We are going to Italy next year and hope to be able to stay for about 3 months, has anyone any tips about how to keep funds topped up? E.G., is it better to take credit/debit cards, or are traveller's cheques better?
Taking money abroad
- Thread starter Suzan_374321178
- Start date
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Hi Suzan.
We have been spending weeks on end in France and get our cash from the Hole-in-the-Wall without any problems. The only slight inconvenience we have faced relates to the automated petrol stations which don't always accept our UK cards so for the next visit, we are going to open an account with a French bank.
Hope this is of some help,
Olly.
We have been spending weeks on end in France and get our cash from the Hole-in-the-Wall without any problems. The only slight inconvenience we have faced relates to the automated petrol stations which don't always accept our UK cards so for the next visit, we are going to open an account with a French bank.
Hope this is of some help,
Olly.
One of the problems you will find is that most credit cards will charge a fee every time you use them, also most debit cards will add a commission when you draw your own money out at a hole in the wall.
I use a Nationwide credit card and Post Office credit card as these do not charge for overseas use.
The Nationwide Flex account card can be used to draw money from ATM's without charge from them, but I have heard that some foreign banks levy a charge at their end. I've not come across this as yet though.
It's worth opening a flex account just for use abroad.
I use a Nationwide credit card and Post Office credit card as these do not charge for overseas use.
The Nationwide Flex account card can be used to draw money from ATM's without charge from them, but I have heard that some foreign banks levy a charge at their end. I've not come across this as yet though.
It's worth opening a flex account just for use abroad.
G
Guest
I tend to be one of those people who believes in cash. I usually take about 50% in cash, and use the Hole in the Wall to top it up from a Euro account. Yes, it is a wad but makes life very much easier.
I recognise that some will say, what happens if you get robbed? I could say exactly the same if your credit cards get stolen. You can get replacements but it takes time. You may also have your card 'scanned' at a doctored ATM, and get wiped out quickly. As the van is usually parked on a recognised site it is unlikely, although I accept not impossible, for someone to come in, target my van and break in to rake around just in the hope that he/she will find my stack of dosh, because it is well hidden.
Although money is of course important, I am not going to waste my holiday fretting over what might never happen.
I recognise that some will say, what happens if you get robbed? I could say exactly the same if your credit cards get stolen. You can get replacements but it takes time. You may also have your card 'scanned' at a doctored ATM, and get wiped out quickly. As the van is usually parked on a recognised site it is unlikely, although I accept not impossible, for someone to come in, target my van and break in to rake around just in the hope that he/she will find my stack of dosh, because it is well hidden.
Although money is of course important, I am not going to waste my holiday fretting over what might never happen.
I would take a sufficient amount of cash for immediate needs but divide it up and store in different places
Our friends were robbed at the beginning of the year near to Madrid and as they hadn't seperated the money out(first day) they had the lot taken
We also use Nationwide and I usually put
Our friends were robbed at the beginning of the year near to Madrid and as they hadn't seperated the money out(first day) they had the lot taken
We also use Nationwide and I usually put
Thanks for all your tips! I will probably open an account with either Nationwide or Post Office so that we don't get penalised with charges. I'm a little worried about carrying a lot of cash though. Thanks again.
Hi,
It is pssible to fit a small safe under the seats. I had a metal plate drilled so that the holes lined up with the holes in the safe, then welded the nuts onto the plate so that when the bolts pass through the safe the floor & then tighten up through the plate. If any one wants to steal from it they would have to break into the safe or cut the floor round it.
Caravan dealers sell these safes, they are marketed by Purple line.
Graham W.
It is pssible to fit a small safe under the seats. I had a metal plate drilled so that the holes lined up with the holes in the safe, then welded the nuts onto the plate so that when the bolts pass through the safe the floor & then tighten up through the plate. If any one wants to steal from it they would have to break into the safe or cut the floor round it.
