Debit cards in the UK - don't always work

A WoW readers' tips. 

Using your UK debit card in the UK.

I live here (France)and I have a debit card from Lloyds which I had not used it for 9 months.

I had to go to England this week and I tried to use it.

It allowed me to withdraw money from an ATM but when I tried to pay in a restaurant it was refused.

Lloyds have told me that if a card is not used regularly it is "blocked for shopping".

I was told I should go to a Lloyds ATM and choose PIN SERVICES and UNBLOCK PIN SHOPPING. Not knowing this, I was lucky to have a French card with me which paid the bill.

 Stephen

For interest WoW found this list of the "Debit Cards from Hell"

Halifax Debit Card
Spending penalty: £1.50. Load fee: 2.75%. Cash withdrawal fee: £1.50

Lloyds Debit Card
Spending penalty: £1. Load fee: 2.99%. Cash withdrawal: 1.5% min £2 max £4.50

IF Debit Card
Spending penalty: £1.50 Load fee: 2.25%. Cash withdrawal fee: £1.50 or 1.5%

RBS Debit Card
Spending penalty: £1.25. Load fee: 2.75%. Cash withdrawal: 2% min £2 max £5

NatWest Debit Card
Spending penalty: £1.25. Load fee: 2.75%. Cash withdrawal: 2% min £2 max £5

Santander Debit Card
Spending penalty: £1.25. Load fee: 2.75%. Cash withdrawal: 1.5% min £1.99

Full list of charges for major UK credit and debit cards.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money