Best way to access money without spending half of it in fee's?

[Freya]

Whats the best way to access our money without losing half of it to fee's?

Our current bank charges $2 for every international transaction and a fee to withdraw from an atm. But Im not entirely sure I want to take travellers cheques either.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[emc2]

With withdrawing cash you mean?

Haven't heard of fees that steep before? I would just think you shop around the banks for the best deal.

[Olive]

theres a card you can get but for the life of me cant remember the name of it

[Miss.September]

I think the card is called Travellex. You put your money into the account and it converts it into Euro (or whatever currency you're using) with exchange rate that is happening when you put the money in. So if you did it today, you'd get today's exchange rate. Then you use the card as an eftpos card. I'm not sure if/what fees are attached though but it's usually better than the bank and it's great to secure a good exchange rate. Ask your travel agent, they'll know the ins and outs of it.

[Janie71]

I think most banks do travel cards nowadays, like the travellex card.

Janie xxx

[Rivlas]

It is worth getting cash before you go and watch the exchange rate to give you a guide as to when to order it. Allow a week for the money to come in if the bank doesn't have any in stock. Most banks don't keep alot unless there is a demand for it.
We have always found it helpful to have cash especially when you first arrive in the country and you are not thinking straight due to being tired.