Earlier today I stopped at the bank to find out how much they'd charge me to use my card while we're in Brasil. They couldn't tell me there and then because despite the fact I KNEW I could use it there, they didn't, and had to find out. (Lets ignore for a second the fact that my card is probably more readily accepted in Brasil than here) So, I left my number and they promised to call and let me know.

When they called, they happily let me know how much they'd extort every time I wanted to visit McDonalds (that's £1.50 for a meal that probably wouldn't cost £1.50 in total) and dropped in as an afterthought that they'd need to know when I was away so they could unblock my card.

Hang on a minute, why would my card need unblocking? Had I done something to block it? No. It's just the moment you try and use your card abroad, they freeze it. Thanks for giving me loud and clear warning over the years.

So all in all, if I use my card while we're away it'll only be to withdraw the maximum amount of cash. A good thing I checked though, otherwise we could've been completely screwed.