Caravan dealers sell these safes, they are marketed by Purple line.
Graham W.
Sorry, I had a mental vision then of my husband drilling holes in the 'van ... not a good vision I can assure you! Thanks for that tip, but I'm afraid neither mine nor my husband's DIY skills are up to the job.
We have a nationwide cashcard,for use abroad.As has already been said they do not charge, nor did we come across any ATMs in Italy that were either dodgy or charged.But the real bonus was we got close to 1.5 euros to the pound 1.493-1.496 in august! this was at a time when my wife [accountant] could only get 1.46
euros to the pound whilst dealing with six figure sums for her company whilst dealing with their parent company in germany!
Do not know how they do it, but nationwide did.
euros to the pound whilst dealing with six figure sums for her company whilst dealing with their parent company in germany!
Do not know how they do it, but nationwide did.
Some countries like Swizzerland [I know] only accept Maestro cards in super markets.We have a nationwide cashcard,for use abroad.As has already been said they do not charge, nor did we come across any ATMs in Italy that were either dodgy or charged.But the real bonus was we got close to 1.5 euros to the pound 1.493-1.496 in august! this was at a time when my wife [accountant] could only get 1.46
euros to the pound whilst dealing with six figure sums for her company whilst dealing with their parent company in germany!
Do not know how they do it, but nationwide did.
Looks like Nationwide is getting my vote! Can anyone tell me if Italy is expensive compared to UK - just for general items like wine, food, eating out etc.
I use this method too and it's fine. One point though, to draw cash from ATM from the flex account without any charges you need a Debit card - doing so on a credit card will incur charges. If you have a credit card already, there seems to be no problem in opening a NW flex account and getting a debit card as well with minimal formalities.One of the problems you will find is that most credit cards will charge a fee every time you use them, also most debit cards will add a commission when you draw your own money out at a hole in the wall.
I use a Nationwide credit card and Post Office credit card as these do not charge for overseas use.
The Nationwide Flex account card can be used to draw money from ATM's without charge from them, but I have heard that some foreign banks levy a charge at their end. I've not come across this as yet though.
It's worth opening a flex account just for use abroad.
I agree with others posting that you need to keep cash and cards in more than one place. Scerwifx sell a variety of floor safes made for hous fitting but easy to fit in car and or caravan - many modern cars have luggage tie down points and you can just take the bolt out of one of these, drill a hole in the floor of the safe if there is not a suitable one already and then replace bolt trough this hole. Bolt head is then inside safe and secure.
You can do the same in the caravan but your will need fairly long coach bolts to go through the floor. Use two bolts and then fit a metal strap on the underside of the floor, rather than a washer on each bolt.
You can do the same in the caravan but your will need fairly long coach bolts to go through the floor. Use two bolts and then fit a metal strap on the underside of the floor, rather than a washer on each bolt.
I would just like to add my support for Clive (Cardiff)s methods - we use Nationwide debit and credit cards and they always get a mention on BBC2 Working Lunch as one of the best methods.
The exchange rate used is the bank rate not the tourist rate so it normally works out better than cash
It is surprising how litle cash you need if you use the cards fully.
This bit below applies to any debit or credit card...
Make sure that any chits (normally in small shops/restaurants) you sign are in Euros not Sterling, if they are in Sterling you will find they are using an unfavourable exchange rate and their bank may levy a charge as well.
I have refused to pay the bill when they have done this and refused to do the chit in Euros again, they can call the police if they want to but they are breaking the law - it is supposed to be your choice which currency you pay in.
I can not remember the last time I used travellers cheques, probably over twenty years ago.
The exchange rate used is the bank rate not the tourist rate so it normally works out better than cash
It is surprising how litle cash you need if you use the cards fully.
This bit below applies to any debit or credit card...
Make sure that any chits (normally in small shops/restaurants) you sign are in Euros not Sterling, if they are in Sterling you will find they are using an unfavourable exchange rate and their bank may levy a charge as well.
