Travel Money Cards!

[cazza]

quote:Originally posted by simon7685

I can't get a Nationwide account unfortunately so that is not an option, hence looking at either fair fx or caxton fx.

If this is because of the new rules set by Nationwide, in that you need to use the flex account as your main account there is a way around it  (thanks to www.moneysavingexpert.com for this info).

Open an e savings account with them (has to be done online), as you need a flex account to run this account.  I've just tried it and my application seems to be going through for the flex account ok!  

I did get turned down for the flex account on its own as I didn't want to switch everything over.

[simon7685]

I got turned down and offered to switch, so I think it must be something else, they only offered me a cashcard account.

[simon7685]

I just tried it the other way you mentioned and it still only offered me a cash card, so this option is definately out for me I am afraid.  Back to the pre paid options and currency.

[wallace]

I have just have the cash card account, it works fine for
me, we call it the Turkey fund and just add to it each month
and withdraw from the atm machines while we are out there  

[babcc]

quote:Originally posted by julesbob0303

I've noticed the rate beginning to drop over the last week or so, so picked up some turkish lira this morning at our post office.  I never normally do this, as the rate is always so much better in Turkey.

The rate I got today was 2.36, but the way its started to come down, by the time we arrive in Calis and are able to cash money on 2nd August, it might possibly have dropped to this rate anyway.    Thought I'd take the chance.

Was it last summer that it dropped right down to 2.16, and that was in Turkey [?][?]

(No doubt, we'll run out anyway, and will need to get more when we're there!  

You are correct it did drop down to 2.16 last August.  I must admit I am in a quandry as to what to do for the best.  Come over on the 14th August and would normally change money in Calis but the best rate I can see here at the moment is 2.36 - worth the risk?  Would be good to know if someone exchanged money in Calis today and what rate they got.  Does the rate always tend to go down in August???[?]

[simon7685]

So does the cashcard account give you free ATM use as well?

[simon7685]

I am also worried about all the break ins that people are suffering at the moment!  The apartment we are renting doesn't have a safe, so there is also the security aspect to take into account, if I bring lots of sterling and we got unlucky.............  So is it better to take it on a travel card and at least its reasonably safe.  I have just ordered a Fair fx card today in Euro's (it's either Euro or Dollars), I have only put the minimum amount of 20 Euros on it for now and got £7.50 cashback through Topcashback, so thats a good start.  Also I know its a gamble but maybe the Euro will get a better exchange rate the way the £ is going.

[julesbob0303]

babcc, we have always changed our money in Calis/Fethiye, as the rate is so much better, but I'm watching the rate drop, and, even though we arrive early hours on the 2nd August, I'm thinking I MAY get a better rate in the UK now, rather than hang on to my sterling. I'm prepared to take the chance!  A few less lira is hardly going to break the bank anyway ..............  

As for security, Simon, sometimes you have to take a chance.  These break-ins are awful for the people concerned. But you have to put it into perspective - there are loads of hotels/apartments/villas in Calis, and the break-ins are minimal in comparison (again, apologies to anyone who has been broken into - I cannot begin to imagine how bad it must be.  I have teenage daughters, and the thought of someone breaking in, and being in their room .......... well, it doesn't bear thinking about.)

But I personally am going to take a chance.  I also plan to get bars put on our apartment as soon as possible.  Don't want to push my luck too far.  

[simon7685]

I take the point on putting it into perspective and I know what you mean.  I don't have any credit cards to fall back on though, or an o/d facility on my account, so the only money we have will be with us.  It has taken me a year to save up for this holiday and I have to think about that as well.  If you don't know about break ins and things like that, I don't think you worry about them and the risk or chance is easier to take.  When you do know I think the element of doubt creeps in, at least it does with me.

[wallace]

there is no charge to withdraw cash from the atms with
a nationwide cash card Simon you can withdraw, I think,
up to £300 per day