[jackgavigan]

You also need to factor in any foreign currency fees your card issuer imposes. For example, in the UK, most banks impose a "non-sterling transaction fee" of 2.75-2.99% on transactions in a foreign currency.

There's a UK startup called Revolut - www.revolut.com - which allows you to hold GBP, USD and EUR on the same (pre-paid debit) card and convert money between them at mid-market rates, using an app.

It's pretty slick - I've literally stood at the counter, converting GBP to USD while the clerk rang up my purchase, then handed the card to the clerk and had the notification hit my phone seconds after he swiped.

[aianus]

> You also need to factor in any foreign currency fees your card issuer imposes.

He's specifically referring to cards that offer spot forex rates. There are many such options in the U.S.

[jackgavigan]

In the UK, the non-sterling transaction fee is separate from the currency exchange.