We do the same- take enough local currency to get us going which varies depend on the board basis and then use cash machines if/when we run out. We do however try and do it in as few transactions as possible as you get charged each time. Excursions we tend to pay by credit/debit card, as so far we have always done them with the tour operator and it's easier that way.

Since it can mean carrying a fair amount of cash, we split it on leaving home so we carry half each, incase of 'mishaps' and then obviously hire a safety deposit box when we arrive.

Pam

i always exchange there 9 times out of ten its cheaper. i do as the other poster higher safety box and take a small amount just to see us through until we find somewhere to exchange £££! x

I always use the ATM and my Nationwide flexaccount card. Was in Majorca a couple of weeks ago and the rate on my card statement was 1.270, in the resort it was 1.236.

Louise

louise225, we have not got a nationwide bs locally, do you know if you can apply on line?. I have read about this account before and it seems like a good way to get more money for your pound

Nationwide flex account is the way to go!
I presume you can sign up online. www. nationwide .co.uk

I use it every holiday and it is always the best deal!

Yeah we used ours for the first time last year...best thing we did

Yes you can apply for a Nationwide flexaccount on-line at the following link: http://www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/apply.htm

Louise

I have banked with Nationwide for several years now and their debit and credit cards are 2nd to none abroad. This year though I have aquired my spending cash through Tescos.

I picked up a flyer at the till last Thursday. Buy the currency on your Tesco credit card. There is no commision, no service charge and although you are taking out cash there is 56 days interest free before it appears on your bill! Too good to be true I thought but I gave them a ring (I have a Tesco credit card which I use exclusivly at Tescos as you get lots more loyalty points). Not only was everything as above but if the amount came to more than £500 the delivery was free and the exchange rate was better than I was going to get from Nationwide (by about 2 cents per pound for US and Canadian dollars)! Ordered over the phone on Thursday night (9.00pm) and the money arrived by registered post on saturday Morning (the postman got me out of bed at 7.00am)!

I shall still be using the Nationwide plastic thopugh when abroad. You must remember to phone them using the number on the back of the card to tell them you are abroad otherwise they may freeze the card if big spends start coming in from abroad!

I like to take a mixture of local currency , maybe travellers cheques ,credit card and emergency funds in a cash card
Never rely on just one one card particularly cash card as if the atm has a fault and eats your card you will be stuck for cash
Also the banks are now putting blocks in to prevent fraud so some cards may not work in certain machines if you have not informed the bank you are going abroad and to unblock the card can take 24 hours so just be sure you have a backup source of funds.

I agree with Blackcat1. Tend to take a small amount of currency to see us through first couple of days, then mostly travellers cheques, debit card and small amount of sterling. I know the exchange rate may not be as good for travellers cheques but I would personally rather have the peace of mind knowing that if they are lost/stolen they'll be replaced.

as i only holiday in Europe i would never consider traveller's cheques' as you pay both ways [either commission or poorer exchange rate] i take enough local dosh for the first day or so then UK pounds to change in resort [usually a better rate than here] and my cash card and mastercard for gift purchases or emergencies

Thanks for the links regarding nationwide- i will apply soon.

As for taking more than one credit/debit card, I do, because of a past experience in Turkey where the hole in the wall ate my card , well it was my fault really, because I took the money first(reverse to the ones in the uk) and walked off with my money and no card. I tried to get it back by phoning my banks worldwide no,and someone was supposed to meet me at the bank in resort, but they didnt turn up

Good job, we were going home the next day and hubby had a bit of currency left. I however recieved a new card in the post a few days after we got home

Well if you are a couple you could always have a flex account each and also a joint one between you so thats 3 cards. Only problem is you'd have to have some spare dosh to put money in each! Then just keep the 3 cards in different places just incase one gets swallowed or nicked or accidently pulled out of your wallet whilst you are looking for change for the pool table!

I'm very tempted by the Nationwide flexaccount for my holiday spends. Have just had a look at the link provided earlier to apply and it looks as though you have to have had the account for 7 months before they'll consider uprading to a Visa debit card. I suspected it wasn't that easy or have I got it totally wrong?

Well if you are a couple you could always have a flex account each

Thanks Chivas69...very good idea i have just got my hubby to apply online today so will split holiday spends between mine and his

scully27

nicJW, I'm not aware of a delay in receiving the card but I have had my account for a long time. I've had a quick look on their website and the terms/conditions but couldn't see anything - where did you see the 7 months? Louise

I have also looked and cannot see anything about 7 months...hope its not right because just got hubby to apply online....

Hi, as I said I might be wrong...hope I am. If you go via the link Louise provided you'll see the online application doesn't state what type of card you'll receive upon opening the account. Click on 'Current Account' tab then on 'Your Flexaccount' within the Managing your account box, it then shows some FAQs one of which about upgrading the card to debit card. Have a read and see what you think.

Hi..... I have had a read but dont really understand what it means... I opened my account last year and was sent a visa debit card 10 days after applying on line and then used it in salou the next month....Never got charged any bank charges and got a higher rate for euro than in the resort...... I will let you know how my hubbys application goes....

scully27