You can send money directly from your UK bank to the Goan bank. I think that they charge around £20 for this, but the rate may well be less than that available in Goa.

We have started doing a direct transfer from UK bank to ICICI India via the internet. We have done this about five times now and it only takes about 3 days to get there. One problem is you don't know the rate you get till it gets there (if you know what I mean)! Having said that, we have always got roughly the going rate and its safe and it trackable.

Hi there

We always send money via our ICICI account in Leicester. Just pop into a branch and they send it free of charge. The exchange rate is confirmed before you send it. It takes about three days to reach the other side (Goa) but you know exactly how much will be in the account at the other end. Im going tomorrow to send my spends for Christmas as the rate is so good at the mo.

Jo

what is the rate at present please anita?

Just looked on ICICI UK site - its between 87.03 and 87.55 depending on how much you are transferring - hope that helps

Jo

thanks jo

Please can anyone advise me what is best to take Cash or Travellers Cheques? Also roughly how much spending money would you advise to take for a couple for 2 weeks who like a few trips, good food & a good drink!!

Thanks

Becky

You can't take rupees over there. I always take cash and get it changed but you can take travellers cheques, it's up to you.

Becky all depends we normally take a £1000 but we bring back loads of stuff (clothes, jewellery etc) but you could still have a bloody good holiday with say £500.

Cash or TC all depends if you want the security of TC's or not. Best thing is if you bank or open a flex account with nationwide and get the visa debit card theres no charge for taking money out abroad and you get the bank rate which is far better but obviously you need to make sure theres an ATM near where you are staying as they are not on every corner like in the UK.

We always take cash and a nationwide visa (best for charges)for back up. No charges with changing cash but there is a greater risk so we make sure we split it and keep small amounts in different locations should we happen to lose or get any stolen. I also have a money belt under my T shirt, one of the very lightweight ones. You hardly know youve got it on. £500 should get you a good holiday, just have some back up just incase of extras/emergencies. You can always chage money towards the end of the holiday if you run out of travellers cheques if thats what you prefer. hard to put a cost on the holiday spends as everyone is different but £500 should let you eat and drink well along with a couple of local trips. We holiday in Candolim area which has plenty of money changing options but cant speak for other remote areas.

Thanks for all your advice, will prob take cash like you said & a visa card for emergencies..Cant wait to go now on 5/11/06 staying in Candolim..

Becky

We always send money via our ICICI account in Leicester. Just pop into a branch and they send it free of charge. The exchange rate is confirmed before you send it. It takes about three days to reach the other side (Goa) but you know exactly how much will be in the account at the other end

I am intrested in setting up an account with ICICI, do you keep yours funded all year or just topped up for holiday time as I see there are charges for below minimum balances?

Do you only transfer over the counter or use ICICI internet (money2India)?

Any further good or bad points appreciated,

Mids

Mids
We have an account with ICICI opened in Panjim and so far have kept a reasonably high balance because we need to furnish our property. I don't know what costs are involved if you clear it out during holidays etc. We regualarly send via Money2India and once you get used to the format, its very easy and straightforward to use. It usually takes about 3-4 working days.
We have also found their online support to be useful as well.
Don't know about the UK ICICI bank but there has been some good feedback about it on hear a while ago.
regards
Towpal

Thanks Towpal,

I really wanted to use the facility to make the most of the exchange and deposit while the rates good,

which account do you have in India ? I am hoping to get some interest but want current acc facilities...

Paste from ICICI site:-
For your convenience ICICI Bank allows you take your account balance down to Zero, there is no minimum balance which is to be maintained at all times.

However, you still need to maintain a Quarterly Average Balance of INR 10,000/- in your NRE and NRO Savings Account or a Total Relationship Size (within the same Customer Identity Number) of INR 25,000/- with ICICI Bank. Failing which, service charges of INR 750 + Service Tax will be levied for the quarter.

Mids