Job Discussion Forums

[tishtosh]

Hi
I wanted to ask people about internet banking when travelling. I've heard that it's not safe to do this in internet cafes, but what's the alternative? Do people phone bank and if so with which UK banks?
help!

[vre]

I do a lot of internet banking from my local bank in Turkey to Lloyds/TSB. I really don't know much about the security issue from cafes because I do it all from my office but I have never had any problems - infact, as long as you log off, I don't think there is any risk, and logging on even is like fort knox, especially for the UK bank. I never get charged for transfers from one bank to the next (but that may not be universal) and everything is very easy and straightforward. But like I said, I don't know the security details. Maybe ask your UK bank what they think.

[tishtosh]

Thanks. I've asked my bank, but since they're an internet bank they've said internet cafes are safe. I'm just concerned because I've heard otherwise from other travellers... thanks anyway!

[Gordon]

I'd be pretty leery about internet banking on a public computer. I am even nervous about logging onto my university course website.

[tishtosh]

well that's what i think... so how do you manage your money on the road, pay bills that you have at home etc. or do you have it all set up on direct debit and just hope the ATM keeps giving you money?

[Gordon]

I'm a non-resident of my country and have no bills to pay. If i were you and was on the road for a long time, ask one of your parents to do it for you, or set up something automatically with your bank. Ask them what your options are. Sometimes there are telephone banking, but in many countries the phone lines cut off so often that you may have to make 3-4 calls to make 1 transaction. That could get expensive.

[phis]

I've used Internet banking for about the last ten years and never had any problems. I absolutely love it. I never go to the bank, even when I go back home. Lloydstsb (UK bank) has a double security system that is very good.

If you are using a public computer, you must remember to 'log off', rather than just closing down the computer. If you don't, your account could remain open for a brief period of 'inactive time', and an unscupulous person could get into your account.

Also, if you click on the 'History' button on the computer, you can find the link to the web page and delete it, then nobody can follow the link.

And one last precaution. You may receive emails, purporting to come from your bank, warning you of security breaches in the system, and asking you to send details of your account etc. THIS IS A SCAM!! Your bank would never ask you for account details in an email. Never answer any email of this type. The bank will always pass on information to you via the webpage, never in an open email.

Go ahead with Internet banking. With reasonable precautions, you shouldn't have any problems.

[bluffer]

Nationwide is a great place for online stuff.

Its easy to use, clear and if you have a query I have never waited more than 24 hours for an answer.

If you get a flex account, you can withdraw money abroad with no currency charges and you get a great exchange rate as well. Its the bank rate not the tourist rate.

[tishtosh]

yes i've heard good things about nationwide and the fact they don't charge anything for transactions and withdrawals abroad is very appealing. do you bank with them online in internet cafes though? i know they don't offer phone banking as i asked them. Thanks!

[WYSIWYG]

I can use my local credit union for everything. They offer online banking and ATM/Debit cards that I've used all over the place.

Anyone can walk into a local branch office and make a cash deposit into your account. Just give them the account number for the deposit slip.