Money in South America

[Benjiman]

Hey, I'm travelling around South Amermica in February (Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia) and wondering how easy it is to get cash out of my British bank account. I have FlexAccount with Natioinwide. Can I make free cash withdrawals? Or use it as a debit card for free?

If it's expensive to use it, does anyone know any alternatives?

Thanks

Ben

[dzug]

It should be easy enough. Most machines will not charge you anything but watch out for privately run ones that charge a small fee. Be aware of personal safety - machines in some areas are watched over by a bank guard during working hours so maybe best to use them then. Also a few machines dispense $US - handy if you want them but not otherwise.

Nationwide will charge you 0.84% (or it might be 1% now) which is considerably less than any other method of exchange.

[Memore]

Hi I went to Brazil and Paraguay there are HSBC in Rio and I dont recall any problems in Paraguay either you will get charged by your bank but I wouldnt carry loads of cash with you in Brazil not that I had any problems it is just a bad idea!