Getting cash in Italy

Manxman_in_exile
Manxman_in_exile Posts: 8,380 Forumite
First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
edited 15 October 2017 at 1:42PM in Flights, currency & car hire
Hi all


Just a quick question: we're off to Italy next week, we've bought euros on line and we'll be carrying Saga Platinum and Santander credit cards.


My question is, if we find ourselves running low on cash, what's the best (ie cheapest) way of getting more euros? Can we just bring our Santander debit cards and use an ATM, or is that a really bad idea? (I can always get more online before we go if I'm not sure).


Thanks

Comments

  • dj1471
    dj1471 Posts: 1,968 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Home Insurance Hacker!
    Check what your cards charge here:
    http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/travel-credit-cards

    The Saga card looks to be the best but does charge 2% for ATM withdrawals (which will be less than exchanging cash cost you).

    Get yourself a decent overseas credit or prepaid card for next time.
  • If you are exiled in or around London, pop into a Metro Bank with appropriate ID and walk out with their debit card.
  • Roger1
    Roger1 Posts: 1,603 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    AlwaysHere wrote: »
    If you are exiled in or around London, pop into a Metro Bank with appropriate ID and walk out with their debit card.
    But only if you want to open a Metro current account.

    This may be a solution too far for the OP.
  • antenna
    antenna Posts: 1,776 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    edited 16 October 2017 at 10:19AM
    Roger1 wrote: »
    But only if you want to open a Metro current account.

    This may be a solution too far for the OP.
    The current account does not have to be used as such,
    I only use mine as a debit card account to withdraw euros in spain at a near perfect rate......of course you need to have on deposit enough to cover your withdrawals...
    ps,never let the atm machine do the conversion for you,eg give you an instant pound rate,always let your own bank do the conversion.This Is Most Important.
    Political?....I dont do Political....well,not much!
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