TRAVELLERS CHEQUES

[karl]

I can sympahise with Michele's problems in cashing travellers cheques in Australia. I had the same problem in Perth where the bank charged me a hefty fee for a small amount. After that I used my credit card but when I got to Sydney I found out that good old Woolworths cashed them with no problem - so, every day I would go in and buy chocolate & crisps give them a cheque and get the change, that way I soon had a nice little bundle of notes.

I have recently been to the bureau de change in M&S for American dollars and cheques but it seems cheques are now almost unacceptable anywhere due to American Express taking too long to reimburse the stores etc, also there has been an influx of counterfeit cheques.

The good news is that travel agents can now offer you a sort of "credit card" and as far as I am aware you can top it up with funds ftom yoru bank account, this saves you having to carry loads of cash.

In closing, if you read this Michele I was stunned to read of the shocking treatment Nat West gave you after your specific instructions to them. I hope you receive full compensation, if I were you I would change banks once you do - having said that one bank is probably as bad as another. I have not used a bank in years, I use a building society.

After all this, you'll be needing another holiday to calm your shattered nerves!

[paul jh]

I didn't know one could buy traveller's cheques. I haven't used them in 30 years.

What is a building society?

[karl]

Paul you must have seen building societies when you were in the UK but perhaps not realise what they are; they are more or less like a bank. I have my cheque book etc with them and my car loan. Infact I would say there are as many building societies as banks.

Talking of car loans, my car is MINE in September. I will be in the States when the last payment is made, what a celebration I'll have that day!!!!

[mariana44]

There are not many Building Societies left now Karl--they all ssemed to amalgamate with a bank--the only one that I know still standing is Nationwide.

[karl]

There's plenty here Marian and the best thing my B.Soc did was change from Alliance & Leicester to Santander as there are now so many more branches, infact too many I think! There are three in town all within a five minute walk of each otherand two of them are a minute apart.

[mariana44]

Our Alliance and Leicester went to Santander--but I am sure that is also a bank now.

There are no signs of The Woolwich, or Halifax Bulding Socity, or Abbey National. They may still be around, but not as building societies but banks. And I know Nationwide is the only bulding society in England anyway, as I have an account there--and it is the only bulding society not to have been taken over, and all the customers getting a nice pay-off.

[karl]

When you menetion it's a bank to staff they say it's not!