San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu
Welcome to San Stefanos (NW Corfu) => San Stefanos news and views => Topic started by: Basjoe on June 12, 2012, 12:44:47 PM
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Many people on this forum discuss taking Euros in cash, and particular they like to discuss the current exchange rates. I guess that because there is a lot of speculation in the UK press about Greece leaving the Euro, quite a few holidaymakers are concerned about the ramifications of the elections next week. It seems to me that even if Greece DID vote to leave the Euro, it would take many months or even years to effect an orderly transition; in other words, nothing is going to happen quickly.
Although I will take a little cash with me on holiday, I prefer to get my day-to-day cash from an ATM. My question is : Are the ATMs in San Stefanos all working reliably ?
Best Regards
Basjoe
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Hi
Last time we were in San Stef (June 2010) there was one cash machine at Thomas Bay Hotel - but for the 2 weeks we were there it was only working a couple of days. I think there's a bank in a village/town nearby but the SS regs will know more than me.
When we were last in SS i took a wad of cash for the 1st week and as we were planning an afternoon/evening trip to Corfu Town halfway thru' the holiday i planned to stock up from Corfu Town, which i did.
Regards BB
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The only ATM in San Stefanos is unreliable, if you think you're going to get cash from that ATM every day you could be disappointed.
As for your comment of "If Greece did vote to leave the Euro, it would take many months or even years to effect an orderly transition, in other words, Nothing is going to happen quickly" I believe is a dangerous assumption.
Today's Daily Mail (page 4) reads "Draconion limits on cash withdrawals could be imposed at cash machines across the Eurozone WITHIN HOURS should Greece exit the Euro. The move could hit hundreds of thousands of British holiday-makers in Europe if a Greek exit happens at short notice"
Take a chance if you wish Basjoe, But I'll be taking mainly cash
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The honest answer to that is "no." There is an ATM at the Thomas Bay, but it's about as reliable as the UK weather.
The next nearest are Avliotes and Arillas. Arillas is a less-punishing walk. I don't know how reliable the Arillas ATM is!
There are quite a few ATMs in Sidari.
Many places take pre-paid Euro cards for meals etc.
Personally I take mostly cash, including some GBPs, which can be changed at San Stephanos Travel is you run low on Euros.
As far as Greece staying the Euro goes - as far as I can see the EU will do as much as possible to keep Greece in, so I'd expect at least 8 weeks of to-and-fro after the election, so my guess is that things will carry as normal through the summer. I don't know if you agree, but it seems to me that the ultimate decision will be taken in Berlin and Paris, rather than Athens. Either way, I don't think the outcome will take years.
I agree with Waspman. The situation across the whole Eurozone is very unstable. All ATMs in Portugal stopped working for four days not long ago. Friends just back from Crete said they couldn't find a working ATM. So the sensible strategy is really to take cash. Ag Steph is generally a crime-free zone: it's not Sidari or Kavos.
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We always take cash and use safe deposit box at Noulas ( San Stefanos Travel )
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Jimbo
There is no ATM in Arillas anymore
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Whoops - thanks for that! It's Avliotes or Sidari then.
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Great info, thanks.
Basjoe
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we were in san stef a week or so ago and the ATM at Thomas Bay hotel was on then off then stayed off.
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Think last year someone we spoke to said it had worked for two out of fourteen days they had stayed at Thomas Bay they were glad they had took advice and took enough money to see them through
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Hi Basjoe
As I have said on previous postings, in the past I have used my Post Office Credit whenever possible.I have done this due to its excellent exchange rate and its 0%loading when used abroad.I have backed it up with pound notes which I have changed in the village as necessary.
This year I am taking cash in the form of Euros.This is due entirely to the Greek economy crisis.There may not be a problem but I am not taking that chance.As numerous posters have said do NOT rely on the ATM machines.
Yammas
Yiannis.
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Well I live in Avliotes (next village up from Agios AKA San Stefanos) and all winter I have happily taken my UK money (in euros) out of the cash point there as I do believe many ex pats do this is the main village so it serves holidaymakers and locals alike. It never seems to run out of cash (receipts sometimes have been known not to spout, but when I check with my UK statement it does relate)) or I have been lucky. I have no idea in fairness re the cash point in Thomas Bay, could this be down to the bank who supplies the dosh????? The one in Avliotes is owned by PRO bank and seems to supply locals and others with their weekly limit of euros. Jimbo the one in Arillas run by EUROBANK was closed last summer, although there now is in its place a pharmacy?????
Now going onto the ever asking question of will it be Euros or Drachmas, we will all know more the voting is this Sunday 17th June and according to UK and Greek and other papers.medias whatever happens will not happen overnight so bring your euros and pounds etc. When I go on my hols to India I take, Euros, dollars, GBP and then when I run out I use the ATM whatever currency I have the chage for Rubbies - they all want your money at the end of the day..........
Let see whats happens this sunday 17th June could be a turnround point for Greece or not and hoping to see all our friends from here very soon, phew its hot today 35c ++++++
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Hi Lesley
Are these "Rubbies" you have in India "Ruby Murrays" (curries). I love them too!!! But I didn't know you could get them from an ATM, pretty messy I would think!!
