Hi everyone

On a major count down now.......fly monday night/tuesday morning was just wondering if anyone has update on exchange rate at moment ........we have a nationwide cards and as everyone is aware this yr it will cost to withdraw money and I have been trying to work out if still better to use card of maybe take cash.

Thanks in advance

Jules

we have avoided N/W card this year and using sterling cash and changing up
Chilly

Thats what I do all the time Chilly. I cant be bothered with the card business, especially when they dont work and then it costs a fortune to phone home and sort it

Organised my travellers cheques this morning through Barclays and for which they normally make a charge, the teller told me that if I ordered 5 US dollars worth and the remainder in sterling then I wouldn't be charged any commission (she also told me she wasn't supposed to tell me..............so for information only I am telling you )

Fizz

What's the logic behind that then? or am I being a bit thick?

We bank with Barclays,always get our t.cheques from them and we have never been charged extra for them.Yet our friends use another branch and they get charged £15 each time!! Paula

Don't know what the logic is Brenliz but if it means I'm NOT paying them commission/charges then I am happy

Paula, it might depend on what type of account you have - although not certain

Fizz

You may be right fizzy,We have our business and private accounts with them,but our friends just have current account.Next holiday they are going to come to our branch with me and see whether they get charged or not!!! Paula

I think Barclays have a promotion if you order foreign currency it is commission free applies for travellers cheques too if ordered in the same transaction as the currency and there's no lower limit to the amount you have to order

Just had a look on XE £1= 74.9884 INR.

Bet it goes well down by Xmas again though. It is better for paying for our huts in Agonda though at the moment.

Ok, We have got some rupees 14000, about £200 and was wondering how best to go about holiday spends I was thinking of getting travellers Chq's but not sure whats best? Would we be charged in Goa for exchanging them? am I best getting sterling and is there a place where I wold be best getting them from? its all so confusing x

love karen xxx

Hiya, 1st thing - are you saying you have bought £200 of rupees in the UK ? You are not allowed to take rupees in or out of India, but don't worry as most people do (but only around £20/£30), so they can pay the taxi driver from the airport and get water etc. on arrival to avoid looking for an exchange to be open. Just keep them out of the way when going through customs in Goa - they don't normally go looking for them, just excess cigs and spirits.
Anywhere around the world will charge for travellers cheques, even those advertising 'NO FEE', they are doing, because you get a lower rate of exchange.
Plenty of exchange places around the Goan resorts/hotels, so no worries. Personally we used to take a mix of travellers cheques and cash, but now cash only and split between us in case of losing, risky but that's our choice. We also have cards for a back up emergency (make sure you inform your bank where you are likely to use them, or they may be blocked - keep details of the bank to phone and unblock if this happens)
Not confusing, or anything to worry about - 'chill out' and look forward to your holiday.
Spike.

Hey Spike that's great I think to be on safe side we will get some Sterling Travel Chq's it's a £7.50 fee no matter how many we buy so I shall get £500 do you think this with the rupees will be enough for 2 weeks! I was hoping to take duty free in Goa 2 litres of Smirnoff (for a friend) and cigarettes is this advisable? Manchester said we can buy as many as we like? I was hoping to bring some back for friend's n family!?? Xxx

We changeTC at Valeries Travels in Calangute and we get the same rate as changing cash. Always feel safer with TCs and as we usually go home with quite a few to spare we are well on our way with the spending money for the next holiday wherever that might be.

We took TC's for the first time last season it worked out fine for us so if it was me I would go for them Kaz ....colleen

thats confirmed it I shall order the TC's then I have peace of mind! Thanks guys 60 days and counting xxx

Cigarette alowance is 200 each way (outside europe) you take your chance if you carry more, goa customs may releive you of some if caught on the way in, Smirnoff is cheap in goa, not really worth carrying from Uk,
Lin

Thanks Lynn,

Smirnoff that my friends wants is 2 bottles for £18.00 in manchester airport. I personally wouldnt bother to be honest but shes asked me maybe I should get in Goa.

love karen xxx