nationwide flex still the best for exchanging money?

jassi_9

Hi im going to hungary, budapest and wanted to know where i should exchange my money...

they have their own currency (huf)

i have a nationwide flex account, do you think its worth putting most of my spending money in there and simply withdrawing from atm's?

or should i just take cash and convert it that way?

thanks

fifeken

Nationwide is certainly the best card for ATM use as there are no loading fees for Hungary. Always have a back up plan though so another card or cash is advisable. Which one really depends on your attitude to carrying a lot of cash.

dzug1

Nationwide include Hungary in Europe so they will charge you zilch.

Changing cash - anywhere - will entail a fee of some sort. You may still want soem as a backup, etc

Takecareofthepennies

I second the recommendation of having a backup option.

Had nothing but trouble with N/W flex card on my last trip to US. When I called them now to advise them of my upcoming travel they said they could not put a note on the account to show I will be abroad. Oh, and therefore they also couldn't guarantee my card would not be stopped again ... But, hey, it's only for my own protection! :mad:

moneysavingobsessive

Does the flex account work the other way around? E.g. if I send USD directly to the account will I get the VISA exchange rate less 1%?

Or am I better using an fx broker to do the transfer into £ and onward delivery to my account in the UK?

dzug1

moneysavingobsessive wrote: »

Does the flex account work the other way around? E.g. if I send USD directly to the account will I get the VISA exchange rate less 1%?

Or am I better using an fx broker to do the transfer into £ and onward delivery to my account in the UK?

The good rates only apply to CARD transactions - debit or credit.

You will be better off with the broker, or maybe getting your US bank to transfer.

dk7

in the main mse article martin seems to suggest getting the esaver as the best route to getting this nationwide flex account. Can i not just open the current account and then pay in funds before each hol?

ziggyman99

dzug1 wrote: »

Nationwide include Hungary in Europe

That's because it is in Europe

dzug1

ziggyman99 wrote: »

That's because it is in Europe

Not that simple unfortunately.

For example:

Croatia is in Europe - they charge

Momtenegro is in Europe AND uses the € - they charge

Guadeloupe is in the Caribbean - they don't charge. It does use the € though

dzug1

dk7 wrote: »

in the main mse article martin seems to suggest getting the esaver as the best route to getting this nationwide flex account. Can i not just open the current account and then pay in funds before each hol?

If they let you open the right account, yes - but it appears it's by no means a foregone conclusion, particularly if you try to avoid meeting their requirements.

dk7

dzug1 wrote: »

If they let you open the right account, yes - but it appears it's by no means a foregone conclusion, particularly if you try to avoid meeting their requirements.

Any clue on what requirements i need to meet?