Taking money on holiday?

[tigerthecat]

Okay, this is the first time I have travelled abroard (Menorca in May) so whats the best thing to do about taking money. Should it be euros or travellers cheques? Where should I get them from? How soon before I go should I get them? Any advice would be most welcome. :-)

[mushroom25]

these days you need not take any euros with you, just head to the nearest atm when you arrive. having said that, I usually take enough for a few beers, coffees, or whatever, just to tide me over.

[tigerthecat]

Well does that cost more money and I only have a debit card so will that make a difference? thanks

[dzug]

Sorry, what costs more money?

A debit card in an ATM even with the charges should give you a better overall rate than changing cash either here or there. You gain more on the exchange rate with the card than you lose in charges.

M&S larger branches or any Post Office are usually OK here if you wish to get some cash to tide you over.

[john91]

i'm with mushroom25 and dzug on this, a few euros for immediate spends, the rest out of the wall.

[tigerthecat]

Thank-you all for your advice :-)

[netibiza]

Be very aware of the atm scams, when the book or card gets stuck in the machine, do not walk away to report it. Make sure you have the number of your company before you go, and use your (or anyone's) mobile at the cashpoint. Some thieves put a tape in the slot and when you have gone they use the book and extract all the cash. Please be careful, it's happening all the time in the Balearics.

[john91]

so netibiza, it would probably be safer to wait at the ATM until someone else used it, got their card back and follow them.

[john91]

when I said follow them, I mean use the ATM after them, not wander around the island.

[petesgrayz]

Try this site, it's the biz.

moneysavingexpert.com

tells you how to save money on everything.

[netibiza]

Yes john91 that would probably be the best thing.