France!

Cheapest I could find here to transfer to Germany and Switzerland is
about 10 quid, so count yourself lucky...

 

With whom? I need to pay a deposit to a German hotel's bank account
and £15 is the cheapest I've found so far.

 

Co-Operative Bank/Smile. I haven't checked their fees lately but they
used to be the cheapest by far. Just had a quick look on the smile
website and the TIPANET transfer to Germany is 8 quid. Switzerland was
more expensive because they do use a different transfer method.

One thing I didn't check is how good the exchange rate is - I don't
think it's way out of line with other banks but proper currency transfer
services are supposed to offer better rates.

 

Thanks for that - I shall do some investigating. I fancy using Co-op a
bit more anyway, from an ethical point of view.

 

Don't go for the basic Co-Op account unless necessary as it pays no
interest whatsoever. Go for a smile one instead (and I can check if
there are any "recommend a mate" promotions going on, but I don't think
so at the moment) as that pays at least some interest...

Doing transfers abroad is no problem from either and it's a lot easier
from a smile account as that can be done from the comfort of your
armchair. Haven't looked at the co-op online banking for a while but it
used to be a different system that was rather dire.

 

<perks>

On-line transfer to a foreign account without having to sign forms or
send faxes?


--
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Pete Fisher at Home: |
| Voxan Roadster Gilera Nordwest * 2 Yamaha WR250Z |
| Gilera GFR * 2 Moto Morini 2C/375 Morini 350 "Forgotten Error" |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Indeed. You'll send a secure message with all the details using the
website's messaging system. Never had any problems with that and I've
used it on a regular basis until about a year back.

I'd still use that account as my main account if it wasn't for two
reasons - one, it doesn't allow you to download statements into MS Money
(you can print them and type them in :/) and two, Nationwide offers far
better conditions when you're withdrawing money abroad, plus they have
the best MS Money integration in the UK, I get a better interest rate
*and* I get to chose between visiting a branch even down here and bank
online.

 

We have a Nationwide account for withdrawing cash abroad, but until you
mentioned Smile haven't found an efficient funds transfer mechanism (to
Credit Agricole for paying EDF, local taxes etc.). Even thought of using
a French Paypal account if such a thing exists. Must look in to the
Smile deal.

--
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Pete Fisher at Home: |
| Voxan Roadster Gilera Nordwest * 2 Yamaha WR250Z |
| Gilera GFR * 2 Moto Morini 2C/375 Morini 350 "Forgotten Error" |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+

 

I reached the same conclusion, and applied online for a smile account
earlier this afternoon.

 

There was a leaflet with my latest Alliance & Leicester statement.
Something about transferring funds overseas using an electronic method
with a fixed rate fee.

Here we are:
http://www.alliance-leicester.co.uk/otherservices/index.asp?page=international-payments&ct=quick
£16

 

In fact, I now see that HSBC have allowed 'SEPA' payments of up to £2000
since 28 January. Only available during business hours it seems so can't
fire it up to check on fees until tomorrow.
--
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Pete Fisher at Home: |
| Voxan Roadster Gilera Nordwest * 2 Yamaha WR250Z |
| Gilera GFR * 2 Moto Morini 2C/375 Morini 350 "Forgotten Error" |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Unless they've lowered the fees, they're going to be around 12 quid at
least for Germany...

 

They're using SWIFT, which I object to on principle [1]. Smile will
use TIPANET for Germany.

[1] Fucking Merkins again. See
URL:http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/s...0748471853&pagename=CB/Page/tplStandard&loc=l

 

I'm fucking shocked, but not remotely surprised.

--
Veggie Dave
UKRMHRC#2 BOTAFOF#08
IQ 18 FILMS http://www.iq18films.com
POST PRODUCTION http://www.iq18films.co.uk
Toxic Shock Syndrome Gets More Girls Than Me

 

That was exactly our reaction too.

 

I mentioned earlier that if you transfer >£12k / year, they have a fixed
fee of £5

Form a co-operative ...

 

Oops; I'm probably on their database now (or again). I purchased an
ex-USSR Night Vision Scope from Der Vaterland a couple of weeks back and
paid by IBAN/BIC/SWIFT - on the bottom of the form is a space for
something to jog the seller's memory. I wrote 'Nightsight'.
--
Dave
GS850x2 XS650 SE6a

"A scone and tea at half past three
Makes the day a little brighter
Keep your cakes and fancy tarts
And stick them up your shiter."

 

I imagine you will be on their database. Whether you're allowed in the
country next time you try to enter could well depend on how suspicious
they find such a purchase.

 

Do you think the AKs might have been pushing it a bit, then?
--
Dave
GS850x2 XS650 SE6a

"A scone and tea at half past three
Makes the day a little brighter
Keep your cakes and fancy tarts
And stick them up your shiter."

 

Just explain to them that you needed the gear to go huntin' in the
backwoods and they'll understand...