Traveling with Kroo

Finally! The big trip you've been saving endlessly for is happening. You can almost feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your skin. But before you settle in with your first fruity beverage, it's a good idea to do a bit of financial planning and research. Sure, it sounds a bit square, but you don't want a nasty surprise exchange fee taking the shine off your exotic getaway.

We've put together some tips to help you stay on top of your spending in a foreign land.

1. Create a travel budget

Budgeting really is an essential part of your travel plan. Do some research about the area you're thinking of visiting. It will help you to understand how far your money will stretch. Many places are cheaper than the UK, but some are more expensive (believe it or not!).

Think about what you'll be spending your money on. Food, sightseeing and shopping all add up fast. The more planning you do, the easier you'll be able to stick to your budget.

2. Get some foreign cash before you leave

This is a great idea, particularly if you're going somewhere new. Having some local currency for cab fare or a snack at the airport will make your life easier. And it saves you the trouble of looking for an ATM that won't charge you through the roof.

You can do this at your departure airport, or if you're super organised, you can spend a little time researching rates before you leave.

3. Beware of the withdrawal fees

We've all been there. We go to pay and are greeted with the infamous phrase, “Cash only.” Cue a mad dash to the nearest ATM. But wait. Sure, ATMs abroad are the easiest source of cash, but many of them will charge you a transaction fee.

With Kroo, we won’t charge you a penny extra for using your Visa debit card on purchases abroad. And you can say farewell to ATM fees from 1 April 2023 to 31 October 2023.

But do bear in mind that the bank you withdraw from might charge you, so shop around if you can.

4. Get real-time exchange rates

Once you've found an ATM with no or low fees, there’s no need to worry about getting a rubbish exchange rate. With Kroo, we pass Visa’s real-time exchange rate directly onto you – no hidden fees or markups.

Also, remember that it’s generally better to withdraw your funds in the local currency. And pay in the local currency when you tap your card too.

5. Stay on top of shared expenses

Splitting expenses can be a headache when going on holiday with friends. No one wants to be penny-pinching, but at the same, it's only fair everyone pays what they owe.

Kroo's Groups feature makes splitting, tracking and settling the bill easier than ever. So no more haggling over who had what, where and when.

6. Keep your money safe

Losing your wallet is always a nightmare, but it can be particularly stressful abroad. And if it has been stolen, reporting it can be a challenge.

Sorting out travel insurance before you depart can be a big help. But in the short term, you can quickly freeze and unfreeze your card on the Kroo app at the tap of a button. So you'll have some peace of mind while you get it sorted.