travellers cheques or nationwide flexi>

[sunfun]

Hi everyone, :)We usually take travellers cheques and some currency on holiday.However,i've heard of something called the nationwide flexi-card.Have any of you used this before?Is the atm reliable?We don't want to be stuck without any money .Would appreciate advice.Are we better sticking to our usual? ???Thanks

[carol]

We take half travellers cheques and half euros, the ATM has been more reliable in the past couple of years but if it runs out of money you have to wait for someone to come over from Rhodes to fill it so allow for that if you need to use it ;D

[sunfun]

Hi Carol :)Thanks for that.We usually do the same,but just wondered if the flexi'account would be better.Mind you,if the machine runs out of money we'd maybe have to wash dishes to get some dinner! ;D

[Liz]

I don't think its the flexi account card that works in the machine - we have one and it didn't work ..it is a nationwide account that has been recommended but I can' remeber which one ..I'll look back through the old posts and come back to you on this

[sunfun]

Thanks Liz I thought it was the nationwide flexi-account,but i could be wrong.I just remember reading about it somewhere a while back.Seemingly it doesn't have any charges when you withdraw money,whereas they always charge you to cash cheques.With the rate of the euro just now,eavery little helps!Appreciate you looking for me,thanks

[Amanda]

I heard recently on the news that one of the banks that used not to charge for using a debit card abroad had now changed and was making a charge. I have a feeling it may have been Nationwide so do check if you plan on using it while you're away.

[Liz]

I can't find the post I'm looking for ....but you are right re the nationwide flex account ( maybe ours is different )

www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/default.htm

They are introducing a charge but not till June

[simon]

Yes, we have used both Nationwide Flexi debit cards as well as maestro debit card on Halki without problem. I know Nationwide definitely didn't use to charge for debits abroad but it looks as though the credit crunch has hit even 'Europes No1 building society.' We usually take Euro's for the first couple of days and travellers cheques, using the debit cards if we run short. We will be doing the same this year also.

[harry]

The Nationwide is introducing a charge for debit/credit card used OUTSIDE of Europe
All Nationwide cards debit and credit work in the ATM in Halki,( if you are within your credit limit) it is always worth informing them that you will be out of he country is case they block the transaction for security reasons

[Deleted]

Good advice from Harry. I know of people who have had exactly that security blockage happen.

[Liz]

Have checked in OH's wallett and the card we have is an invest direct card ( savings account) so although it can be used at hole in the walls in the uk ,it's not chip n pin so thats why it didn't work for us

[fatcat]

Forget cards and travellers cheques, take good old fashioned cash.
All the places on Halki take cash......................

[Deleted]

That has been my policy for over 30 years and I see no reason to change. The only small problem is where to keep it safe. Imagination plays a big part in that.

[Liz]

Safety of money has never been something I've ever worried about on Halki ..the first year we went we put the key in the plant pot and left it there for the fortnight

Money we obviously don't leave it lying around but just put somewhere out of sight -Having two teenage boys helps here - squirrel the money in one of their socks ..NO-ONE will look in there !! ;D ;D

[sunfun]

:)Hi,when you say take cash with you,do you mean euros or sterling? ???Thanks