Euros abroad?

[whythem]

Going Spain, anyone know if the building societys charge for using the ATM machines? If they do, what is the best way to take money abroad?

[Super Slo Mo]

they all charge. However, I was still better off using my nationwide card on a recent trip than buying cash from the post office.

Take a bit of cash, and either get the rest from local atm's or pay for the bigger transactions with your card.

[LuS1fer]

I'm sure most do. Some credit cards don't - check moneysupermarket or moneysavingexpert who will tell you - good if you get 0% period too.

Personally I take cash and get my Euros by post as you get a better rate (just got 1.2091). You can get it on cards too but I can't be ars*d.

[The Leaper]

I bank with Barclays and abroad I can use my debit card in any ATM of any of their global partners without any carges. All details are on their website. I assume that the same applies to any other bank, BS, etc.

R.

[davepoth]

For the lack of hassle it entails, I always use cash machines abroad. The exchange rate isn't that bad, and the way the Euro is tanking at the minute you'll probably get a better rate than if you buy in advance.

[maser_spyder]

Another plus for Nationwide, I was saving about 10% on Natwest prices in withdrawing money abroad. It can work out to some big savings.

They charge less for using the card, but they also give you a much better rate on the currency (which is where the big saving came in).

[maser_spyder]

Oh, and apparently, the Post Office are one of, if not the best, for withdrawing cash at foreign ATMs.

I've never gotten around to testing that theory though, I always remember this about 24 hours before leaving the country.

Not sure which account, but some googling should work it out for you.

[nevbadger]

If you get a credit card that doesn't charge a loading then you can take just enough cash for small purchases and use the card for everything else. I've got Santander zero but there are several others out there.

Buying cash in advance generally cheaper when exchange rates are stable. Most banks charge a loading fee for overseas withdrawals.

[whythem]

Thanks for the reply's gents. I think I'll order a little cash and then card the rest.

[audidoody]

Are there still people who don't know about these?

http://www.caxtonfx.com/currency-cards/