'Where do you get your holiday cash from?' poll discussion

Despondent

I get mine from my bank, Lloyds, I don't pay any commission. Would never use my debit or credit cards abroad as the fees are way too high. probably the way Lloyds claw their money back on the no commission.

zagfles

Despondent wrote: »

I get mine from my bank, Lloyds, I don't pay any commission. Would never use my debit or credit cards abroad as the fees are way too high. probably the way Lloyds claw their money back on the no commission.

LOL!! Do people really believe this "commission free" bull?? Change cash at any UK bank and you'll pay around 5% "commission" hidden in the rate! Just compare their buying and selling rates, there's usually a 10%+ difference.

When you use your card abroad the charges are on the VISA/Mastercard rates, which are pretty much interbank rates. So it's nearly always cheaper even if they levy a typical 3% markup.

Use one of the best buys like the Halifax Clarity and there is no markup at all. You save 5%+ over those who changed their cash in the UK.

jjjohnson

I ticked the "other" because I think you are missing some options. Last few times I have got my currency from M&S and Tesco. Convenient, good rates & other terms.

minerva_windsong

Mostly the Post Office, but occasionally M&S. Multiple choice options for those types of situations would have been nice...

harryhound

zagfles wrote: »

I haven't changed cash for about 10 years now! Airports invariably have cash machines, if not no problem just pay for onward travel by credit card, or worst case I always have a little in GBP I could exchange. For package holidays or driving holidays there's even less need. With euros I try to make sure I have a little left over for the next trip.

Although I've not been anywhere too far off the beaten track in the last 10 years...

If you are arriving at a city by road air or sea - there is usually no problem having a card accepted in a bank's ATM.
If you get a bank that does not like your card, just try another bank or another card.

Currently using Metro debit and Halifax Clarity credit cards, with others such as Nationwide as back up.

China, Ecuador, Peru have been relatively trouble free but beware of withdrawal fees (shopping centres and some banks) and dynamic currency conversion (Would you like us to do this transaction in GBP? No No No !)

The only other down side is that the ATM might pay out in bills that are the best part of a week's wages for some locals - so just, like in the UK, ask for 90 rather than 100 to be sure of getting at least one 10.

Julia4J

I buy online via Martin's website and via the companies he recommends, I have had no problems up to now, ever. Ironically sometimes it is even the Post Office but even then it is cheaper online.

scarlet55

normally get some from m&s and then use my card when im abroad.....usually go AI so dont really need much..