Please post ALL questions in this Thread
Wizard
just checked my account with lloyds bank and this is shown on the web page
seems quite hefty charges for getting at your own money
Transactions abroad
Whenever you use your debit card abroad, we convert the amount to sterling using our exchange rate on the date we take the money from your account. We will also include a 2.75% foreign exchange administration fee for every overseas transaction.
When withdrawing cash abroad, either at a bank or an ATM , we will charge you 1.5% of the amount withdrawn. The minimum transaction charge for this is £2.00 and the most we'll charge you for each transaction is £4.50. This applies to all foreign cash transactions.
When you make a purchase (not a cash withdrawal) abroad or in a currency other than sterling - we will charge you £1. This fee will also apply to internet or home shopping card purchases that are not made in sterling. (This fee will not be charged on accounts held in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, nor on WWS Executive Gold and WWS Executive Platinum accounts.)
If you use your Cashpoint® card abroad you will be charged 1.5% (minimum £1.50) of the amount you withdraw.
seems quite hefty charges for getting at your own money
Exchange rate in Albufeira as of weekend 14-15 Jan 06 is 140
i openeda nationwide account on line for our september holiday last year it was so easy we got good rates at the atm machines and didnt charge us a penny we also used our yorkshire bank card once just to see the difference got less euro at the atm also got charged about £3.00 for 1 transaction so id choose nationwide every time we just put money in every month so its making a bit of intrest as well
HI everyone!
Going out to Albufeira next week for half term (first time and can't wait
), after reading the previous posts I was wondering which is best to take Sterling or Euros cash?
Would I get a better rate for sterling over there or do they make a charge?
All help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Ezzigo
Going out to Albufeira next week for half term (first time and can't wait
), after reading the previous posts I was wondering which is best to take Sterling or Euros cash? Would I get a better rate for sterling over there or do they make a charge?
All help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Ezzigo
Hi Ezz, You will find that the majority of exchange places are commission free (They advertise it in the window) & you will get a slightly better rate than in the UK. Dont change it at the bank or the reception at your accommodation as they will charge you commission and the rate wont be as good. Cheers Jayjan
Do the shops on the Algarve allow you buy cigarettes using credit card?
I know in Ibiza we had to withdraw cash on our crdit card to buy cigarettes as they wouldn't let us pay by credit card for them.
I know in Ibiza we had to withdraw cash on our crdit card to buy cigarettes as they wouldn't let us pay by credit card for them.
Some shops allow you to use cards, some insist on cash. Depends on the size of the shop usually.
Hi
Just returned from Albufeira and just checked my bank statement with the Nationwide BS, used the ATMs over there(of which there are plenty)and got an exchange rate of 1.45 with no charges.
Glad i opened an account with them now,definitely been worth it.
Basil.
Just returned from Albufeira and just checked my bank statement with the Nationwide BS, used the ATMs over there(of which there are plenty)and got an exchange rate of 1.45 with no charges.
Glad i opened an account with them now,definitely been worth it.
Basil.
Does anyone have any advice on the best type of traveller cheques to take to the algarve. Last went to Portugal 3 years ago and am sure there was more commision charged on exchanging EURO traveller cheques than on sterling ones. Is this still the case?
We are going to Alvor for our first visit to Portugal in two weeks time. Last year in Gran Canaria some people were having difficulty getting euro travellers cheques cashed. Is this the same in Portugal and is it better to take euro or sterling travellers cheques.
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks,
Mark
if you read back through this thread the consensus is take cash sterling unless you have a cash card which doesn't charge for overseas transactions
wizard
wizard
Thanks Wizard,
Now i've read it thoroughly I can see the light. Wouldn't think we have time to open a Nationwide account now so sterling travellers cheques it will be.
Thanks again,
Mark.
Now i've read it thoroughly I can see the light. Wouldn't think we have time to open a Nationwide account now so sterling travellers cheques it will be.
Thanks again,
Mark.
Marks and Spencers do the best deal on the high street for currency exchange and they also deliver free of charge. You can open a Nationwide account on line (mine took about 5 days to open) and I have used that several times - fantastic not paying bank charges etc and also a good rate.
I would go down the M&S route and take some euros with you. If you rae doing large amounts i.e. 3000 euros or so, then try Crown Currency Exchange
http://www.crowncurrencyexchange.com/content/about-us.asp
They also delivered free of charge and gave me about 4 cents more than the best high street rates.
I would go down the M&S route and take some euros with you. If you rae doing large amounts i.e. 3000 euros or so, then try Crown Currency Exchange
http://www.crowncurrencyexchange.com/content/about-us.asp
They also delivered free of charge and gave me about 4 cents more than the best high street rates.
is it best to take euros or english and change it there
thanks
thanks
Hi Ruth, The exchange rate in Portugal is possibly just a little better than the UK, we normally just take a small amount in euros & change the rest in the resort.If you are arriving late then some of the exchange places could be shut so at least if you take some euros with you, you wont have a problem for buying things. I wouldnt change any money within the hotels or apartment complexes unless you are desparate as they dont give you as much as the resort exchanges & may also charge you commission. Cheers Jayjan
Thanks Jayan
ill take a couple of hundred pounds worth of euros and change the rest there
ill take a couple of hundred pounds worth of euros and change the rest there
hi all i used nationwide flex account for the first time will always use it in the future & the exchange rate was vgood in albufeira the rate was 140 when i got home the rate i got was 147 useing card 
Post a Reply
Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.
