From: chewyjoint 27-01-2005, 8:42 PM

I emailed Visa some time ago to ask if they published their exchange rates. This is the reply they sent;

"Thank you for your message. To determine the exchange rate for all Visa transactions, Visa uses a wholesale market rate or a government mandated rate in effect one day before our system's processing date. Added to this 'base' exchange rate, Visa assesses the Member financial institution a 1% conversion fee. The bank may or may not pass this cost along to the cardholder. This would be indicated in the cardholder's credit card agreement or disclosure statement.

In addition, a Member bank may request that our system calculate an additional percentage to cover any costs they incur as a result of converting a foreign transaction. This fully loaded figure is the exchange rate sent to the Member bank that is ultimately charged to the cardholder.

For general industry currency rates, they can go to www.xe.com . For specific information regarding how the exchange rate is applied to accounts, cardholders can contact the financial institution that issued their Visa card."

So as far as I can see if you use one of the cards with no loading suh as Liverpool Victoria or Nationwide then you should get the rate published at www.xe.com