Cash abroad advice (yikes! - just discovered the flex rate hike)

JustWilliam

I'll be leaving imminently and whilst last time I used the Nationwide flex - with it's then decent rates I don't have time to apply for any of the better card offers listed here so am wondering what the decent remaining options are?

As for cash what is the best way to get good rates. Change it here (Thomas Cook?) or take pounds and change them overseas?

HoofeHearted

I always find that you get a better rate if you change your £££ when you get there.:j

stilltheone

Travelex Cash Passport Globe. Just order at least four hours beforehand. Pick up the card(Mastercard) at the airport.

1.49% instead of 2% plus £1.

ManAtHome

How much are you likley to be changing? Sticking with the Flex might not be such a bad deal unless you're changing thousands (and unless I've mis-read the Travelex fees).

JustWilliam

It will be a few thousand, what are the best types of places to get good cash exchnage rates overseas...regular banks?

I've read mixed views on Travelex - not so good exchange rates for example, is that right?

Baldur

JustWilliam wrote: »

It will be a few thousand, what are the best types of places to get good cash exchnage rates overseas...regular banks?

I've read mixed views on Travelex - not so good exchange rates for example, is that right?

How imminently are you travelling? Are you in or near London?

A Metro Bank account can be opened in around 20 minutes and you walk out of the bank with your fees-free Mastercard Debit Card at the end of the opening process - no fees or charges against the prevailing Mastercard rate; just like Nationwide's Flex a/c VISA Debit Card used to offer, using the VISA rate.

dzug1

JustWilliam wrote: »

It will be a few thousand, what are the best types of places to get good cash exchnage rates overseas...regular banks?

I've read mixed views on Travelex - not so good exchange rates for example, is that right?

Bad if you just turn up. Reasonable online for collection/delivery.