exchange rate

[kevin.g]

121.89 in marks and spencers this morning in romford essex,from a cashpoint machine ..yammas

[blondegirl]

1.20 if you order them online at TSB..

[justjen]

1.2179 from post office online today (min £350)

[Sandy x]

1.27 in my bank statement today from using my Nationwide card at the ATM in Arillas.

[justlynn]

Only trouble we had this year using the ATM was that our cards got blocked!

After seeing Watchdog, we informed our bank of our holiday dates and where we would be.  Apparently, people had been finding that their banks were blocking their cards while they were out of the country as a security procedure regarding unusual activity.  Watchdog advised to tell your banks where and when you are going, but they did also add that, as banks are computerised, sometimes even this isn't enough.

On our first week Colin's card was blocked in spite of his having notified the bank, but mine worked fine.  Then in the last few days of the holiday my card became blocked, so in desparation Colin tried his card again and hey presto, it worked! 

(Admittedly it would have been a good idea to take the little card we were given by our bank with the telephone number to ring should there be any problems.  I left it by the computer on our desk! derrr.........)

[JohnTheRef&Dot]

Yes there seems to be a bit of a problem if you are using your card at the ATM.
Do the banks take notice of what you tell them.
Whilst we were over in May our son tried to use his, he had informed his bank prior to traveling. when he tried to use the ATM he was denied.
He contacted his bank and was informed that they had tried to contact him to see if his card may have been used in Greece.
Yes it had he replied, I have informed you that I would be using it whilst on holiday.
He then informed them that as they knew he was on holiday why did they telephone him at home to see if he was using his card whilst he was on holiday?
Next thing you know they will be charging him for the telephone call?

[Jo Wissett]

Please could all of you who have had problems tell us which Banks you are with?  Would be interesting to see if there is a pattern

[BeckyB]

Hi Jo,

I know this isn't quite what you asked, but in terms of banks - I'm with the HSBC & have never had an issue with the ATM in Arillas.
I let them know when I'm away & where I'm going to be & it was really, really good - no problems at all to report.

I can tell you however that staying above the Brouklis & being very near to the ATM machine, I heard a few people who were strolling by (after attempting to use the machine) that didn't appear to have had a lot of success - maybe it's all the different foreign cards that are being used all at once?!?

I don' really know, but it's always been spot on for me & for Christian who's with the Nationwide.
Hope that helps Jo?

Becky Bx.

[ron]

WWW.TRAVELMONEY SERVICES.COM.    1.2318 15-21 DAYS ORDER.

RON

[justlynn]

Hi Jo,
Yes, Colin and I are both with the Co-operative Bank.  That may change at some point though!

[Eileen]

We are with the Clydesdale Bank and to be honest it has never even crossed my mind to inform my bank that I would be using the card abroad.  I've never had a problem in Arillas or elsewhere.

Although once, a few years ago when I was in Spain, my branch called me on my mobile to confirm it was me using my card. 

I hope I've not just placed a jinx on my card.....

[patrickjohn]

Hi Folk
Drew 280 euros from the ATM on 28th May using my HSBC Maestro debit card.  No problem.  Had not informed them where I was.
Best wishes
Pat

[BeckyB]

I'm sure you haven't placed a jinx Eileen - but I know what you mean. I sort of feel the same way too!

I've never previously felt the need to inform my bank about being abroad & as I mentioned, have never had any problems with the ATM in Arillas & have to say got a much better exchange than was on offer in the UK before we left to come away.

The reality is that the Euro exchange isn't getting much better is it?

Still, I doubt it will stop us all from coming back eh?

Becky B x.

[justlynn]

Judging by these posts, it would seem better to NOT tell your bank when you're going away!!

lynn x

[Sandy x]

Just what I was thinking justlynn.....