Lisa Taylor of moneyfacts.co.uk comments on the options available for travelers staying abroad and the cost to the consumer, but sometimes not aware.

“Whether planning a summer vacation or throw out Easter, consumers want to check the cost when it comes to choosing the hotel, flights, insurance and airport parking, but usually not the same degree of attention in choosing the least expensive to use when it comes to their pocket money.

“With all the suppliers of collecting various fees that are not immediately visible and often not fully appreciated by consumers, is a potential minefield” Find the best ‘deal, and it’s even worse when you look at the outside the influence of exchange rates.

“Consumers have three options for traditional traveler’s checks and cash, bank cards or credit cards. Amex is also in the arena of prepaid cards with a card designed for travel abroad, but the rest of the industry has not yet been taken.

“Traditional controls and the currency is still popular with many travelers and provide a competitive market for suppliers. Commission free deals are becoming easier, especially to find the currency exchange and travel, where there is room for profit through reduced rates.

“Unfortunately, without much work on the leg by the consumer, is a difficult market in which to compare offers. Different providers Deals Committee, but without taking into account the exchange rate is impossible to” decipher the best ‘agreement overall.

Facts silver fills a complete list of suppliers of retail prices, offers and details of delivery, which can be found at www.moneyfacts.co.uk

“The competitive nature of the market reinforces the message that there is profit, even when offering 0% commission. Large institutions such as NatWest and HSBC offers free lotteries as a means of attracting customers to their holiday buying.

“Having found their choice of provider, in many cases the consumer has an option much more flexible than was previously available with the online capability to, telephone and the possibility of delivery to home or branch. However, sometimes this can cost money.

“The credit cards are a method increasingly popular payment and withdraw money abroad. Many of us do not realize that when using foreign credit cards, the card issuer adds a burden to use foreign, this may be as large as 2.75%. That means that consumer spending £ 1,000 abroad would be charged £ 27.50.

“There are some exceptions to this rule in the market, including the country and Saga, which are not charged for use anywhere in the world.

“Tax more, when withdrawing cash abroad, consumers will be charged to withdraw money from a maximum of 2.5%. Thus, the cash withdrawal of £ 1,000 would cost you as much as £ 52.50.

“The debit cards are also related to foreign tax at 2.75%, the cost of cash withdrawals and in some cases, an additional fee for purchases by item, tucked away in small print, which allows customers nasty surprise at the statement of their hits doormat. Any consumer who seeks to rely solely on a debit card would be well advised to country, the only provider is not money or to buy allowances to impose to consider. “