Originally Posted by Doppy
Visa/MC has recently eliminated their forex fees, but the issuing banks charge for it, so I'd expect their giftcards would, as well.
Visa/MC has NOT recently eliminated their fees! They are expanding them AND encouraging the banks to expand them!
As I understand it, Visa/MC has introduced a foreign transaction charge of 0.8% for ANY charge out of your home country even if it is in your base currency. And an additional 0.2% if there is currency change. And most (or all) of the banks appear to be shifting to an additional 2% on top of the Visa/MC .8% or .8%+.2%=1%.
I really want to find a card that works in this environment, but can't find one that isn't in some kind of pricing transition right now.