Money!!
 

Hiya All

I am planning a trip to India starting in September and am trying to sort out the easiest and cheapest way to draw cash as I go.

I will be taking credit cards and travellers cheques but will obviously need access to cash periodically.

My bank, Barclays, charges 1.5 % plus 2.75% (4.25%!!) for cash withdrawals abroad.

Is there a bank that is cheaper with access to a good spread of ATM's?

Thanks for your assistance.

I tend not to bother with travellers cheques. Most places don't know what they are in india and in the more touristy areas there have been problems with counterfits recently. I would stick with the plastic. Get plent out as you go and hide the cash in a number of places on the bike and on yourself. Given how far a little cash will go in India you don't need to have too much on you at any one time anyway. If you knwow your route you can guess how much you'll need between ATMs.

The Post offic do a good line in wireing money if you need it. Get down ther and pick up a leaflet - its dead simple. I THINK it costs about £7 to have money wired to you.

Hi,
If you are travelling through eastern europe be sure to carry USD, you will need them at some of the borders about $150 should be sufficient. You can easily cash travellers cheques in Turkey.

Friends had problems with visa cards in Iran, they only accepted mastercard, so beware.
Joyce

KTMWill:

Wow, you need to find another bank! My bank charges me about USD 3 for a withdrawal made from another bank's ATM. Are you sure you are quoting the rate for a "bank card" withdrawal, not a "credit card" withdrawal?

Having said that, you will have no problem finding all the ATM's you want between the UK and Hungary, at least. I can't speak for further east along your route because I have not gone there yet. I have been told that Romania has sufficient ATM's as well, but just in the larger cities.

Michael