taking cash out abroad

[DONNA1458]

my parents are going to gran canaria they were going to take cash but i suggested getting it out of a cash machine over there is there a big charge from the machines to do that??

[mollykins]

There's a bank that advertises that they don't charge, is it santander or natwest? the rest do i think.

[lslowry]

i think nationwide do not charge for european transactions, but i may be wrong.

[mollykins]

could be,

[smurfchops]

Nationwide changed their rules, I am not sure about Europe but they will charge for everywhere else. Change your money over here for cash and leave it in the safe of the hotel. Just take a little out every day. Most places do charge. Try the Abbey and double check with Nationwide.

[jack daniels]

Hi DONNA1458

the post office do a credit card which you can used abroad

http://www.creditchoi...d-charges-abroad.html

They also do a Money travel card that can be loaded up with Euros (max £5000 at a post office branch)

http://www.postoffice...0207&mediaId=26800661

[lslowry]

just checked on moneysavingexpert, nationwide flexaccount don't charge for european transactions, donna

[hawths4]

The exchange rate on these 'free' cards is usual poor - there's no such thing as a free lunch! They will get their charges one way or another! In the eurozone a good method is a pre-loaded debit card such as FairFX, so you can see the rate at which you are buying and use it at ATMs or as a debit card in Eurozone, its backed by Mastercard and Newcastle Building Society. Apply and service online, but keep check of the balance manually because the only way to check the remaining balance is by text for which a charge is made. I don't think you can overdraw on it.

[dzug2]

The charge by a typical UK bank for using overseas ATMs is usually marginally less than getting cash here and taking it with you. That's a simplification - there are a lot of ifs and buts - but as a generalisation it's true.

There are ways of reducing that cost - being with the right bank, or buying from the right outlet here. Look at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/ for details

But there isn't much in it.

[sammmo]

make sure you tell your bank that your going abroard or they may stop transactions..