dont use cash machines - hefty usage charge.

have a look at http://www.travelex.co.uk - best rates in uk, commission free, order online and pick up at airport the day you travel simple.

Hope someone can help, could we use a Visa Electron Debit Card to withdraw cash from ATMs. Are cash machines widely available? Thank you.

it all depends on where you will be staying. if it will be a village in the middle of nowhere then you will not be able to find. if in a small city or near by you will be able to find lots

hi if you use the links in the general holiday forum you will find the atm locators

brian

Is it easy to use your bank card to get euro's in malia? Lots of banks, holes in the walls etc

Thanks

snowball
Plenty on the main beach road between malia/Stalis.No prob's getting money out.

They do charge tho, my friend just took her card last year but this years she's decided Travellers Cheques will be better

Most of the banks ATM's in the towns take visa electron especially if you have PLUS

Are there any? We no longer use travellers cheques preferring to withdraw cash from a cashpoint using a Nationwide debit card. We are booked in at Maleme Mare Aug this year. Also any hints,tips and recommendations for places to visit, eating out etc... Has anyone stayed at Maleme Mare recently? This is our first visit to Crete as we are Cyprus lovers but thought we would have a change this year, really looking forward to it too.

for information on how to find an ATM machine world wide please read through the following topic
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=401

wizard

Thanks, looks like it's back to travellers cheques for this trip.

I go at least twice a year - and take either Euro's or use the cashpoint machine. It depends on whether or not your bank charge a large commission on using ATM's abroad if it's worth it or not. My Bank is quite reasonable & it works out better than taking T/Cheques (although possibly not so safe, but i've never had a problem with worrying about security in Crete). I've been using the ATM's in Crete for approx 10 years now & never had a problem...... They automatically ask which language you want when you insert your card - the only thing you have to watch for is the USA language (it's called a "chequing account"!). I've also done my inetrnet banking from over there several times.... Don't worry, they are quite civilised you know!! There are ATM's all over the place (even where there are no banks), although I can't specifically speak for where you're going....Sorry.

PS Groovychick, have just noticed you're from Nottm. So am I....so if you want tips etc for Crete, let me know!! Am a bit of "an old hat" with the place.....

I don't know about ATM's specifically in Maleme but we found several in Platanias and Aghia Marina when we were there last September.I've been to Crete four times (to different areas) and have never had a problem finding one.

Hi we have been many times to Crete in particular Ag. Marina and further along the coast. We have never had any problems changing money, always a good deal from the car hire people - better than home and the ATM machines in Platanais and Ag. Marina are not too far away. We have only driven through Maleme on the way to Elafonisos and Falasarna (fantastic beaches and the route to Elafanisos is an exhilarating car drive! say no more, but worth it). Kolymbari further northeast along the coast is a small fishing village but has some lovely fish restaurants. You can pick up a boat from there for a short boat trip (couple of hours) which takes you back past Maleme towards Ag. Marina and back again. In Platanaias it is a bit more livelier but have plenty of good restaurants, go up behind the main street up the hill and there is a very good restaurant right on the cliff. Fantastic views. You cant miss it! You can see it from the road,so just follow your nose and the road takes you up to the restaurant. Brilliant mixed meat meze/grill. In Ag. Marina the Aletri (run by friends of ours) and the Horiatiko (friends too) Restaurant are brilliant, lovely atmosphere and food. The Horiatiko does traditional family greek food and good value. Miss them already! Hope this helps!

Thanks everyone for your replies. Plantanias is not far from Maleme from what I gather? I believe there is a daily bus service so it looks like we can rely (partly) on the ATM, we also take cash just to be on the safe side.

Hi, we've been the Maleme Mare twice (in 2001 & 2002), really lovely apartments, pool and location. Have to say that the left side of the complex as you look at it from the beach has the nicer rooms. There's a sauna and spa baths downstairs on that side too..small fee... There are about 5 tavernas in Maleme, two on the beach and a couple on the main road; highly recommend Estia! As far as I remember no cash points in Maleme but Platanias is a 5 min drive away (or 30 mins walk if you feel energetic) and there is at least one ATM there along with lots of shops/tavernas and bars. Have a great time and look out for the stray dog on the beach, a Littlest Hobo look-a-like (showing my age now!).

Hi Groovychick

Yes there is an ATM in Malame, you can't miss it, near to the Co-op, by the car rental office.

It's a lovely spot, we stayed at Mike's Hotel and have very fond memories of it. As has been mentioned, Platanias is a lively resort only 10-15 mins away by regular bus (about 1 euro) and only 7 euros in a taxi. Those restaurants high above the main square, particularly the Panorama, are terrific with amazing views out to sea.

Chania is on the same bus route, after Platanias and well worth a visit. Leather Alley is full of leather goods, designer copies etc and full of bargains. The Venetian harbour front is full of cafes and bars and makes a great stop.

Also, there is a lovely waterpark http://www.limnoupolis.gr/ you can catch the landtrain from Malame for about 15 euros per person including admission or book through your rep at 30 euros per person (which we did )

I'm sure you'll have a lovely time.

Hi
Thanks very much for that. I'm getting really excited now!! Have looked at the water park site and that is definitely on the agenda