cash or travellers cheque?

[bullybully]

Not sure whether to take majority in cash this year but risky if i lose it do you think it makes any difference taking travellers cheques instead? does anyone know the exchange rate at the moment.....thanks

[iluvicmeler]

Bully, just take enough in Lira for first day then change sterling into lira once u get there. If u are worried about carrying a large sum of cash then just withdraw from the cash machines in the square.. Hope this helps

[bullybully]

Thanks, having not used the cash machines abroad before, is there a charge for using them?

[sunlover loch lomond]

There is a charge but it is determined by your bank, so I would recommend you check out before you go. We had some difficulties with a chip error with the HSBC ATM so I would suggest you have more than one card with you if you are relying on ATM withdrawals.

[marko157]

Call us old fashoned but we always take the majority in TC....peace of mind really.
But we still take the cash card (nat west) and never had a problem with ATMs

[stevew]

Hi Bullybully,
As said earlier take enough Lira for the first day, We take £50/£80 in Lira, approx £200 in cash for Barter bargains (or whatever you can afford to lose if stolen) , then the balance in Sterling Cheques, you will get the same exchange rate as cash and they are covered against theft. As nearly all cards are charged for withdrawals we take one for Emergencies only, Do not use Exchange offices as they take commission, we use the supermarket under Icr, or the Apartments we're in depending on the offered exchange rate when we want to change our cheques.
Hope this helps
Enjoy Steve

[adewolves]

We always take a little cash and the rest in trv cheques I don't want to tempt fate and lose all my cash. Make sure you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad as some banks will block it if you don't inform them.

[mickyq]

be aware, if you need to cash travellers check on the first day. you will need your passport which your hotel may have taken off you when you first arrive. you usually get this back after 24 hours. dont know why they do this?

[blondie]

It's so they can record the information about who is staying, which they are required to do.

[dksbbs]

be aware, if you need to cash travellers check on the first day. you will need your passport which your hotel may have taken off you when you first arrive. you usually get this back after 24 hours. dont know why they do this?

Blondie is correct, They legally have to register you with the local authorites, alot of countries still do it.

Dave

[sheila denby]

Thanks, having not used the cash machines abroad before, is there a charge for using them?

DON'T USE A DEBIT CARD THE CHARGES ARE HUGE, get A Santander Zero or any other card that has no charges, but you must pay it off as soon as you get home to avoid the extra large interest rate.

[Owl]

After reading this topic I think I'm going to take some travellers cheques myself , do you have to give any notice to buy some at the travel agents or bank , thanks in advance

[dksbbs]

After reading this topic I think I'm going to take some travellers cheques myself , do you have to give any notice to buy some at the travel agents or bank , thanks in advance

Check with your bank, if I walk in to my bank Lloyds TSB and order travellers cheques at the desk I will have to pay commission, however if I order then online via internet banking and select a branch to collect them from there is no commission, delivery to home there is a £4.50 charge.

In the past my bank has required 24 hours notice for the order.

Dave

edited to correct my awful English

Last edited by dksbbs on 14 Jun 2011 10:21, edited 1 time in total.

[stevew]

Hi Owl,
Normally no notice is needed for Sterling cheques,but be aware there may be a demand at peak season, also you may be charged commision. Shop around, if you have advantage gold (Natwest) or similar there is no charge.
Hope this helps.
Steve