Russian Women Discussion

RWD Discussion Groups => Odds and Ends => Topic started by: msmob on November 29, 2019, 01:34:15 AM

Title: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on November 29, 2019, 01:34:15 AM
Krim is a cash man, I have always advised folks travelling abroad too take small amounts out as needed.

After my July experience, losing access to a bank card and needing cash above my daily limit I will go with 4 cards.

 I draw a small amount of local currency when I land, if I haven't got a bank account at the destination.

What do you recommend when in former FSU nations?
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on November 29, 2019, 03:53:10 AM
I've just received two Premium Revolut cards - One gets a GBP and EURO bank account and spend in 150 currencies at interbank rates 

One can create virtual ( one off transaction only, too) cards for safe internet purchases and a replacement card within 48 hours in most countries .


Will see how it goes

One has to be resident in : European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States.



Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: Blighty on November 29, 2019, 08:51:07 AM
I've just received two Premium Revolut cards - One gets a GBP and EURO bank account and spend in 150 currencies at interbank rates 

Looked at this card and it states "If you exchange currencies on weekdays (Mon-Fri UTC) you will receive the interbank exchange rate without any markup on all currencies except for Thai Baht and Ukrainian Hryvnia where there's a 1% markup".

This 1% markup seems worse than the exchange rate on our existing FairFX currency card. This card also includes a small transaction fee. 

Does the Resolut card also have a transaction fee?

Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on November 29, 2019, 09:58:33 AM
No Transaction fees up to c.$600 ( £400) with the regular card and c.$900 (£600) - with the prem card.. when withdrawing cash
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on November 29, 2019, 10:46:37 AM
I really don’t like using plastic in Russia or Ukraine, because of how much identity theft I experienced there as a result over many years....

if the card involved was a UK or EU bank, then the paperwork takes forever, and it’s a month before I get a replacement card...

a long time ago in Kyiv I found a credit card skimmer on an ATM machine, no one but someone with “my condition” would’ve noticed the thin black plastic strip across the top with the hidden camera...

many times in Russia or Ukraine ATM machines will all go down for no apparent reason, and they are sometimes shutdown during elections because they have “bank runs”...

on top of that you get the worst FOREX rate imaginable plus (since you’re dealing with a bank, “points”)...

In addition, I don’t like being in a spot in Russia or Ukraine where I am openly, publicly handling a large amount of cash, just common sense in the FSU folks....

it’s why I am a cash and carry guy...
and I usually do my exchange at a market with a purchaser who has to go to Europe or Turkey and buy his products in either dollars or Euros, they give a better exchange rate than the banks AND then he becomes part of MY network...
it can be VERY handy having a purchasing agent in either Turkey or Europe...
nudge....nudge...wink...wink...
say NO MORE!!!!

In Russia, I am a customer of Aval Bank, and I like them!
I wire funds from my UK offshore Euro or Sterling accounts to my Russian Aval account and withdraw rubles in a private booth...
I also have an Aval card for use in Russia, but like I said, only use it sparingly due to the widespread fraud issue in Russia...

back in the old days, late 90‘s, once you left Moscow you almost couldn’t even use credit cards
in the more remote places....
in late 98 it was so bad in southern Russia around Rostov, that stores didn’t even have change in the cash registers!!!

a dewd with dollars back then in those places....
what memories...

Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on November 29, 2019, 11:29:27 AM
I really don’t like using plastic in Russia or Ukraine, because of how much identity theft I experienced there as a result over many years....

 That's why I like this banks disposable - one use virtual card

if the card involved was a UK or EU bank, then the paperwork takes forever, and it’s a month before I get a replacement card...

The card came in 72 hours .. replacement would be in 48 hours in over 100 countries

a long time ago in Kyiv I found a credit card skimmer on an ATM machine, no one but someone with “my condition” would’ve noticed the thin black plastic strip across the top with the hidden camera...

Most ATMs there have the extra ( normally green ) socket to stop skimming..I have NEVER had my cards skimmed in all my travels there ..The Chinese have had my details on the dark web 2 times this year .. ((      Hence I will now use a one-off virtual card )


many times in Russia or Ukraine ATM machines will all go down for no apparent reason, and they are sometimes shutdown during elections because they have “bank runs”...

Only had an issue in Georgia ))


on top of that you get the worst FOREX rate imaginable plus (since you’re dealing with a bank, “points”)...

Many 'wealth management' service guarantee the interbank rate..


