The Cheapest Way to Spend Overseas Discussion Area

QT2006

Hi guys

I am going to the States next week and I am looking for the most competitive exchange rate...where can I find it. I have a Nationwide Flex Account if that helps cos I keeping seeing it.

Is it too risky to change my money in the States...will I get a better or worst rate?

If it is better, whereabouts would I go..

Cheers in advance

QT

pin

QT2006 wrote:

Hi guys

I am going to the States next week and I am looking for the most competitive exchange rate...where can I find it. I have a Nationwide Flex Account if that helps cos I keeping seeing it.

Is it too risky to change my money in the States...will I get a better or worst rate?

If it is better, whereabouts would I go..

Cheers in advance

QT

If you have a Nationwide account I presume you also have a debit card. The best thing to do is when you get to the USA is to get the money out of the ATM machine.

bobloes

I took out a Saga CC based on the article which states that cash withdrawals in Europe will not attract interest charges as long as the full balance is paid off at the next due date. This morning I have spoken to Liverpool Victoria (who provide the card) and they have stated that there will be interest charges from the time of withdrawal until the statement date and then continuing until payment is received. They also baffled me with some talk about the charges going over two statements. I blanked out at that stage. I pay the full amount by monthly direct debit. Is the article wrong or is the operator I spoke to as confused as me? I leave in three days so would appreciate any advice.

pin

bobloes wrote:

I took out a Saga CC based on the article which states that cash withdrawals in Europe will not attract interest charges as long as the full balance is paid off at the next due date. This morning I have spoken to Liverpool Victoria (who provide the card) and they have stated that there will be interest charges from the time of withdrawal until the statement date and then continuing until payment is received. They also baffled me with some talk about the charges going over two statements. I blanked out at that stage. I pay the full amount by monthly direct debit. Is the article wrong or is the operator I spoke to as confused as me? I leave in three days so would appreciate any advice.

This is what the T&Cs on the Saga website say:

"Cash Advances - If you pay for all of your previous months cash advances by the payment due date, no interest will be charged on those cash advances. This applies for a maximum of 56 days.If you do not pay for all of your previous months cash advances by the payment due date, interest will be charged on those cash advances, from the date the cash advance is charged to the account. Interest will then continue to be charged until that cash advance balance has been paid for in full."

QT2006

pin wrote:

If you have a Nationwide account I presume you also have a debit card. The best thing to do is when you get to the USA is to get the money out of the ATM machine.

Yea I have the debit card...however dont the banks charge u in the USA...also I need some cash before hand for security....

tee_pee_2

HELPPPPP

Read the link and looked at the options was shocked at how poor PO was I always go there, anyway the best deal is the Global one, but
a) I don't know how to order them
b) If I have to use my debit card is it still a good deal?

Contomplating being a wimp and going to PO for conveniece but thats not v MS

Please advise

pin

QT2006 wrote:

Yea I have the debit card...however dont the banks charge u in the USA...also I need some cash before hand for security....

There are many banks in the USA that WON'T charge. I have found that the ones that do charge, will tell you.

For example I know what Washington Mutual, Citibank, Chase and Wells Fargo, to name a few won't charge.

pin

tee_pee wrote:

HELPPPPP

Read the link and looked at the options was shocked at how poor PO was I always go there, anyway the best deal is the Global one, but
a) I don't know how to order them
b) If I have to use my debit card is it still a good deal?

Contomplating being a wimp and going to PO for conveniece but thats not v MS

Please advise

This Thomas Global, you pretty much need to go in to their shop to buy the currency. However you can order via Travelex, and then get travelex to match the price.

Re your debit card, which one do you have, as some actually charge for currency exchange.

tee_pee_2

pin wrote:

This Thomas Global, you pretty much need to go in to their shop to buy the currency. However you can order via Travelex, and then get travelex to match the price.

Re your debit card, which one do you have, as some actually charge for currency exchange.

TSB debit card

pin

tee_pee wrote:

TSB debit card

1.5 % of the amount with a minimum transaction charge of £2 and a maximum of £4.50.