I have refused to pay the bill when they have done this and refused to do the chit in Euros again, they can call the police if they want to but they are breaking the law - it is supposed to be your choice which currency you pay in.
I can not remember the last time I used travellers cheques, probably over twenty years ago.
Thanks again. These are all good things for us to remember. We aren't going until next year so that gives us plenty of time to open a Nationwide account beforehand. We are both fairly vigilent people, so will be very carefull. Roll on next year!!
Hi Suzan
Me again.
We already bank with Nationwide and have their Flex account as our normal current account and I bank online using this. We, also, have a Nationwide E Savings account. The latter is a savings account which can only be accessed online by transfers to and from the Flex account. Transfers between the 2 accounts are instantaneous.
At home and overseas we keep as much as cash as possible in the Esavings account earning interest and transfer it to the Flex account as we need it. We then withdraw at cash machines. Both accounts can, also, be accessed by an automated phone banking service if internet links are unavailable. We have used this system without problem over many years of Continental touring, including Italy for the last 2 years.
We, also, have N/wide Credit card accounts and post officeredit card accounts as these do not add commission to Continental transactions.
Since having my wallet stolen/lost in Venice in 2006 my wife and I have opened seperate N/Wide credit card accounts with the other as an additional user on each card account. We do this as when we only had the one account in my name both my wife and my card had to be cancelled when mine went missing. Fortunately we did have other credit cards but had to pay commision on their transactions.
We opened a Post Office credit card account this year. We keep the credit cards seperately so that if one goes missing we have the others.
We only carry small amounts of cash getting it from the cash machines as necessary. We make most purchases food, fuel, etc on the credit cards and this has worked fine all over Europe. At the places where Chip and pin does not work, a rare occurence, we have been allowed to sign instead.
Best wishes
Tim
Me again.
We already bank with Nationwide and have their Flex account as our normal current account and I bank online using this. We, also, have a Nationwide E Savings account. The latter is a savings account which can only be accessed online by transfers to and from the Flex account. Transfers between the 2 accounts are instantaneous.
At home and overseas we keep as much as cash as possible in the Esavings account earning interest and transfer it to the Flex account as we need it. We then withdraw at cash machines. Both accounts can, also, be accessed by an automated phone banking service if internet links are unavailable. We have used this system without problem over many years of Continental touring, including Italy for the last 2 years.
We, also, have N/wide Credit card accounts and post officeredit card accounts as these do not add commission to Continental transactions.
Since having my wallet stolen/lost in Venice in 2006 my wife and I have opened seperate N/Wide credit card accounts with the other as an additional user on each card account. We do this as when we only had the one account in my name both my wife and my card had to be cancelled when mine went missing. Fortunately we did have other credit cards but had to pay commision on their transactions.
We opened a Post Office credit card account this year. We keep the credit cards seperately so that if one goes missing we have the others.
We only carry small amounts of cash getting it from the cash machines as necessary. We make most purchases food, fuel, etc on the credit cards and this has worked fine all over Europe. At the places where Chip and pin does not work, a rare occurence, we have been allowed to sign instead.
Best wishes
Tim
Hi Tim
You are a mine of useful information! The idea of opening two accounts is brilliant - I would never have thought of that.
I like the idea also of being able to handle the accounts online. Do you find any problems getting access to the internet whilst abroad? Would we need to set anything up before we travel? We do take a laptop with us (used for downloading my photos, and watching the odd DVD).
I'm off in the caravan for a couple of days, so might not be able to watch the postings - but I'll be back!!
You are a mine of useful information! The idea of opening two accounts is brilliant - I would never have thought of that.
I like the idea also of being able to handle the accounts online. Do you find any problems getting access to the internet whilst abroad? Would we need to set anything up before we travel? We do take a laptop with us (used for downloading my photos, and watching the odd DVD).