In addition, I don’t like being in a spot in Russia or Ukraine where I am openly, publicly handling a large amount of cash, just common sense in the FSU folks....

I'm 'broke' - I only take it out little and often ;)




In Russia, I am a customer of Aval Bank, and I like them!
I wire funds from my UK offshore Euro or Sterling accounts to my Russian Aval account and withdraw rubles in a private booth...
I also have an Aval card for use in Russia, but like I said, only use it sparingly due to the widespread fraud issue in Russia...

back in the old days, late 90‘s, once you left Moscow you almost couldn’t even use credit cards
in the more remote places....
in late 98 it was so bad in southern Russia around Rostov, that stores didn’t even have change in the cash registers!!!

a dewd with dollars back then in those places....
what memories...

Aval? Is the the Austrian bank , Raiffeisen

They are IDIOTS .... though I / Sveta was money 'laundering' while out of the country ... We answered their Q's via email / fax THREE times and they froze the account - until SC came back ... no apology , no compo - no more biz for them.. Austria .. HQ were as much as a chocolate fireguard  (

Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on November 29, 2019, 12:29:34 PM
I have never had problems with Aval... or Raiffeisen when I dealt with them in Kyiv in the "old days"...
but I tend to not use cards very much....

I have a single use card from AMEX that I used to use, as well as a "reloadable" one, but it's just a a hassle to keep track of for travel purposes...
I tend to not want such a clutter of detail when I travel...
"keep it simple" is my motto....

a stack of 5000 rubles notes can do wonders in Russia....
and I have a whole collection of hidden money belts, and I'm a concealment expert

the last card I had replaced from HSBC took several weeks from beginning of the process to receiving the card from DHL delivery!!!
but this was from the IOM (Isle of Man) main office and not London...
and even this after a lot of "back and forth"....

just not a fan of this myself and prefer to handle actual money...
and NO WAY will a bank give you better rates than what you get in person at a market...



Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: rwd123 on November 29, 2019, 12:43:26 PM
Take a few thousand USD and a few hundred worth of rubles (if not expensive to buy outside of Russia). Crisp, unmarked notes with a mix of denominations. Stay under the declarable limit, you don't want to be on anyone's radar. Cash is king.

In the past I've had similar experiences in there being no change. Instead I was given matches or chewing gum, etc.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: jone on November 29, 2019, 12:46:20 PM
When traveling in Eastern Europe, I always take sufficient cash to enable me to complete the entire trip with enough for unexpected events or expenses.   Amazing how those Ben Franklins are received. 

As to how I store them, I never put them in logical locations, especially if I am in a Hotel Room with a Safe.  Typically I will not carry a money belt, either.   

Do I carry plastic?   One card only.   (with an asterisk)  I tried using a temp card one trip only to find out I could not use it overseas.  So, instead, I contact my ATM card company prior to the trip and let them know I will be traveling overseas but I restrict my daily limit unless I give them further instructions.  (I can always increase that limit, but if the card is copied I can limit my exposure with a lower limit.)

The first time I stayed in Mykolaiv, my card was copied at the Hotel I was staying at.   I was forced to give my card at the front desk for incidentals.    Luckily, the idiots tried to make too large a withdrawal and I was contacted and restricted the card.

Notice that asterisk above?   Well, I do have a second card.   But it is secreted in my possessions and would be difficult to find unless I told you where it was.



Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on November 29, 2019, 01:12:45 PM
even though the Isle of Man banks aren’t the greatest consumer banks...
I do recommend them for other reasons....
such as the fact that IOM is a corporate tax haven!!  YUP!!!
and the money your company earns OUTSIDE the IOM
like on a Russian bitcoin farm for instance...
will NOT be taxed by the IOM...

they even have their own currency “The Manx Pound” which looks much nicer than the usual British currency, though the bank of Scotland currency does sometimes look quite nice as well...

the last time I was there, I took my two daughters with me shopping...
we rented a George II period mansion right on the freaking promenade through airbnb..
we could walk to the beach in under two minutes or walk the promenade and find lunch...
what a great time they had their with the English and Irish boys chasing after them and me shooing them away...
"be gone with you lads"!!!

both of my daughters had custom Gucci dresses expedited for them from Claire Christian Couture in Douglas, I highly recommend...


Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on November 30, 2019, 05:19:59 AM
Only prob with IoM Pounds ( as with the Pounds in N.Ireland)....foreign banks only accept 'bank of england' notes (((

Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: Trenchcoat on November 30, 2019, 05:55:33 AM
Krim is a cash man, I have always advised folks travelling abroad too take small amounts out as needed.

After my July experience, losing access to a bank card and needing cash above my daily limit I will go with 4 cards.

 I draw a small amount of local currency when I land, if I haven't got a bank account at the destination.

What do you recommend when in former FSU nations?

Goes to show you can teach old dogs new tricks ;D

Ever since my Lviv trip last year I am now very careful with my precautions on how I travel with my stuff in the FSU.

I had always take at least two cards however since then I have taken two wallets. One with my passport in it and one with a small amount of foreign currency in it. Once at destination I swap my passport wallet with my foreign currency wallet that was in my bag. I have a Credit Card in each. The foreign currency wallet I use as my day wallet for walking around with and has the main credit card I will use to draw more money out beyond the small amount in my wallet. My passport wallet goes into the safe on arrival at my destination, I always get a place with a safe now.

Thereby if I lose one I always have a backup. If I was unfortunate to lose both I guess I might be able to try Western Union or just have to go to police station onwards to British Embassy, but that really would be a bad disaster day in the FSU to lose both.

I think that early on by using just one wallet I really did take a risk as if I had lost that I really wouldnt be in a good place and trip would likely been totally ruined.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on November 30, 2019, 06:36:34 AM
"Only prob with IoM Pounds ( as with the Pounds in N.Ireland)....foreign banks only accept 'bank of england' notes ((("

that's OK, I NEVER take sterling to Moscva, only euros now....
the dealer I use for forex in Moscva goes to Germany once a month to buy inventory for his store...
sure do miss the 500 euro notes...
but IOM currency/coins are collectable, I always stop in the big bank in Douglas and add to my hoard for the grandchildren to have one day
dadooshka's weird coin/currency collection...
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: BillyB on November 30, 2019, 09:20:05 AM
I really don’t like using plastic in Russia or Ukraine, because of how much identity theft I experienced there as a result over many years....


You got your identity stolen because you're a good looking guy. STOP IT! Try to be ugly. Nobody wants the identity of an ugly guy.

I also tried to avoid using plastic. I've bought thousands of dollars of cameras off the internet from a guy out of Romania and he was using stolen credit cards to buy them off Amazon. There are also tools that can be used by swiping it close to a person with credit cards and it'll take the info off the card and the thieves will manufacture their own cards with magnetic strip. That's why the credit card companies put chips on the cards.

I try to pay in cash for everything. I usually take a belt with a compartment sealed by a zipper. I can get 7 bills in there for a total of $700. One example in the link below. Some cash goes in my sock. A little goes in my wallet and in every pocket.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BELT-LEATHER-MONEY-MENS-TRAVEL-MEN-NEW-HIDDEN-ZIPPER-COMPARTMENT-BILLS-GENUINE/162941255083?hash=item25f00e3dab:m:mgwjkAJKcNir0nblQgq5Jdg
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: ML on November 30, 2019, 09:31:07 AM
I have advised my female friends (and they have done it) to wrap currency in clean handkerchief and then insert into bras.

Seems pretty safe, at least from a 'pick pocket' standpoint.

Can easily carry $10,000 in $100 bills; 50 $100s in each side.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: BillyB on November 30, 2019, 10:08:37 AM
Can easily carry $10,000 in $100 bills; 50 $100s in each side.


That's a lot of money. Are you sure you want a woman to do that? I thought you don't like anything larger than a B cup.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: ML on November 30, 2019, 03:44:18 PM
That's a lot of money. Are you sure you want a woman to do that? I thought you don't like anything larger than a B cup.

50 $100s is not a large package at all.
It can easily fit in a B cup bra (along with the original items) and not draw any attention.

And yes, I have known more than one woman who did this.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on November 30, 2019, 05:47:29 PM
you can easily put $10,000 USD in a thin nylon concealable wallet with an elastic band around each leg, I have gone through airport security scanners with a freakin carry on suitcase full of traveler’s checks and they didn’t say anthing and neither did I....
then when I get to Moscow, I sign and cash and deposit the traveler’s checks into my account....

using traveler's checks makes the money a little bit harder for the American government to follow...
and protects you from the cash being confiscated...when you get to a Russian bank, it as good as cash, but you will get writer's  cramp signing each check!!


if you don’t care about leaving a trail for the US gov, then wiring money is the best thing to do by far...


the dollar used to be king in Moscow, back in the old days, but NOW the first currency of choice is the Euro...

if you are renting in Moscow, the price will likely be in Euros...
but I am surprised that Real Estate is being priced in Rubles now and NOT dollars or Euros, but it REALLY makes the prices sound crazy
like “100 million Rubley” is the LOW END of the housing market in Moscva!!!

I have bought something a little more than that, but it has a lot of land, but it’s far south in one of the more remote areas of Moscva...

this is going to be a major construction project, I won’t be living in this until AFTER next year...  but I’m STILL gonna get the boat, I’ll keep it at the Marina - the shashlik at the grill there is pretty good!!!!!

Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: Gator on December 01, 2019, 10:42:48 AM
Ever since I worked for the UN and traveled to some remote parts of the world, my motto has been "CASH IS KING!"

Many years ago I traveled with one RW whom I really liked.   When a credit card charge in Turkey was refused, she did not understand.  Her displeasure and mistrust became apparent without words.  A RW tenet is:   

                              STRONG MEN are prepared for anything   





                        HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!   

  (http://media.giphy.com/media/yfhy7W2eRDvb2/giphy.gif)


Voilà.  I reach into a secret area, and out pops $1,000.  Now the RW sees me as a RM.   All is good.

                (http://media3.giphy.com/media/gauzBevJxeJHy/giphy.gif?cid=790b76114b60959d551982863d78ea5c0a445dab4a789024&rid=giphy.gif)




Later I had to call New York to clarify the situation and then went to ATM to replenish my cash reserve using a different credit card(BofA).   
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: ML on December 01, 2019, 10:52:39 AM

Many years ago I traveled with one RW whom I really liked.   When a credit card charge in Turkey was refused, she did not understand.  Her displeasure and mistrust became apparent without words. 


I was once with UW at Ukrainian travel agency and presented my credit card for payment.
The card system refused the transaction.

The UW said, "Probably you don't have enough money on the card."

I tried to explain to her is was not a debit card; rather a credit card with about a $50,000 limit.
She didn't understand or didn't believe.

But I did have a second credit card which was accepted for the transaction.
All was well.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: JayH on December 01, 2019, 11:04:49 AM
Ever since I worked for the UN and traveled to some remote parts of the world, my motto has been "CASH IS KING!"

Many years ago I traveled with one RW whom I really liked.   When a credit card charge in Turkey was refused, she did not understand.  Her displeasure and mistrust became apparent without words.  A RW tenet is:   

                              STRONG MEN are prepared for anything   


                        HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!   

 oilà.  I reach into a secret area, and out pops $1,000.  Now the RW sees me as a RM.   All is good.
   
Later I had to call New York to clarify the situation and then went to ATM to replenish my cash reserve using a different credit card(BofA).   


A few months back I arrived  a little late ( I am usually spot on time) to collect my lady. As I  was leaving the hotel an American guy was in animated discussion with reception -- his card refused to be accepted and he had previously been unable to draw cash at ATM as he planned .

Basically -he need to call his US bank for assistance etc and-- no  funds to pay hotel bill and a fair amount of misunderstanding going on- the declined to allow a call etc.

So-- I used my phone ( system)  to call etc -- while he talked I spoke to reception girls and manager ( they knew me very well) . I knew whatever the result of his conversation it was likely to take time to sort out -- and he needed to move on etc

 .After hearing his frustration on phone ( been there /done that !) I was confident he was genuine etc . So I guaranteed the hotel I would pay his bill the next day if he was incapable etc ( he did pay as it evolved) and I helped him with his immediate plans.

The punchline -when I arrived late -- and explained to my lady what had transpired  -I got  an "are you crazy"?   and then "what sort of idiot goes to a foreign country without money( cash)"?   :)
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on December 01, 2019, 12:25:46 PM
"So I guaranteed the hotel I would pay his bill the next day if he was incapable etc "

out of curiosity, why would you guarantee a complete stranger's hotel bill?
please tell me more details, what color pants was he wearing?
I bet you can't answer that question now can ya...

why are you collecting "your lady" at a hotel, if she's your lady, why aren't the two of you together?
see it's always the little details that trip up a poseur...

please take these details into consideration the next time you present us with a "story" of yours
better coverage of details would reduce our "suspension of disbelief" whenever we hear a JayH story, particularly if there's a reference to a woman...



Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: JayH on December 01, 2019, 12:56:51 PM
Do I have to bore everyone to death responding to your stupidity> ?
Mister big time --you had the opportunity to bet me on the lie you have invented -- so put your money where your mouth is d..head  !!

Let us look at your comprehension skills --( that is lack of)-

"why are you collecting "your lady" at a hotel"
Where do I say I was collecting her at a hotel?  The answer -I said "I" was leaving  the hotel.

 "if she's your lady, why aren't the two of you together?"
Seriously--how  stupid can you be? No answer required  -it is obvious -very stupid . A fwiw answer - she was doing something  somewhere else and I had arranged to meet later -- a very normal part of normal life.

I  could go on and dissect every word of your stupidity --  as an example re the hotel comment --who is to say it was not on vacation destination and we were staying in a hotel ?  Nothing I said indicated either way what it was about.

Krim -it is pretty obvious you have smoked too much of the green stuff and your brain is addled to the point it aint functioning  :cluebat: :cluebat: :cluebat: :cluebat: :cluebat: :wallbash:
You are a complete moron --  put your money where you mouth is and stop trying to make yourself something you are not.
Stick to trying to bs us all about "nearly" Ivy League" schools and your arse licking abilities-- at least that is close the bs..t you profer.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on December 01, 2019, 01:24:05 PM
hahahaha......
I like pullin your chain jayjay!
you make a buncha funny squeaking sounds like a little toy....Crikey!!!



Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on December 01, 2019, 01:53:51 PM
I was once with UW at Ukrainian travel agency and presented my credit card for payment.
The card system refused the transaction.

The UW said, "Probably you don't have enough money on the card."

I tried to explain to her is was not a debit card; rather a credit card with about a $50,000 limit.
She didn't understand or didn't believe.

But I did have a second credit card which was accepted for the transaction.
All was well.

Had something similar happen in 2007 in Siberia .. Tried to buy V a telephone for c.$200 ..Card declined ...called my manager in Cyprus ...Card is not 'marked' as blocked ... Nope ... STILL didn't work...  It was a debit card with umpteen times more available than I was spending ..   I transferred $500 onto a travel mastercard  - pre-paid  ( top up card) ...  that I was going to leave for V -  and that worked ..

I enjoyed the looks of the sales ladies thinking - "this westerner has no funds" ... didn't get flustered ..and saw V look at the sales lady like - "you doubted my man.?"   and pretended not to notice ...

 
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on December 01, 2019, 02:06:36 PM
OK.. this is getting perverse ...

I have a RU bank card waiting for me .. in Russia - but I must collect it .. in person ...  So I cannot use it to send money to me in the UK


We sold a car in RU and I want to buy a better one in the UK and drive it to a third EU nation where we'll spend Xmas / N.year ..( honeymoon)


I wanted SC to send me the money form the sale of the  car in RU ..

She has a fair limit - so it should NOT be a problem ... but .. all of a sudden Paysend say .. "you cannot transfer money from a RU bankcard ( VISA) to a UK one ( VISA) ..   OK,  I have a credit card merchant account - but an overseas  Card hold not Present payment  would lose us an extra .75 % ...on top of the 1.2% we already pay - plus what ever lousy VISA exchange rate it would be ..


So.. what about Revolut ?    Na.. cannot send from RU to UK


Of course she can SWIFT it ... but  still the greedy banks will eat the money in exchanging currencies


Then, I find a newish UK bank that issues a M/Card debit card .... normally it's VISA in the UK - so they tell me I can come in an I'll be issued a card same day .. except I'm not UK resident - so they must do addl checks ..


Last time SC sent me £220 from RU on Paysend and it arrived in minutes ...  It normally takes seconds and much more goes the other way !

It's getting harder to get it out :))



Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on December 01, 2019, 04:15:41 PM
that's weird, Aval has something similar, they charge 2% to do that, the same as what you're paying...
but the language they use, is weird, they say, "receive in cash", I wonder if it's different if you wire to an account instead of cash?
but this 2% fee must be something setup in the Russian banking system with this exact rule and exact amount...

even bigger problem for some people in Moscow who have lots of dollars and don't know what to do with them...
can't take them to the bank...
and they're harder to move than they used to be...

so I sell him bitcoin
he gives me dollars
I make a fake bill of sale for a $500,000 property and get it notorized
I am repatriating the money to the USA...
and I file FinCen Form 105 and show it to customs officers soon as I get in line...
and they escort me to a counting room....

been there...
done this, many times...
but no t-shirt (yet!)

