Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

donny-gal

HappyinSpain - is there an update on the solar AC? Just wondering how it works overnight>

DG

Savvy_Sue

I have to say my UK Orange dongle works like a dream - plug it in, click on the program it uses, and away we go! Absolutely fine for email and surfing MSE, 'eats' capacity when I listen to Radio 4 ...

It definitely doesn't work abroad though, I asked!

HappyinSpain

Hi DonnyGal,
The solar air con unit is in our lounge and cooling quite a large area about 40 sq meters, but it doesnt run 100% from the solar tubes. We've taken a few meter readings which indicate that it's using roughly 1.5 units every 3 hours but I really need to note down everything electrical that's on at the same time! So, I'm not sure yet whether its a good money saver, also I have no idea how much electricity a conventional 12,000 btu air-con unit costs to run. But it is so good to be cool, it even means that I can go in the kitchen and cook meals again!
Glad to hear that you've got your laptop sorted.
HiS

HappyinSpain

Hi LesD
Although I havent used a dongle here I've heard that they're really slow. If you're around the Mazarron area, I think Camposol Computers do a broadband package for holiday makers, as do Telitec.
H

LesD

Thanks for your comments on the Dongles of Spain.

Camposol Computers is the shop I use most often, HIS, but their own computers are not the statest-of-the-art which doesn't bode well for advice on other things.

I'll probably have a chat with them when I'm there and see what they say.

I also need to be sure of security as I may need to access bank accounts etc. Normally, things 'keep' for 2 weeks, but we'll be away for 4 altogether so money matters may crop up.

sandy2_2

nationwide to charge is customers to withdraw cash in Europe from 1st November, now what are we all going to do?

Sandy in Spain

seven-day-weekend

sandy2 wrote: »

nationwide to charge is customers to withdraw cash in Europe from 1st November, now what are we all going to do?

Sandy in Spain

Isn't this just the Cashcard? The Debit card is still OK, isn't it?

Edited to add - you are right, it DOES refer to the debit card.:(

Oh dear. I only got the Flexaccount because of this facility. I have my State Pension paid into it.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/jul/31/nationwide-flexaccount-charge-withdrawals

donny-gal

Well I look like topping up my Spanish Account before then, to avoid some of the problem. I do have Halifax here and in the UK, so get free transfers but the exchange rate is never as good as NW.

DG

Savvy_Sue

HappyinSpain wrote: »

Hi LesD
Although I havent used a dongle here I've heard that they're really slow.

If it makes any of you feel any better, I'm using an Orange dongle in the UK right now, and it is incredibly slow! Very irritating.

Another one who only opened a FlexAccount for the foreign cash withdrawals! But I'll see what Martin suggests and get organised before our next little jaunt ...

HappyinSpain

We bank with Santander and have their euro account and their sterling account. Its so easy, we just pay in sterling cheques (with no charge), wait for 7 days to clear and then transfer over at just under the commercial exchange rate.