Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com

Kalkan Discussion => Money & Finance => Topic started by: sally on March 26, 2008, 01:30:50 PM

Title: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: sally on March 26, 2008, 01:30:50 PM
I know that lots of you have one of these that you use whilst on holiday in Kalakn & I am thinking of opening one but have two questions for you:

1. Do you get a good rate of exchange?

2. Has anyone used one in the USA and do they work there (am thinking specifically of California & West Coast).

I did ask the latter question in Nationwide this morning but didn''t get a satisfactory answer & can''t face the inevitable hold/pushbuttons that''ll happen if I phone.

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: Blue Lizard on March 26, 2008, 01:40:55 PM
can''t answer about the USA.But we have used our flex account for Kalkan Holidays for a few years now.The exchange rate we got last year was as good if not better than many of the shops were giving!!We take enough turkish currency with us for a day or two,and use the account to draw money we have paid in. There are enough ATM''s and we have never had a problem getting money out...much the same as my mrs never has a problem spending it!! ::)
Title: Re: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: Davs on March 26, 2008, 01:54:34 PM
Hi Sally
I have one of these accounts and whilst I have never used it in the USA, I  have used it to withdraw cash on a number of occasions both in Turkey last year and during a very recent city break in Krakow, Poland.

The rate of exchange has been consistently good every time and unless the terms and conditions radically change, I have no intention of using an alternative such as travellers cheques again. This seems to be a cheaper means of obtaining your cash abroad with the bonus of being a safer option too.
Title: Re: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: doug46b on March 27, 2008, 08:29:24 PM
I use my Flex Card everywhere be it USA Africa Far East or at home in Kalkan .It is really the best. You do have  a limit of £300 per day but in Kalkan who needs that!!
 :) :)
Title: Re: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: Cuddles on March 27, 2008, 09:44:50 PM
I believe I''m correct in saying that, with the Flex account VISA card, you get the VISA bulk rate and not the ordinary tourist exchange rate. In my experience this always equates to a slightly better rate.
Title: Re: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: sally on March 27, 2008, 10:54:31 PM
Many thanks to al lof you for your replies - off to set up an account tomorrow!
Sally x
Title: Re: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: kalkan4eva on March 28, 2008, 12:27:34 AM
Sally, the sooner you start the process of opening a flex account the better. It takes ages to open a new bank account these days with all the regulations they have put in place to counteract money laundering. Some banks even require your passport - not a copy and it can take a few weeks to get everything sorted so it''s best to check in advance if you''re travelling sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: jayne on March 28, 2008, 10:23:38 AM
I am interested in opening one of these accounts and I had a look on the website. Does the flex account differ to what the Nationwide credit card offers?
Title: Re: Nationwide Flex Account
Post by: Davs on March 28, 2008, 10:40:13 AM
Hi Jayne,

The flex account is, in essence, a current account. I operate a current account elsewhere but deposit cash into the flex account before I travel abroad.

I then use the Nationwide visa debit card which comes with the account to withdraw cash from the foreign bank ATM. In the case of Turkey this will usually be in YTL or there is an option to withdraw in Euro if you wish.

Nationwide do not apply any charges for this facility which is why it is so popular. If a certain amount is deposited monthly into this account, they pay some interest too (current minimum £1000 @3.75%)

Regards

David
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