BUT...
please remember, if you're a currency smuggler, it's best to leave Russia by train and not plane...

Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: BillyB on December 01, 2019, 05:24:25 PM

Had a credit card not work on my first trip t the FSU. Anti theft protection kicked in since the credit card company told me they didn't know I was travelling to the FSU. I make a habit of calling up the credit card companies of the cards I'm taking before travelling internationally. Wife and I are going to Cancun for a week before Christmas. All inclusive so I won't need to take too much cash but as a MAN, I will take enough cash so I don't fail my woman. Just today Mexican authorities caught suspects in the shootings of Americans but one can still get their throat slit in Central America. Got a friend who went on a mission to Honduras. A friend of his gave $600 to a native to build a church. After coming home, he got a call that someone slit the guy's throat for the $600. The slitting of throats can happen in America too. My mom rented a place to three Mexican guys and their families. They always paid rent in cash. One day the police came and said the three guys were found in a car parked at a casino with their throats slit. The moral of the story here is to bring a gun to a knife fight to discourage the slitting of your throat.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: Trenchcoat on December 02, 2019, 04:52:44 AM

the dollar used to be king in Moscow, back in the old days, but NOW the first currency of choice is the Euro...

Just wait till we Brexit Krim, that will put the Great British Pound back on top ;D

Theoretically while the Euro and the Dollar are more universally accepted in the FSU the GBP is also widely accepted (though not in all places) but has a better exchange rate than either, the highest exchange rate in the world I believe. When we Brexit that is likely to get even better again :D

I remember my first trip to Kiev on the way back to the airport I had too little local currency for the taxi ride back (before Uber, Uklon, etc) It was too late to change up more currency so I offered a £20 note instead. Boy that taxi driver readily accepted my offer! Checking several times that I meant that I was offering him £20. Of course it was a little over the odds for the ride back but at the time I had little choice and it showed the power what the old GBP can hold abroad.

Should the Eurozone hit another bad economic crises in the coming years, worse than the previous one the USD and GBP might become the preferred currencies in Russia & Ukraine, etc.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on December 02, 2019, 05:23:11 AM
Trench,

I realise you don't leave Wales, Much .. but why does the GBP FALL when a 'brexit' ( esp. crashing out )  seems likely and rise when not ?
Thank you




Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on December 02, 2019, 07:24:01 AM
“Krim -it is pretty obvious you have smoked too much of the green stuff and your brain is addled to the point it aint functioning”



If I'm not me, who am I?
And If I'm somebody else, why do I look like me?
I am what I am, and that's all that I am!
I'm strong to the finish 'cause I smokes me spinach! i.e. “green stuff"
ahehehehehehehe.....

so, after a pipe full of spinach...
I began to pontificate...

and I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, and I hear the approaching thunder...
the world will become not just broken, but shattered into a 1,000 different parts....

for every purpose there is a season...
and the season’s changing....
I can feel it in the morning....
after a bowl of spinach...
ahehehehehehehe.....

I hope the “bad part” in Ukraine will be over quickly without a lot of killing...
I greatly admired the efficiency of the Crimean operation....
it won’t be that easy in Odessa at the end of next year...
but the rest of us can ignore the casualties...
and get on with "bizzness"....
I have to learn to look at the casualties the way that Russians do...

Russian Fenya is ALREADY blowing away Ukrainian Fenya in Odessa...
look what just happened...big shakeup....
Ukraine is crumbling....
Zaftra V O-des-sa!!!

I think my wife would be quite happy with an estate not far outside Odessa coupled with a large apartment on Arcadia....
easy flying distance to Moscva
AND the weather is tolerable....

this is how we lived in Sevastopol...
we'd spend summers and weekends at the Rancho Del Krimster and the rest of the time, in the city...
I can have a home office in Odessa like I do now, but overlooking the Black Sea...
too bad the fishing sucks!

Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: fathertime on December 02, 2019, 07:44:10 AM
  One day the police came and said the three guys were found in a car parked at a casino with their throats slit. The moral of the story here is to bring a gun to a knife fight to discourage the slitting of your throat.
Where was this casino?  A few months back here in California an old women was killed during a robbery in the bathroom of a large indian casino.  Authorities found the two women that committed the act, but that didn't bring the deceased woman back to life.  Although casinos have a lot of cameras and security it is critical to keep a discreet eye on who is watching you.   I'm certain last year I was being tailed in vegas by 2 guys in the early hours of the morning. They were separated, yet their movements were off and I made brief eye contact with one.    Just as I was about to approach an area where I would be vulnerable, I redoubled back and it seemed to spook them, as it must have been clear I was onto them.   I must have won that night because as I recall, I was carrying megabucks

Fathertime! 
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: BillyB on December 02, 2019, 09:11:57 AM
Where was this casino?  A few months back here in California an old women was killed during a robbery in the bathroom of a large indian casino.  Authorities found the two women that committed the act, but that didn't bring the deceased woman back to life.  Although casinos have a lot of cameras and security it is critical to keep a discreet eye on who is watching you.   I'm certain last year I was being tailed in vegas by 2 guys in the early hours of the morning. They were separated, yet their movements were off and I made brief eye contact with one.    Just as I was about to approach an area where I would be vulnerable, I redoubled back and it seemed to spook them, as it must have been clear I was onto them.   I must have won that night because as I recall, I was carrying megabucks

Fathertime!

The casino is in Washington State and it was an Indian casino. A friend of mine had a leather jacket and had it hanging from his chair. He left for a short time and came back and it was gone. There are thieves in the casino that are watching people to take advantage of them. If you win big, watch your back when leaving the casino.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: Trenchcoat on December 02, 2019, 04:08:51 PM
Trench,

I realise you don't leave Wales, Much .. but why does the GBP FALL when a 'brexit' ( esp. crashing out )  seems likely and rise when not ?
Thank you

It's because of the uncertainty in general that the UK currency is low. After Brexit things will become more certain again and it will rise. It will also likely rise on a Tory General Election victory that results in a majority government. Markets like a clear outcome to a General Election and one where they believe the government will be reasonably prudent with government spending - basically stability.

If the Tories gain a majority it follows that Boris's EU Deal will almost certainly follow. That gives the markets a lot more certainty over what will be happening. They will know the deal on offer, what we will get and will also see it is not a thousand miles from what we had before in terms of trade. Plus added to that is the prospect of trade deals with the US and other countries. So odds are very likely that the exchange rate for the GBP will rise. You might want to place your bets there Mobers ;) Show your confidence in Brexit by buying sterling.

In fact it is already on the rise, up to 1.17 against the Euro, used to be 1.10-1.13 during the past couple of years or so, so a significant change there already!
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: jone on December 02, 2019, 04:59:38 PM
Yes.  But.....

Almost sixty percent of the populace will vote against the Tories so Great Britain will not have a legitimate government.   They should total up all of the votes and group that gets the most votes combined wins.   You know.  Labour and Liberal Democrats make up more votes than the Tories do.   So they should get to form the government!

43% Tories.  But Labour and Lib Dems have 47%.   You see, that's how it works.   And because the Tories only have 43% of the vote, it means that 57% voted against them.   So.  There should be a change in the government that doesn't allow the Tories to form a government.   They didn't get a majority of the vote!

I'm really smart.   I know what's better for England than you guys do who live there.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: Trenchcoat on December 02, 2019, 06:49:29 PM
Yes.  But.....

Almost sixty percent of the populace will vote against the Tories so Great Britain will not have a legitimate government.   They should total up all of the votes and group that gets the most votes combined wins.   You know.  Labour and Liberal Democrats make up more votes than the Tories do.   So they should get to form the government!

43% Tories.  But Labour and Lib Dems have 47%.   You see, that's how it works.   And because the Tories only have 43% of the vote, it means that 57% voted against them.   So.  There should be a change in the government that doesn't allow the Tories to form a government.   They didn't get a majority of the vote!

I'm really smart.   I know what's better for England than you guys do who live there.

That wouldn't be a slight dig at our Mobers who comments on US politics now would it Jone ;D

If proportional representation was brought in and assuming the Lib Dems went with Labour that would indeed happen. Back in the eighties Labour sometimes for more than the Tories of the popular vote but Thatcher still won the election as under first past the post. Of course the last coalition government was the Tories with the Lib Dems. I think the Lib Dems would be hesitant jumping into bed with the Tories again but then again they seem a wishy washy bunch who can put their own ambitions first.

The main thing is that the Lib Dems would generally end up the king maker under the proportional representation system after nearly all elections. That I have a big bone of contention with as it gives a small party much bigger scope than the 'proportion' of their votes would normally allow. Hence proportional representation ends up as not really proportional. So opri proportional representation is really a myth unless that problem can be resolved somehow.

