Linda, I don't know why you should "slap my hand", I receive as good a exchange rate as you do from Nationwide, plus I have free banking, I can draw sterling at no cost, unlike some people paying hundreds of pounds to do transfers, I deal with the same bank here as the in the UK (makes life a lot easier sometimes). Another thing is that I live here, will the Nationwide accept a Turkish address, HSBC UK do. I put my bank card in the machine to see a cashier or advisor and get priority, I would have to travel to the UK to see someone if I had a Nationwide account(not exactly a saving). I am happy at the moment with HSBC.It's everyone to their own.
Baz