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Travelling abroad

From planning a holiday to banking whilst abroad, get tips for safe and stress-free travels.

Before you go

You don’t need to let us know before you travel. But we recommend you check out our support pages.

Preparing for your trip

Read up on important information before you depart.

While you’re away

If something goes wrong while you’re abroad, we can help.

Travel checklist

There's a lot to think about when you travel abroad. This guide will discuss helpful tips and advice to make sure you have everything you need before you travel.

  • Advice on holiday scams

  • Ways to pay while abroad

  • Getting travel insurance

View our travel checklist

Compare ways to pay abroad with a Co-operative Bank card

There might be extra fees from the bank, retailer or cash machine where you use your card. You should be told of these before you make your payment.

Using a debit card
Using a credit card
Fee-free spending abroad
Using a debit card £0 Fee 0% currency conversion charges
Using a credit card 2.75% of the transaction Fee is 2.75% of the transaction
Free cash withdrawals abroad
Using a debit card Free cash withdrawals abroad We don't apply a charge
Using a credit card Withdrawing cash abroad charge is 3% of the cash you withdraw (minimum £3), plus 2.75% transaction fee 3% of the cash you withdraw (minimum £3), plus 2.75% transaction fee
More information
Using a debit card Using your debit card abroad
Using a credit card Using your credit card abroad
Interested in applying for an account?
Using a debit card View our bank accounts
Using a credit card View our credit cards

  • What are the fees for using a debit card abroad?

If you use your debit card abroad, we don’t add a currency conversion charge for:

  • transactions made abroad, such as making a purchase or paying a restaurant bill

  • withdrawing cash abroad at either VISA or PLUS cash machines, or banks and Bureau de Changes where the VISA sign is displayed.

Everyday Extra: Our packaged bank account

For people who want all the features of a current account, plus helpful everyday extras like UK and European breakdown cover, worldwide travel insurance, and mobile phone insurance. All for £12 a month.

Eligibility, Terms and Conditions apply. Exclusions and limitations apply to all benefits.

Learn more about our packaged account

For emergency assistance, claims and policy queries call us on:

+44 (0)344 249 9981 (call charges apply)

General enquiries

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 6pm.

Breakdown and medical emergencies

Lines available 24/7 from both the UK and abroad.

Travel Insurance help and claims

To make a travel insurance claim with AXA, our service provider as part of the Everyday Extra account, you can use their secure AXA travel insurance claims portal.

If you have a general travel insurance enquiry or need an insurance certificate, please email AXA directly at: help@axa-assistance.co.uk

Worldwide family travel insurance is underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance (IPA) and serviced by AXA Travel Insurance. Both companies are part of the AXA Group.

  • What are the fees for using a credit card abroad?

Type of transaction Fee Further information
Transactions in other currencies (not GBP) 2.75% of the transaction

To get an idea on exchange rates and the cost of your transaction, use the exchange rate calculator and enter 2.75% in the bank fee box on the VISA website.
Withdrawing cash abroad 3% of the cash you withdraw (minimum £3), on top of the 2.75% transaction fee

This fee applies when you use your credit card to withdraw cash at:

  • VISA or PLUS cash machines
  • Over the counter at a bank or Bureau de Change displaying the VISA sign.
Buying foreign currency in the UK 3% of the currency you buy (minimum £3)

This fee applies when you use your credit card to buy foreign currency at:

  • Post Offices
  • Bureau de Change
  • Travel agents.

The handling fee is usually no more than 3% of the currency you buy. Sometimes a merchant may process the payment differently, which can increase the fee. If a fee seems wrong, contact us and we'll review it.

Get access to exclusive travel experiences with VISA Destinations

VISA Destinations is an exclusive travel platform, with offers on hotels, entertainment and dining. It’s now available to our VISA card customers. Experience more, save money, and enjoy every moment, wherever you go next.

Over 18s only. The Co-operative Bank does not provide and has no responsibility for the VISA Destinations service.

The Co-operative Bank logo | VISA logo
Go to VISA Destination’s website

  • Receiving calls and texts abroad

When abroad, we may need to contact you to confirm if a transaction is genuine.

Before travelling, we would recommend checking with your network provider to ensure that you are able to receive and respond to text messages and calls whilst you’re overseas.

If you currently cannot receive calls whilst overseas, we recommend that you set this up with your network provider so that we can contact you if needed.

Need to contact us while abroad?

Current accounts customers: +44 3457 212 212

Credit card customers: +44 345 600 6000

Lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Call charges apply.

You can also send us a secure message.

How to prevent fraud whilst abroad

How we protect you

Spot common scams

Discover the latest and common types of fraud. We can help you to spot the signs and stop it happening to you.

Learn about common scams

Freeze your card

Take control of your cards. Find out how to freeze your card, and how to manage which transaction types are allowed or blocked on your card.

Manage your card

How you can protect yourself

Our fraud and security hub offers advice on how to protect yourself and your money.

View fraud and security hub

How does our mobile app add protection abroad?

  • Disable card features to lock thieves out. So if your card is stolen, there’s no need to worry

  • Get fraud alerts, for example if someone registers your account on a new device

  • Set contactless limits for your card so you’re in control

  • Instantly freeze and unfreeze your card wherever you need to

Explore and download our app
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