Ibizia - ATM's or Euros from Travel Agent

[Ric.ror]

My son is going to Ibizia in July. He has been told by his travel agent to take Euros with him but I thought he would be better using the ATM's there and withdrawing daily - he banks with Santander -any advice please

[netibiza]

Well it's 6 of one and half dozen of the other. Probably better to use ATM's although lots of scamming over here so if card gets lost in machine, do not walk away, call police or bank. Money can be stolen but so can a card, better to ask in Santander at home . Be aware there is a lot of thieving here now.

[Ric.ror]

Well thank you for your answer - I take it you have been there before - what would you suggest?

[Ric.ror]

Opps sorry I now see it appears you are based over there apologies for my mistake

[bednobs]

he will be charged every time he takes money out despite the fact that santander is a spanish bank

[pinktwink]

let him bring sterling he can convert over there often a better rate or use an ATM. Has he a visa card he could put money into his visa account and use that to cut down on cash

[stoofur]

You can use a pre pay trave card like from Travelex. If you use a normal ATM card or Visa etc card overseas you will be charged a loading fee (around �1.50) per transaction and also you will probably not get a very good exchange rate. Even if you use it as a Debit card at the counter in a shop. With a pre pay card which you load in Euros you will not get this charge. Check out the travel section at
www.moneysavingexpert.com
This is a really good site for money matters.

[munchie63]

take some cash, and maybe some travellers cheques.

there are quite a few travel money cards available too. The post office do one. the initial amount you have to put on is only �50 (or that equivalent in euros).
it can be used anywhere there's a visa electron sign. Use in shops is free, at an atm there's a flat �2 charge. as the card has no name printed on it, people can't skim your account if you lose it. Worth thinking about

Bank cards have hidden charges. these are usually hidden in the rate, plus you'll often pay an atm fee.
a recent sunday paper article said brits would spend millions on unnecessary fees this summer.
Martin Lewis' website always gives sound advice.