15

Hi,

Not in my case Big Al. I had to go to my own branch though to activate it at the ATM

16

My pin has been issued today and is on it's way... eta 5 days... literally a snail bringing it I think

I've got some travellers cheques now... no commission on Sterling! And only 33 baht to change them aparantly! And they buy back no commission if you want. Why did I not do this before?!
I think i'm turning into my parents lol

17

#Brax, never heard of having to go to your own branch to activate and change a new pin. Would cause me huge problems as there are no branches within 100 miles of me for one account and the other is at a branch 200 miles from me.

Whenever I have had a new card or pin I have been able to go to any visa accepting ATM in the country (UK) to activate and change - I did this only 3 weeks ago for a new account. Not sure if you can activate and change in overseas ATMs as have never tried it

#Urchin where did you manage to buy commission free £sterling traveller cheques I know they are easy to find for other currencies because they make their margin on the commission but have never seen £ sterling free of commission I usually have to pay 1% minimum £3 but as you say can cash back commission free

18

At LloydsTSB. I thought it was for customers with accounts only but it's not, anyone can get them (i've got no account with them). It's over the phone only, not in branch but it's not an expensive hotline number. Might be just an offer on atm so I got some extra for my trip next year as they don't expire.
http://www.lloydstsb.com/travel_main_page.asp

19

Not sure about postage costs but if you near a branch them you can get it sent there to collect for free.

20

Hi,

No Big Al was only when they froze it for some strange erason. i then had to attend for that reason only. Normally you would not.

21

Hey Urchin that is interesting news from Lloyds and as I live in a big city I am sure there is one near me. I always have some for insurance purposes but not sure if I really need any more at the moment but thanks for the tip off

22

wow no commission on sterling travellers cheques !! i bought some travellers last year .. Because there was a commission on the Sterling ones i bought some Euro ones ...
But yeah at 33 Bhat a cheque its a winner , none of that 150 bhat charge from the ATM..
Why would you not use travellers cheques ? i will look in to that from Lloyd's and buy some ..
I can always use them on my next trip :-)

23

Yeah not only the ATM charge, but also personally i'm stung with fee of 2.75% of the amount AND £1.50 every transation with Halifax! (Plus probably not such a good exchange rate as you'd get in Thailand). My next trip is in Feb so thought I might as well get the extra now (although i'll probably end up spending more than planned in Thailand...always do ;)