Using a UK debit card in Netherlands - I need to call my bank?

[easy.bake.oven]

Hi again.

I wanted to know if it is safe for me to use my UK debit card is The Netherlands to withdraw £200 every three days?

I have heard I need to contact my bank to let them know I will be using the card abroad so they will put a note on my account so when there system flags my account for being used abroad, the message will pop up and they will not temp lock my account until I ring them.

My problem is this..... I did not want to call my bank up to let them know I am using my card abroad because if they look into the transactions, they will defo close my bank account. Nothing bad going on, just many savers attached and money dripping into them weekly, so if they do shut my account down, it means about 5 stealths wil lbe lost that I can cash out to.

I know that if I want to use my card abroad I will have to ring them.

Any advise on this? Also, I want to stay in the Netherlands for a long time, as in years so what do I say to the bank if they ask how long am I on holiday for? If I tell them I am on holiday for 2 years, it sounds stupid.

[JamesNorth101]

If you really feel this is necessary then the best option IMO is

Opem a second bank account with a debit card attached with a different bank

Transfer money from old bank account to new bank account as and when you need via internet banking

Use debit card with new bank account to get cash out. Ring that new bank if need be.

[easy.bake.oven]

Thanks for your reply.

I already have other bank accounts with debit cards but all are being used for my stealth accounts and I did not want to risk and of my bank accounts.

Looks like I will have to have a ring one of them and try... no pain no gain I heard they say

I actually have a new hsbc waiting for me when I go home to UK in a few weeks so I think I will call them and use that account as it is not being used for anything.

Also, do you know if I can use internet banking from abroad (Netherlands) on my UK bank accounts without them getting flagged that I am from a Netherland ip address or do I need to call them to let them know I will be accessing my internet banking from abroad? I really can afford to loose any bank accounts as I worked really have to get them all setup.

[JamesNorth101]

Best off asking your bank if you can use your internet banking abroad.

[easy.bake.oven]

Originally Posted by JamesNorth101

Best off asking your bank if you can use your internet banking abroad.

Yes your right, common sense really. Its just I got so much going on at the moment my common sense don't work properly

I will call them later today and find out about internet banking abroad - I will call with a general enquiry and not give my details as it is only a general question and I don't think they will ask me for my account details for a general enquiry.

I will find out later today. Thanks

[easy.bake.oven]

OK, just rang a my UK bank and was told I DO NOT need to let them know I am using internet banking abroad but I DO need to tell them when using my debit card abroad.

[GreenBean]

Originally Posted by oven.hot.pizza

I know that if I want to use my card abroad I will have to ring them.

Any advise on this? Also, I want to stay in the Netherlands for a long time, as in years so what do I say to the bank if they ask how long am I on holiday for? If I tell them I am on holiday for 2 years, it sounds stupid.

Are you scared of your bank? If you are, use another bank.

Be happy your bank cares enough about overseas activity to keep your account safe. It's not such a hassle when you get sorted.

[sugarlaces]

I know for barclays you can tell them you are on holiday within your login details. Maybe others have a similar option. You could check it out.