Using Amex / Barclaycard overseas in Singapore

[hugo r]

Hi

I have the free BA card and also the free avios Barclaycard so both earning the same amount of avois per transaction

I’m going to Singapore tomorrow and need to pay for my hotel at check in

Which card should I use when it comes to exchange rates ? I believe the fees are pretty much the same however which one uses a better exchange rate for the customer or are they the same

Advice appreciated –

Cost is 1700 SGD for 3 nights

[Andrew J]

This helpful tool from MasterCard will be able to tell you the exchange rate which will be used today – and you can include your FX fee percentage too to give you the total charge.

https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert-currency.html

Something similar is available on your Amex online account.

[hugo r]

Thanks for this , I can’t get my Amex one to work keeps going back to home page . Tried on desktop and iPad Pro

[Andrew J]

Amex chat then could give you an answer for the exchange rate they are using today and you can compare.

[hugo r]

Amex works out cheaper thanks for your help

[SamG]

What I do is use an FX free card to check in with. Then if I’m there during a week day make a payment towards the bill using Curve linked to Barclaycard for 0% FX and no weekend loading. If I forget or can’t be bothered then it’s on the 0 FX card anyway.

Need to review that strategy with the November Curve changes coming up!