I am planning using my bank debit card at ATM machines in Scotland. What I'm wondering is if they are as prolific as in other countries (i.e. Italy). I will be in Edinburgh, Inverness, Orkney and Iona, mostly. I was also told that the post offices give the best exchange rate. Soooo, can I count on ATM's or do I need to bring travellers checks.
Thanks for any help, I'm leaving September 22.
Doris
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
Greetings
You will be just fine - there are ATMs everywhere here in Scotland. We may be a small country, but are as modern as anywhere else! The only exception is Iona (very tiny, people ferry only) and outside the big towns in Orkney - just stock up before you leave.
Forget the traveler's checks - very few places accept them and you get a terrible exchange rate. Your best bet is ATMs.
Two tips
*Use bank branded ATMs. They will not charge you for taking out money (though your bank might). The private ATMs in pubs and in some locations will charge a fee - and it should be clearly indicated if they do.
*If you need money for first thing on a Sunday, get money on Saturday because the pub/club rush on Saturday nights can sometimes drain the ATMs and they don't get replenished right away on Sunday morning.
*Three different banks issue paper money here, so don't be alarmed if you get different kinds. All perfectly legal.
Kate
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
just an aditional note - Bank of America has a partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland or Barklays (I forget) and so the ATM fees are free (but the 1% is still there). Deutsche Bank was also free ATMs in Germany. If your BofA - check their international ATM section on the web.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
3 posts
Doris,
Bank of America has a relationship with Barclay's as Tom said.
I am in Edinburgh at the moment, and ATM's are plentiful.
Generally, even with fees, they are a better deal and more convenient than traveler's checks; I usually carry about $400 in US travelers in my neck pouch in case of emergency, but I've not had to use it in 7 years of traveling. Rick's neck pouch is heads and above any other one I've tried by the way. The silk really helps!
Enjoy your trip. Scotland is a lot of fun. Especially Edinburgh.