money -

[g2fas]

hi, im going in may for the first time and would like idea's on hiding money. do people take all cash or travel cheque how do travel cheques work also

[steve.crowe]

Hi Kirsty, Firstly I don't think anyone will be daft enough to broadcast that they hide cash in their dirty laundry or anything like that.
Take a mix of cash and travellers cheques. Get a safety deposit box at your apartments (your insurance will not cover theft otherwise) Invest in a money belt. As long as your bikini is'nt a G string no one will notice. And above all else, don't carry all your money in one place/person. Invest in an aquapac (google them) for swimming.
Travellers Cheques are easy to use. Sign the Cheques when you buy them and keep a seperate note of the serial numbers. When you're ready to cash them, just sign your name in the lower left-hand corner in the presence of the acceptor (banks will want to see your passport).
Almost everywhere in Icmeler will cash them for you. Again, you'll find that many of the shops etc will give you a better rate than the banks
Steve

[kirky]

if you got bank account with hsbc or nationwide you can get cash from machine free of charge

[Kath rose]

I have always been charged for any withdrawal, no matter what bank I am with. It's HSBC but no matter where I have taken it from including HSBC I have alwya had a charge taken.

I still use the machines, for convienience.

[haydn]

open a nationwide account, its free tell them you want an acount with free withdrawalls abroad. Ive been using the card foe about 4 years saved me a far bit in cimmision. Only ever use it for holiday monet, just keep £1 in it to keep the account open then transfer some money a week before you go we normally take about £50 cash and a couple of hundred in TC's just in case and incase, only takes a few mins to open account and then about 7 days for your card to arrive

[kirky]

in the square is hsbc machine use that and you will not be charged if you bank with them

[tarnlass]

HSBC only waive the charges if you have a Premier Account or Bank Account Plus, both of which have a monthly account fee. If you have a normal bank account then I'm afraid the charges still apply. I'm ex staff so I know how they work.

[stevew]

Hi
Only Nationwide have free withdrawals worldwide, this also applies to Nationwide Visa, as all other visa have an over sea`s transaction levy. Thats why I started my Nationwide `holiday account` I also have other cards as an emergancy insurance, but I will be charged if I use them.
Steve

[Fanny]

Hi Kirsty
don't forget to tell your bank where you're going
we once had the nightmare of having our card blocked by the bank
it was a few years ago and fortunately on the last day and just used for buying jewellry
was awful though

Good point that Fanny, I was reading on HT that Briar had her card declined as the bank told her ( think it was HSBC) she should have informed them before she went to France.

[Janine]

Hi everyone

You do have to normally call before you go on holiday to advise your bank you are travelling & you will be using your card. It may not be stopped on the first withdrawal you make, if you dont inform them but if you try again it may not work as they stop/block it as a safety precaution against fraud. I work within the bank thats why i am familiar with the procedure.
Hope this helps!

Janine