Here or There?

[Dusty Bin]

I intend to go to Majorca for a fortnight and want to take �1000 spending money.

I'll need cash (euros) with me to cover at least one day's needs I know, but should I change the rest of my money before I go or once I get there?

I'm going in a few days time so don't have any time to apply for any additional debit cards.

So should I exchange here or there?

[netibiza]

Don't know if it's much help but here in Ibiza (the next island) there are souvenir shops which will exchange �'s into �'s with no commission and it is very handy. I'm sure there will be something similar there, failing that there are always exchange places open. Good luck

[netibiza]

p.s. don't carry too much money or valuables on you as crime is rife over here!!

[dzug]

So what debit card DO you have?

They vary between charging nothing, a 2.75% exchange rate loading, and a 2.75% loading AND a fee.

Either of the first two get the cash there. The last get it here IF you can find a good rate. The Post Office and most of the banks and travel agents will not have a good rate - M&S probably will.

[Dusty Bin]

I have a debit card that charges a rate and a fee (Lloyds TSB).

I can find a good (for over here) exchange rate (1.44) at travelex.com (better than M&S : 1.43), but is this as good a rate as if I wait to exchange once I'm in Majorca?

[dzug]

Remember that Lloyds TSB will charge you 1.5% (?2%) for paying for your travelex money so that will outweigh the saving over M&S.

Sorry, don't know what you will get there.

[POLLIANNA]

Having just got back from spain. I found that had I changed my money over there i would have got a far better rate. Got 1.41 over here but was getting (in some places) 1.49 - 1.52.

[Dusty Bin]

Thanks for the tips.

Cheers

[ritaking]

Change your money in Majorca you get a better deal.

I was there in May.

Nationwide Flex card is great abroad no charge

[Dusty Bin]

Thanks.

I've been told a lot about the Nationwide flex account, but as I've said above I bank with Lloyds TSB.

There's now not enough time to open a NW Flex account and get a card through from them before I travel.

:-(