ATM questions
 

We are planning a trip to England for September 2001, planning to fly into Manchester. Most of our time will be spent in the country, not cities. When we arrive, will we be able to access an ATM there or somewhere close? We will be getting a rental car. I'm not sure how easy it will be for me to get pounds at any bank around here, so I'm kind of assuming we'll do best to get some cash once there. I really don't want to carry a lot of cash, but I also would prefer not to do the travelers check if there's any other options. <BR> <BR>Or are there better options? I know that comparing UK to St. Martin isn't the best, but we had really good results using the ATMs in St. Martin to get francs.

Hi Melanie, <BR> <BR>I've used my bank card at a number of ATM's in England & Wales over the last few years. They seem to be located in the same kinds of places you would find them in the U.S. The instructions are very similar to what I'm used to at home. Based on some advice I read here on Fodor's, I changed my PIN to a 4-digit number just before I left for the first trip. Some people indicated that European ATM's accept only 4 digits. I've had no trouble at all. <BR> <BR>Heather

We flew into Manchester 4 weeks ago, so I can tell you with absolute certainty that there is at least one ATM in the terminal directly across from where you will probably pick up the rental car. At the time I had 15 pounds with me. Because the ATM that I saw was adjacent to a Thomas Cook Exchange, and I could not tell its bank affiliation, I waited till later. There is not problem finding ATMs where-ever you are; we were in completely rural or small-town areas of Scotland for most of the trip. The Bank of Scotland does not charge any fee at their ATMs. I was using an ATM card issued by my credit union -- which also has no fee -- so there was no exchange cost whatsoever. (100 pound withdrawal was reflected in my account as a withdrawal of about $147 -- consistent with the current inter-bank exchange rate).

I was in England (London and Southern coast)this summer and I took the advice of so many Fodorites and tried my luck with ATMs as my source for cash. I was very pleased with the success. There was no problem finding an ATM. If the town is big enough for a bank, it's got an ATM. I flew into Gatwick airport and made my first withdrawal and never looked back! I loved the convenience, the safety in not carrying alot of cash, and no traveler's checks to keep track of or exchange. In 1995 I had more trouble trying to use and/or cash Tchecks (and they were in pounds sterling!) that I wasted alot of time tracking down the American Express office. I will never go back to checks. And by the way, I brought a second card just in case there were any troubles with the first (never needed it). I also made all major purchases with a credit card, saves on having to have cash on hand. Bon voyage!

Melanie, <BR> <BR>In the spring I went to England, my first trip abroad since my first child was born in 1986. I was astounded at how much easier it is to handle money now than before. <BR> <BR>ATMs are very prevalent, and they make it easy to get just the amount you need. I went with about 40 pounds and that was plenty to get me through a day or two until I knew the lay of the land. I charged everything I could. The exchange rates you get are very good. <BR> <BR>It was such a relief not to have to deal with traveler's checks.

I am from UK - just browsing this site: <BR> <BR>All towns will have lots of ATMs, usually in/out of Banks and Building Socities (I guess similar to your Credit Unions)- but also at large Supermarkets and Petrol (gas) stations. <BR>They accept UK credit & debit cards and internataional cards using Mastercard or Visa (inc Delta). Care not usually AMEX or Diners. <BR> <BR>Most machines do not levy a separate charge- but there is talk of around £1 levy- I guess this will only apply to Uk cardholders (not US) using a machine <BR>from another provider. <BR> <BR>I believe Exchange Rates are set by visa not the banks- but your own bank may levy charges- <BR> <BR>for example UK banks levy the following if used in ATM outside UK- <BR>2.75% interewst loading <BR>1.5% cash fee (min £2) <BR>Interest charged from day 1 on credit cards. <BR> <BR>Shops do not like USD cash or USD/UK£ travellers cheques. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps- <BR>