I'm off in the caravan for a couple of days, so might not be able to watch the postings - but I'll be back!!
Hi Suzan
It's me again.
Glad you're finding my posts helpful. I have got a lot of help from this and other caravanning websites so it's only fair to return the compliment and pass on what I have learnt
NO, no problems with using internet abroad. The number of internet cafes and campsites with internet access seem to increase year on year. Wireless internet points are,also, on the increase and can be found at many campsites and even Continental motorway services. You would need a suitable wi-fi card in your computer if you don't already have one.
When travelling I go on every few days to check emails, do banking and look at caravan websites. These proved invaluable this year when we broke down as I was able to get a lot of advice on hire towcars and alternative routes home. As we don't tend to book in advance I, also, use the inset to look at possible campsites.
Kind Regards
Tim
It's me again.
Glad you're finding my posts helpful. I have got a lot of help from this and other caravanning websites so it's only fair to return the compliment and pass on what I have learnt
NO, no problems with using internet abroad. The number of internet cafes and campsites with internet access seem to increase year on year. Wireless internet points are,also, on the increase and can be found at many campsites and even Continental motorway services. You would need a suitable wi-fi card in your computer if you don't already have one.
When travelling I go on every few days to check emails, do banking and look at caravan websites. These proved invaluable this year when we broke down as I was able to get a lot of advice on hire towcars and alternative routes home. As we don't tend to book in advance I, also, use the inset to look at possible campsites.
Kind Regards
Tim
Suzan. Eating out in Italy is a lot cheaper than here in the uk.
[like for like] but not mc donalds]
Buying your own groceries can be a little dearer, ie meat.
Take your own tea and nescafe.
[like for like] but not mc donalds]
Buying your own groceries can be a little dearer, ie meat.
Take your own tea and nescafe.
G
Guest
My only respponse to those that carry, or have available somewhere, small amounts of cash is the following. If, heaven forbid you get caught for a traffic offence, then usually it is a spot fine, in cash. If, you tend to visit places slightly off the beaten track, then don't expect ATM's to be available everywhere, and of course they will always be empty by Saturday lunchtime.
All I suggest is reasonable commonsense. Thinking you can work with the equivalent of a tenner in your pocket will lead to grief.
All I suggest is reasonable commonsense. Thinking you can work with the equivalent of a tenner in your pocket will lead to grief.
Hi All
Thanks for those tips. Eating out really appeals to me, and the wine of course. Looking forward to all those pizzas, pastas and ice creams!
As for carrying cash, what is the likely amount of a spot fine (here's hoping we don't get one)? What kind of things do you get fines for? I don't know if it's an old wife's tale, but I have heard that you can be in real trouble if you don't have a certain amount of cash on you at all times, and that they can class you as a vagrant. Is this true?
Thanks for those tips. Eating out really appeals to me, and the wine of course. Looking forward to all those pizzas, pastas and ice creams!
As for carrying cash, what is the likely amount of a spot fine (here's hoping we don't get one)? What kind of things do you get fines for? I don't know if it's an old wife's tale, but I have heard that you can be in real trouble if you don't have a certain amount of cash on you at all times, and that they can class you as a vagrant. Is this true?
Whilst eating out in Italy is generally reasonable I would offer a word of warning on Venice. On most of our days out there we took a picnic lunch which we ate in the public gardens near St Mark's square. On our last evening, however, we had a meal at restaurant overlooking the Grand Canal. Although we thought we had carefully checked the menu when the bill for 2 steak and chip meals with SOFT drinks arrived it was
suzan. spot fines.
Have never got one in 15 trips to Italy, over a decade, just be carefull, read up on the rules,and do not worry.
ps the burger king in venice wasn't a bad price.lol.
Have never got one in 15 trips to Italy, over a decade, just be carefull, read up on the rules,and do not worry.
ps the burger king in venice wasn't a bad price.lol.
Practical Caravan is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
Facebook
Twitter