| The days when travellers needed to carry large amounts of cash with them are long gone, even in the smallest towns and villages international credit cards are now widely accepted and ATMs can be found everywhere from petrol stations to country post offices. |
| If you stay in the country for any amount of time you will want to open a bank account. Unfortunately this is not that straight forward due to the huge up-surge in fraud over the last ten years, banks are now making it harder to apply for new accounts especially to overseas visitors. To open an account you need plenty if ID. You must produce; Take time to have a look at what's on offer, the larger banks will all offer very similar deals, the smaller banks are often easier to join but with less facilities and sites. |
| Co-operative Bank - Co-operative bank website HSBC - HSBC website Royal Bank of Scotland - Royal Bank of Scotland website Lloyds TSB - Lloyds website Natwest - Natwest website Barclays - Barclays website |
| Abbey National Abbey National website Halifax Halifax website Nationwide Nationwide website Whoever you choose the two options open to you will be a Current Account and a Savings Account. The Current account offers a cheque book with a combined Cheque Guarantee / Debit / ATM card. Savings accounts offer a higher rate of interest, an ATM card and are a lot easier to open. |
| American Express Card Services:
American Express Card Services website
Tel: 01273 696 933 Diners Club UK: Diners Club UK website Tel: 0800 460800 Mastercard UK:Mastercard Card Services website Mastercard ATM Locator Tel: 0800 964 767 Visa UK: Visa UK website Visa ATM Locator Tel: 01604 230 230 |
| Most Banks and Building Societies operate a reciprocal agreement whereby customers will not be charged when using another bank's ATM services. Mastercard ATM Locator Visa ATM Locator |
| Travellers cheques are widely accepted in most hotels and large stores. They are fully refundable if lost and are a safe way to carry money. You can cash them at all banks and bureau de change, but don't forget you will need your passport for any transactions. |
Liverpool was awarded the European Capital of Culture 2008. The vibrant city is renowned for its arts & culture and is home to numerous museums & galleries including a branch of the Tate Gallery. Read more ...
