reward Packaged Account

Good news for our Reward Packaged Account customers. You'll never pay Non-Sterling Transaction Fees when paying with your Visa debit card abroad.

Fee free foreign purchases

No Non-Sterling Transaction Fees on debit card purchases for Black, Reward Silver, Reward Platinum and Reward Black account holders

Benefit from loads of travel perks, including no Non-Sterling Transaction Fees on all Visa debit card purchases abroad. That means you can make purchases anywhere in the world without worrying about extra charges. If you're a Black or Reward Black customer,check out the Premier current accounts page for more information.

Available to customers with Visa debit card linked to Reward Silver, Reward Platinum, Black or Reward Black accounts from Royal Bank only. Not valid for ATM withdrawals. Other local fees may apply. Accounts available to UK residents over 18. Monthly fees apply. Premier Banking is subject to income, savings or borrowing eligibility criteria. Black and Reward Black available to Premier customers.

More on fee free purchases abroad

Download our app and register your holiday plans

Our mobile app is secure, easy to use and convenient. And it can help you keep track of your spending while you’re away.

With our app you can:

Check your balance

View your transactions details

Register your travel plans

App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. 

Download the app

Tips for using cash abroad

Cash is accepted everywhere, so it can be a good idea to have some on you, especially if you’re travelling off the beaten track. Below are three helpful hints on using cash abroad.

  1. 01

    Getting money from a cashpoint abroad can come at a cost. You’ll most likely be charged a Non-Sterling Transaction Fee.

  2. 02

    Tourists can stand out to thieves, so always be alert. Try not to take more cash with you than you’ll need, and use your hotel safe whenever you can.

  3. 03

    Keep your cash safe when you’re out and about. You can split it across different places like your wallet, a secure bag and a money belt.

A helping hand when you’re trotting the globe

The Royal Bank Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, so you can buy things abroad without the worry of paying over the odds.

Representative 9.9% APR (variable) 

More about this card 

To apply, you must hold a current account, savings account, credit card or mortgage with Royal Bank of Scotland, be a UK resident, aged 18+ and earning at least £10K per year

Frequently asked questions

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