P&O Cruises is advising passengers to bring a pre-payment travel card on board to avoid extra charges when spending abroad. The cruise line, which operates seven vessels including the large Iona and Arvia, recommends this essential item for anyone planning shore excursions during their voyage.
Avoiding Foreign Transaction Fees
On its official website, P&O Cruises provides guidance on currency and payments for passengers sailing outside the UK. The company states: 'Although your P&O Cruises ship is a cashless environment, if you're sailing outside of the UK, you'll need to think about how you'll pay for things in the destinations you'll be visiting.'
It adds: 'To avoid getting charged by your bank for using your card abroad, we recommend travelling with a pre-payment card that doesn't charge a fee for foreign transactions, and carrying some local currency with you, just in case card or digital payments aren't accepted.'
Onboard Spending
While aboard a P&O Cruises vessel, all charges are added to the passenger's cruise card. The company advises: 'So, on sea days, you can just leave your cash and cards in your cabin's safe.' This allows guests to enjoy a hassle-free experience without worrying about carrying multiple payment methods.
Using a standard UK debit card internationally can incur fees of 2.75% to 2.99% per transaction or cash withdrawal. However, many modern banks like Starling, Monzo, and Chase offer fee-free overseas spending, and some traditional banks may waive charges for certain account types.
Pre-Payment Card Options
Numerous providers offer travel cards specifically designed to help avoid foreign transaction fees. These allow users to preload funds and spend in local currencies like a resident. However, it is essential to check individual terms carefully, as there may be hidden expenses such as inactivity charges, ATM withdrawal restrictions, or topping-up fees.
Popular options include the Post Office Travel Money Card, which incurs no transaction charges when spending overseas in up to 22 pre-loaded currencies, and Asda's Travel Money Card, which offers contactless spending worldwide with no purchase charges and free international ATM withdrawals.
