Withdrawing Cash Help!!

Wallhart

Ok heres my issue.

I am going to Greece in 2 and a half weeks. I am taking some cash with me but will definately need to withdraw some cash when Im out there.

I currently have an Abbey Visa Debit card which I am not sure about. I have reads somewhere that Vida Debit cards should use a visa exchange rate which is usually good. I have also heard to avoid the Abbey card for withdrawing cash as they will use a worse exchange rate.

I have then looked at these prepaid cards. Can you top the cards up while on holidy on the internet. Will Abbey charge me for doing this and how long does it generally take for the funds to be available to withdraw.

As you can see Im in a bit of a pickle and would appreciate as much advice as possible and maybe some explanations of what fees etc I should expect. (I know Abbey charge 1.5% but Im sure there will be more hidden negatives)

Anyway I shall thank you in advance.

Cheers

3_cheeky_princesses

Hello

We are going to Spain in 10 days time and we have got the FairFX card as it does seem to do the better exchange rate out of all the prepaid cards and have got the CaxtonFx pre paid to with draw cash as they dont charge to withdraw cash from a ATM in europe.

Both have good reviews and seem really good. Both can be topped up online via bank transfer and both the funds appear on the card within a few hours. I think you can also top the Caxton up via phone too.

I have not noticed on my bank statement Halifax visa electron or Barclays connect card adding any fees for transfering funds to these cards.

Wallhart

Yeah I think I may get the Fair FX card and top it up while abroad.

However there are two types of topping it up I believe. Sending a bank transfer or paying my card.

Again is there a difference by doing this. I have looked on the websit but doesnt include anything about charges.

If they charge you in sterling then this should negate any issues.

Can I get an FX card with £420 of € for free or do I have to pay the £10.

BTW Thanks

3_cheeky_princesses

If you go thru the link on this page the £10 fee is waivered. I did this and there was no fee:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money#prepaid

simongregson

There is also the option of £7.50 cashback via https://www.quidco.com and there is no fee if you top it up by more than £500, you could use the extra next time you go away.

The abbey card is about average for getting out cash 2.75% + 1.5% fee (min £1.99), however avoid using it for purchases, as there is a £1.25 flat charge +2.75% fee

If you go to a branch there is a small chance you might be able to get a nationwide account open in 2 1/2 weeks, which would avoid all these fees in europe.

Wallhart

Yeah I think Im going to get a Fair FX card and top it up when out there. Rates dont look too bad and will be taking large sums our rather than losts of small withdrawals so €1.50 ATM fee is acceptable and the rate I believe is fixed when you top it up. Rates look good too.

Will only use Debit as a back up.

One questions I couldnt find on their website. Do Fair FX charge your debit card in £ or the Euros you are buying??? Obviously if it is Euros then Abbey will charge for that. I am assuming it is in GBP. Seems the best choice.

I dont want to make payments in shops either. Just withdraw the cash. Easier to manage.

I understand the Nationwide account is good but I get my wages paid into Abbey and don't want the hassle of paying off my free overdraft etc however small it is.

Thanks people