Holiday Money

[browndmb]

I am off to Oz and looking for the best way to take spending money. Are traveller cheques still in use and would that be an option. Is there a limit to the amount you can take.

[grasscarp]

I usually use ATMs round the world to get the local currency as I need it.

[boxtops]

Never take anything other than my debit card, brown - I just draw money out of the hole in the wall when I need it. Nationwide has one of the best rates at the moment for foreign cash transactions.

[theshedman]

Another way is to take a travel money card. Can be used exactly the same way as a debit card including taking money out at an ATM. Much better than travelers cheques which are getting harder to cash in many countries.

[shoota]

Pre-paid debit cards are a good option. You 'load' a card with (say) £500 worth of the local currency and then use it like a debit card. If you leave your account details with the company you can top up your card via the internet.
HiFX do such a card.
Sorry don't know what the limit would be for Oz.

[EcclesCake]

ATM and Credit card are all I bother with these days.

[shoota]

Strangely I cn't find a link to HiFX's card dets but this looks good:
http://www.multicurrencycashpassport.com/currency

[smurfchops]

I have a Halifax Clarity card, a credit card, good for everything and no surcharges. But they do charge a small amount for taking cash out of ATM abroad. Good for restaurants, hotels, etc. then you get a statement when you get home. I always ask them to convert to sterling before I put in my PIN.

[browndmb]

Thanks to all who have answered and given me info on what to do

[koster]

My bank account is with Metro Bank. There are no charges for using your debit card abroad.

https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/Personal/Bank-Accounts/CurrentAccounts/