Money Box 20 June 2009

Holidaymakers are losing money when using their credit cards abroad as a result of changes which were supposed to increase consumer choice.

It happens because in some countries purchases can be billed directly by the retailer in pounds instead of in the local currency.

Retailers are supposed to clearly ask you for your preference, but Money Box has learnt of at least one case where the decision was made without the customer's consent, causing them to lose out in the process.