Beware the debit card currency sting

DPA DEUTSCHE PRESS-AGENTUR/DPA/Press Association Images

An investigation into overseas charges on debit cards has found that the banks are taking holidaymakers for a ride when they pay for things overseas and opt to pay in their home currency.

Even though the payment is made in pounds sterling, and therefore is no more complex or expensive for the banks than a UK transaction, many are imposing extra charges. So just how bad are the charges, and how can you beat the banks?