ASK AN EXPERT

I AM thinking about travelling in Europe once coronavirus restrictions are lifted. However, I am unsure how Brexit will have impacted on my ability to do this. Can you clear things up?

THERE are several considerations to be made when considering travelling to countries in the European Union, particularly the use of credit and debit cards, mobile phone roaming charges and ensuring you have all relevant documentation and insurance.

If you have a UK bank account, and intend to use your bank card to pay for goods and services when you are in the EU, the UK Government has warned that this may become more expensive.

Consulting with your bank or building society prior to travelling is a good idea to ensure you will be able to use your bank card and if this will cost you extra.

In January 2018, EU rules banned retailers from charging customers a fee to use Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards.

The UK has passed its own legislation, meaning the ban on this charge will continue to apply for UK purchases.

However, cross-border payments will no longer be covered by the surcharging ban, meaning European companies, including airlines and travel providers that previously levied card surcharges on a frequent basis could re-introduce them for UK customers.

It is worthwhile checking this at the point of purchase and reading any small print prior to checking out.

You should also consider the cost of using your mobile phone (roaming charges) when travelling in the EU.

The UK Government has introduced some consumer protection measures about mobile roaming, including a financial limit of £45 per month on data usage (unless you make an active choice to exceed this limit).

These measures also place responsibility on mobile phone providers to protect their customers from paying roaming charges by inadvertently accessing roaming services.

You should also be made aware in advance of any increase to charges made by your mobile phone provider.

Several providers have highlighted that they have no plans to change their approach to mobile roaming but it is always a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your provider in advance of travelling.

You can travel to, and stay in, an EU member state for up to 90 days in a 180-day period before you require a visa (excluding the Republic of Ireland where a visa is not required).

Before travelling in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you should ensure that you have a passport and health insurance.

The passport should have at least six months left before its expiry date and be no more than 10 years old.

European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) will still be usable in EU member states but not Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.

You should also be aware that additional customs charges may apply if you return to the UK from the EU with any more than four litres of spirits, 42 litres of beer, or 18 litres of wine.

For more information on Brexit-related issues and how they affect you as a Scottish consumer, you should visit the Knowledge Centre at brexitadvice.scot.

I hope this helps and enjoy your trip when it comes.