Spending in Plakias

[compage]

These days, we tend to take a few Euros and then depend on the ATMs for more cash.  We haven't found many places in Plakias that take credit cards.

[ostraco]

I usually take Euros - with some sterling tucked away for emergencies.

I don't rely on the ATMs - partly because they are not always available, and partly 'cause I have a paranoia about getting my card swallowed!

[John R]

Do the same as John (Ostraco) and use credit card for hire car and shop purchases. In the past I always wished I had taken all sterling and changed it there as the rates were always much better than at home. I'm now still not sure about the currency exchanging situation as with the Euro there will be fewer people changing currency now - mainly Brits and Americans - and the number of places exchanging currency may tend to decline ??.

John R

[Yvonne]

We use credit cards for car hire and also for our apartment rental ( they take cards), and then euros for the remainder.  We change here in UK at Marks and Spencers as we get a good rate there pay no commision.  We haven't found an exhange place in Plakias which doesn't charge commision.
Yvonne

[alisos]

Does anybody know what the exchange rate is like through the ATM's.  It's so convenient to use and saves carrying cash but I wondered if you got stung on comission or interest rates.  (we're off in 4 weeks today)

[compage]

Speaking of withdrawing cash with a debit card, I think that most banks do the same as ours.
That is they charge a 1.5% fee with a minimum of £1.50.
The exchange rate changes daily but but seems to be a standard, reasonably competitive rate.

[Ploppy]

We used to take Euros then panic when getting near the end of the holiday as they were running out, that meant that meals then could only be in restaurants that took credit cards in order to preserve beer money!

But now with the ATMs we are OK and can check out more restaurants.

[RobM.]

   I'd say take Euro travellers cheques and some Euro's. As I have mentioned elsewhere and has been intimated above, changing £ can be tricky. Trav cheques are secure. As for commission, I personally don't worry about it - it's such a small percentage.

[alisos]

Thanks John

[raward]

How many cash points are there in Plakias - if any?
-RW

[ostraco]

3 - nicely spaced along the seafront

[Graham_and_Karen]

I voted for Credit Card or Use ATMs before going to Plakias but having looked at the rates, I would also say it is best to take Euros. The rate I got from the two ATMs I tried was quite different (one by Alianthos better than the one just past Ostraco's - maybe because the second time I just got 20 Euro out for the last day and it cost me £16!) Neither was as good as the rate we got for the Euros purchased in the UK - 1.38 with no commission.

[janm]

We used our Nationwide debit card at the Alianthos ATM and got 1.41, and Nationwide don't charge commision for transactions abroad.
Jan

[Graham_and_Karen]

Useful info Jan - I was using a Barclays Debit card and got 1.35. Next year I will check before I go as to which is the best card to take.

[sunseeker]

Useful info Jan - I was using a Barclays Debit card and got 1.35. Next year I will check before I go as to which is the best card to take.
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