Spending money abroad.

[Tilly2]

We are going to Canada at the beginning of September, for two weeks.

What is the best way to organise our spending money. Should we take travellers cheques, actual Canadian dollars, or use our debit card when we're there to draw money out?

On previous holidays abroad we have always taken enough spending money in the country's currency but then I worry about carrying all that money around with me all the time. Is there a better way to do it?

[friedgreentomato]

Get a pay as you go bank card in the chosen currency - you load your spending money before hand and use it at cash machines as normal.

We have one in euros and dollars and it is all we use on our frequent trips to the states.

[vodkancoke]

I do the same. I fill the card with Dollars every time I go and I take some Dollars in cash.

[Tilly2]

Thank you both. Do you get them from your own bank?

[vodkancoke]

I get mine from the Post Office. I think Travel Agents may do them too. x

[nannybooby]

we use a nationwide credit card on hols ( no extra charges) and take cash and TC

[mike11111]

When I go to France I just use my normal debit card. Seems to be the cheapest way.

[friedgreentomato]

I got mine from thomas cook - you can now do it online too

[Tilly2]

So there's no problem with the pay as you go cards being accepted in other countries?

[vodkancoke]

I've never had a problem. I use them in America, Jamaica and Europe.

[Tilly2]

Thanks, everyone.

[friedgreentomato]

Just make sure your pay as you go cards are visa or mastercard

[Tilly2]

O.K. f.g.t.

[spudqueen]

The Post Office credit card is brilliant for use abroad. It doesn't charge a fee on purchases abroad and you can use it to get your travel currency at a Post Office.
http://www.postoffice...-card/travel-features

[boxtops]

There is a charge with Nationwide these days, nanny (we use one), but it's only 1%, much less than the other banks.

We never take cash with us, always take it out of the hole in the wall when we get there.

[bednobs]

beware, my parents had one of those po cards that then refused to workw hile they were out there.

[EcclesCake]

Whenever I travel overseas I just go to the cashpoint in the destination airport and get some cash. If I need more cash I'll just head to the local ATM. I've travelled to all manner of weird and wonderful places and have had no trouble finding a cashpoint.

OK there might be ways of saving £5 in charges but the safety and convenience is much better for me than all the other faffing options.

[Tilly2]

So will I have to open a Nationwide bank account to get a debit card?

[Captain Spod]

Yes you will. I've gone off Nationwide since they introduced their exchange charge. Post Office credit card is definitely the best but don't use it in an ATM over there - only for purchases. Every single store I visited in Toronto, Niagara, etc. was happy to take my card so only take enough Can$ for tips and buy them for cash at Post Office or M&S. Don't worry too much about the rate - it's probably more valuable to work out where it's cheapest to get to / park!

[Tilly2]

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions.