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spending in germany over longer term
DumplingQueen
Posts: 4 Newbie
Hi everyone, I'm living between the UK and Germany for the next year or two. All my money is in pounds in UK bank accounts. I have a Halifax Clarity credit card and intend to use it for most of my spending at least in the short term - paying in Germany with the card where possible, and withdrawing money when necessary but paying these amounts back immediately to minimise interest.
Right now I need 500 euros for rent and bond. Is the best way to get this to 1) take the money out in Germany on the Halifax Clarity and pay in cash, 2) do a bank transfer using a bank transfer service from transferz.com or similar, or 3) something I don't know about? I trust the person receiving the money so security is not an issue.
In the longer term, I am going to need to spend about 1000 euros each month, and I'm wondering whether in this sort of situation the Halifax Clarity is still the best way to get the money, or whether I should open a German bank account asap and transfer the money over.
Can anyone give me any advice? I have a mental block about currency transfers. I find it hard even to compare interest rates as I can never remember whether 1.18 or 1.19 written next to the euro would be a better deal for me (the latter, right?). Any help would be very gratefully received.
Right now I need 500 euros for rent and bond. Is the best way to get this to 1) take the money out in Germany on the Halifax Clarity and pay in cash, 2) do a bank transfer using a bank transfer service from transferz.com or similar, or 3) something I don't know about? I trust the person receiving the money so security is not an issue.
In the longer term, I am going to need to spend about 1000 euros each month, and I'm wondering whether in this sort of situation the Halifax Clarity is still the best way to get the money, or whether I should open a German bank account asap and transfer the money over.
Can anyone give me any advice? I have a mental block about currency transfers. I find it hard even to compare interest rates as I can never remember whether 1.18 or 1.19 written next to the euro would be a better deal for me (the latter, right?). Any help would be very gratefully received.
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Comments
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I would open a Metro Bank account and keep your money there, making cash withdrawals from it - you'll get the same benefits as the Clarity card, but you won't have to worry about paying off cash withdrawals quickly. You can still use the Clarity card for purchases, and just set up a direct debit to pay it off in full.Let's settle this like gentlemen: armed with heavy sticks
On a rotating plate, with spikes like Flash Gordon
And you're Peter Duncan; I gave you fair warning0 -
Wow that bank account looks great! Miles better than the ones I'd seen before! Thanks for the tip.0
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For bank transfers, I have been using transferwise.com for a while now (in fact following advice from benjus, I believe) and it works like a dream.
Transfers are quick, rates are as good as you'll find and there are next to no fees.0
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