Need a Bank card I can use in Europe (ie Euro account)
Discussion
Steve,
First off get a Nationwide debit card, this gives you the best rate for foreign spending as you pay no fees. Just pay cash into it before you go.
If you find a bank that you will open a Euro account for you, then when you want to pay the money into that account I recommend a company called World First. They give a much better rate for currency trades > £1000 (recall it being about 1.5 cents off the mid). I used them for the Champagne trip last year and they were much more efficient that a high street branch, plus their fee for a chaps transaction (same day payment) was only £15. A quick google suggests that you might find a bank based in Ireland is the best way to get a Euro denominated account.
Steve.
First off get a Nationwide debit card, this gives you the best rate for foreign spending as you pay no fees. Just pay cash into it before you go.
If you find a bank that you will open a Euro account for you, then when you want to pay the money into that account I recommend a company called World First. They give a much better rate for currency trades > £1000 (recall it being about 1.5 cents off the mid). I used them for the Champagne trip last year and they were much more efficient that a high street branch, plus their fee for a chaps transaction (same day payment) was only £15. A quick google suggests that you might find a bank based in Ireland is the best way to get a Euro denominated account.
Steve.
Edited by Steve_T on Wednesday 2nd July 15:51
Luca Brazzi said:
scotal said:
LB,
Barclays do a euro a/c, which can be linked to your sterling a/c. Avoids currency fluctuations. Not sure if they uissue a card though.
Checked with them yesterday, no cards issued anymore Barclays do a euro a/c, which can be linked to your sterling a/c. Avoids currency fluctuations. Not sure if they uissue a card though.
What about one of the big french/ german banks? Or would you need a eurozone address?
How about citigroup, you can have accounts in several currencies and cards to go with them. AFAIK you just have to keep 2k or thereabouts across the accounts.
(this information might well be out of date)
ETA:
there is no real incentive for banks to offer this service in the UK, as they are making a killing from ripping people off via FX charges and terrible FX rates.
http://www.citibank.co.uk/personal/banking/interna...
(this information might well be out of date)
ETA:
there is no real incentive for banks to offer this service in the UK, as they are making a killing from ripping people off via FX charges and terrible FX rates.
http://www.citibank.co.uk/personal/banking/interna...
Edited by 2something on Wednesday 2nd July 18:26
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