sauze d'oulx

Hi. going to sauze feb 28th. What is the best thing to do about changing money. Is it best to take stirling or euros from blighty or is it best to use ATM's in the resort.

Depends on who you bank with. Exchange rate is crap over here, so what I do is take about 100 euros with me, and pay on card where I can, and where you need cash (ie drinks) take out another lump at the cash point. But check your bank to see what they charge first as it may actually work out better to take it all in cash with you.

Tony_H wrote:Depends on who you bank with. Exchange rate is crap over here, so what I do is take about 100 euros with me, and pay on card where I can, and where you need cash (ie drinks) take out another lump at the cash point. But check your bank to see what they charge first as it may actually work out better to take it all in cash with you.

Seconded

This what Nat West charge .....

Transaction charges
The transaction charges when you use your card abroad and for transactions in currencies other than sterling are as follows:
When the bank debits a transaction in a foreign currency either at cash machines or at Point of Sale (POS), the amount is converted into sterling (using the Bank's prevailing exchange rate) and a transaction fee of 2.75% is added. This is known as the Exchange Rate Transaction Fee (ERTF) that covers Bank processing fees. The following charges are also payable for the two different types of transaction carried out in a foreign currency:
For cash machine (ATM) withdrawals, 2% of the sterling transaction amount (minimum £2, maximum £5)
For Point of Sale (POS) transactions there is a flat fee of £1.25

Cash points are not a problem in Sauze.
I tend to take some Euros but get cash out of the machine.

Usually the exchange rate is "bank rates" rather than "tourist rates" when taking money out of cash points. Most accounts charge a transaction fee so it's better to take out larger sums in preference to repeated small withdrawals.
Some cards are better - we tend to use my wife's Nationwide card as this doesn't charge us. (Unlike my Clydesdale account).

Sorry I know its a bit late but for the future get a Caxton fx card www.caxtonfxcard.com/index.asp you can have it in either Euro or dollars. It is a preloaded card and it gives you a better rate than any of the banks or bureau de change. They don't change to draw from cash points and it is backed by Mastercard so can be used in majority of shops. I have had one for two years and found it in valuable when in the Euro zone. I think it now costs £10 to buy the card but you soon cover that in exchange rate. Also if you can save on Ryan Air card charges it is all explained on their website. For the record I am not connected in any way to this company.
All the best P

I suggest you get hold of euros and come out with them, exchange rates through card at atm not so good plus 2.75% charge makes it quite expensive. Pay in resort and do not prebook.
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Enjoy John

Looking at Suaze for New Year and was wondering if anyone had any comments on the Hotel Hermitage - location, condition and grub as there are some (old) bad reviews on trip advisor.