The Banks Cash Point Scam

"I've noticed an increasing tendency when using cash machines in Spain to be asked whether you want to be charged in Euros or Sterling (for UK cards). This seems such a banking scam as most tourists don't know which is best for them and I'm sure many select Sterling without realising that they will then be accepting a very poor exchange rate.

You should select the option of NOT accepting the conversion to the non-Euro currency. I've also heard that the Spanish banks are adding on an additional 2.5% commission when you accept the conversion to Sterling rate ... talk about adding insult to injury! Just accept the money in Euros and ignore any other options."

I don't know I think it's a case of swings and roundabouts.

Most people using UK debit/credit cards don't know what their UK bank will charge them either on conversion.

Personally I never use UK debit/credit cards in Spain and vice-versa when in UK.

I think there are some UK credit cards that are better than others when it comes to using them overseas?

Nationwide don't charge any fees for taking money out in EU and 1% for USA, which is better than using a credit card to pay for goods in shops, as typically they charge a 2% fee.

I live in Spain but I work in Gib - so get paid in sterling.  I have found that the best way is using my credit card for shopping etc and when withdrawing from the bank using a debit card always say no to the conversion rate.  Usually you get more money from your own bank conversion in the UK - even if they charge you a fee.

Post Office offer a credit card with no commission and they always give you excellent exchange rates to - highly recommend them!

Hope that helps!

Another Mike Walsh post...

Stick up something a bit controversial and wait for the flack and at the same time make sure you plug your own website.

Just how spammy can you get?

Makes me kinda glad that EOS changed the rules about self promotion.

fb

What's your problem with Mike Walsh, FB? Your signature mentions you have freedom of choice so maybe don't read his posts. 

 I don't know Mike but I do know there are many members who post rubbish who promote their website with a DIRECT link  which Mike doesn't though he could seeing as he's posted over 50 posts. I don't see them generally taking flack.

No PMs to me please over this.

I think today the sun is not shining on Foxbat.

I thought it was a good topic and we had gone off on a relevant tangent discussing which UK credit/debit cards did not fleece you if used in Spain.

I am not sure where FB is coming from either. I was a bit uncomfortable at making so few EOS posts. As for spamming I haven't checked my details for a long time. If it is ghost-writing then he or she is really barking up the wrong tree. I have work coming out of my ears. So much so that I stopped writing for two newspapers! In another forum I removed the link completely. In every forum I know you will find someone taking pot shots at another poster; quite bizarre.

I've just been looking at your website, Mike, as I write myself & consider myself very good at it as, I believe, do many. I have two friends who also write.

As Roberto has started a very comical thread about how long is a piece of Spanish string I had to laugh when I read this on your site ..

WHAT WILL IT COST ME?

This is the ultimate ‘How long is a piece of string?’ question. I re-write everything from a website’s home page to 70,000 word manuscripts – and everything in between. If it were possible to include a price list it would add to the confusion.

You should join in   Just curious.....   is the thread. Click on the blue link.

Yes, that thread amused me too, honey; especially the one that replied: 'As long as una momento.'  My use of the term was purely coincidental but I have been told that my articles identify me by my style and use of certain terms. Heck! I can't disguise my looks, my age, nor my writing. Oh for anonymity. I am always banging on about the banks and banksters.

Good wishes with your writing; there are too few who can do so. Of the several books I am currently working on the manuscript that reads the best is penned by a German national. Whatever happened?

If you have a Alliance and Leicester/Abbey/Santander account in the UK, you can get free withdrawals at Spanish Santander branches.

You might want to check that with regard to Abbey/Santander as we were of the understanding that you only got free withdrawals in Spain if you had a mortgage with them.

It's free cash withrawals for all Abbey/Santander/A+L customers.  More details here.