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I'm willing to wager now that if the anti austerity partys come to power then Greece will exit the Euro on 1st Jane next year.
And on a lighter note......if the cash machine is playing up....Tikka things as they come and try to remain Korma
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I'm willing to wager now that if the anti austerity partys come to power then Greece will exit the Euro on 1st Jane next year.
And on a lighter note......if the cash machine is playing up....Tikka things as they come and try to remain Korma
Nice one Gav & Waspman
Yammas
Yiannis
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Also if the ATM is working......there will probably be a big queue....make sure no one Bhajis in front of you
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If anyone bhajis in front of you at the ATM, don't let the peshwari you, it could be just your naan, so say aloo to her, and keema your temper or it could cause a riata.
I tried chicken tikka once but it was too mild, then I had Chicken Tarka and found it a little otter.
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Wince!
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Don't you just love the spellcheck!!!!!! Off for a siesta.........
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Lesley - don't be intimidated by the merchants of pun!
I like "Rubbies" - came across this definition, which is allegedly Canadian slang:
1. (Miscellaneous Technologies / Brewing) rubbing alcohol, esp when mixed with cheap wine for drinking
2. a person who drinks such mixtures, esp a derelict alcoholic
I think Gav is an experienced merchant of number one!!!
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Poor Lesley going to make sure I spell check any posts !
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Nothing's perfect. According to last week's New Scientist, thinking up new brand names is becoming more and more difficult, so a company has produced some smart software to combine words related to a product theme to produce a catchy name that will stand out on the shelf.
It took sweet and ate and came up with:
SWEAT
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All this talk about bhaji and curry's mmmmm could just eat one now so off to Google what I can make with my freshly picked from our garden courgettes, spring onions and herbs.......
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If you need any spices, Lesley, we'll bring some over :-}
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That would be lovely Jimbo :)
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Lesley as you may know our Daughter-in-law is from a UK Indian Family, so we are well aquainted with spices etc.
So make Samosa these offers, don't let the Roti set in, and tell us if you want any more spices brought over, (seriously - won't be a problem).
Jim will obviously do this anyway because he's a lovely Chapati, so just poppadom down to Ag.Stef and collect!!
Of course if Jim gets funny, just Tikka him off, but keep well clear of his Shashlick, don't Butter-(chicken) him up as his wife may kick him in the Gobi's.
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I once had some Gobi for dessert
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I bet you said " Alo Gobi" !!
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Great news everyone! A second cash machine has been installed in San Stefanos. It was hoised into place yesterday but will take 10 days or so to become functional. It is located in the quieter end of San Stefanos outside the Crystal Daisy gift shop, inbetween Margaritas Supermarket and San Stefano Travel.
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Thats great news - they had one installed in Arillas yesterday too!
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Good news . Make a lot of peoples lives easier when on holiday and not have to travel to far for cash.
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Brilliant news!!
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Should take the pressure off the one at Thomas Bay
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Hi All,
Just back from another great holiday.
Quick tip when using the ATM near the beach, as I did last week. The machine gives two options a guaranteed rate of 1.14 or the prevailing rate when the transaction goes through your bank. I took the later and having just checked my bank the rate was 1.251 !!! reduced by my banks fees to 1.219 on a withdrawal of 200 euros (so with a larger withdrawal the rate would have reduced by less).
Significantly better than the 1.14 guaranteed, not sure if my bank would have charged their fees on the 1.14 but I expect that they would so reducing the rate to 1.10.
Potentially £16 more expensive on my 200 euro withdrawal.
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Thanks David - good tip everyone!!
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A third ATM has appeared this June 2015 at Tasty Corner, remember never to take the guaranteed rate (ie charged in GBP) as this is over 10% less than the bank rate.
Tip...get yourself a Halifax Clarity Card, there's no charge for withdrawals, take out what you need each day or two it saves you carrying large amounts of cash around.
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I'm afraid I can't agree with that. Using ATMs for cash still costs, even with a Clarity card. Getting cash on a credit card it not a good idea.
Far better - specially this year - is to take adequate cash with you.
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Correct Jim, although Halifax do not charge for overseas ATM withdrawals, some ATM providers do.
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I use the Halifax Clarity credit card all the time, there are no charges for using the ATM.
The only cost is the interest which is about 1% a month, so if you pay it off 2 weeks later it will cost 50p per £100. changing cash in the resort will cost 2% (ie £2 per £100) and at a lower exchange rate. Martin Lewis (moneysavingexpert.com) says it the best way to get your Euros.
Also you are not carrying large amounts of cash around, just get what you need.
Don't use any other credit card or debit card as it will cost a lot more.
Having said that, with the Greek crisis, don't just rely on the ATM as the banks may turn them off if Greece defaults on its debt payment.
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Having said that, with the Greek crisis, don't just rely on the ATM as the banks may turn them off if Greece defaults on its debt payment.
Wise advice. The ATMs have never been reliable anyway. At the moment the Greek banks are okay, despite the massive withdrawals by the population - over a billion Euros last week alone. In the increasingly likely event of a default the banks will have to be controlled by limiting withdrawals.