The other problem is coalitions constantly breaking down and we can see that in mainland Europe. Some resolutions have been made to address the problem there to avoid it constantly going back to the Electorate but in general the problem still remains.

So compared to proportional representation I would rather stick with first past the post. It gives a clear win per constituency and per government. Every so often a coalition can occur but not so frequently that it becomes a pain in the arse that the Electorate would rather not have.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on December 02, 2019, 10:43:40 PM
 :ROFL:

It's like having to endure listening to two loud drunks sat at the next table talking utter shy**.….

Jone and his 'Great Britain' ( United Kingdom) and Trench posting clueless as to the status of the GBP...

You chaps should take this to the 'brexit' thread..

Back to money abroad...

I have a RU bank account and SC sent me 2k Roubles...which should be about 24 GBP from the same bank.

The interbank rate is approx 83 R to the GBP and yet a withdrawal of 10GBP left only £9.61 GBP?


We had thought about using the sale of the car in EU money and my simply using my RU bank card to pay...but it seems we would lose a fortune in the exchange rate.

So, how to get E-Roubles into a western currency, without getting shafted? I do not want SC walking around with more than Trench's declared annual salary (!) in cash and crossing borders.. )



 




Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: Trenchcoat on December 03, 2019, 03:10:56 AM
:ROFL:

It's like having to endure listening to two loud drunks sat at the next table talking utter shy**.….

Jone and his 'Great Britain' ( United Kingdom) and Trench posting clueless as to the status of the GBP...

You chaps should take this to the 'brexit' thread..

Back to money abroad...

I have a RU bank account and SC sent me 2k Roubles...which should be about 24 GBP from the same bank.

The interbank rate is approx 83 R to the GBP and yet a withdrawal of 10GBP left only £9.61 GBP?


We had thought about using the sale of the car in EU money and my simply using my RU bank card to pay...but it seems we would lose a fortune in the exchange rate.

So, how to get E-Roubles into a western currency, without getting shafted? I do not want SC walking around with more than Trench's declared annual salary (!) in cash and crossing borders.. )

Ah our Bonnie and Clyde are hitting hard times I see shuffling the odd few coppers back and forth to each other. Mobe, haven't you got a list of old people's homes you can hit upto solve these money worries for you ;D

Thing is that you seem to make things complicated from the outset Mobers. I just take my Halifax Clarity credit card and use that, it's zero percent commission on the exchange rate and just a case of paying any transaction on it soon after so minimal interest is paid on any purchase overseas. Works out pretty well compared to the cost of converting currency. I still get a few notes upfront but keep the cash side of things low. A Ukrainian woman I saw in front of me in the supermarket had her purse stuffed full of notes. Surprised me as although a cash economy a bit of a risky thing for her to do I thought.

Anyway keep it simple stupid ;D
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on December 03, 2019, 05:37:30 AM
mobers, try bitcoin... exchange fees are smaller...
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: Gator on December 03, 2019, 06:54:34 AM

I'm really smart.   I know what's better for England than you guys do who live there.


Hear!  Hear!
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on December 03, 2019, 10:20:02 AM
Hear!  Hear!

..and along comes the performing Seal

'England' is going to be a separate nation, soon  -  if 'we' get what Jone says will be  'good for us' ...  :trainwreck:





Ah our Bonnie and Clyde are hitting hard times I see shuffling the odd few coppers back and forth to each other. Mobe, haven't you got a list of old people's homes you can hit upto solve these money worries for you ;D [


Thing is that you seem to make things complicated from the outset Mobers. I just take my Halifax Clarity credit card and use that, it's zero percent commission on the exchange rate and just a case of paying any transaction on it soon after so minimal interest is paid on any purchase overseas. Works out pretty well compared to the cost of converting currency. I still get a few notes upfront but keep the cash side of things low. A Ukrainian woman I saw in front of me in the supermarket had her purse stuffed full of notes. Surprised me as although a cash economy a bit of a risky thing for her to do I thought.

Anyway keep it simple stupid ;D



Try READING, Trench ..   There's more than your claimed salary ..and some, there ..Do Halifax operate in Russia and have Rouble accounts ?  The subject at hand is getting dosh from Russia


mobers, try bitcoin... exchange fees are smaller...

Thank you, Kimster..

I know f'all about Bitcoins...will read up 

OK, *I* can easily convert currency to bitcoin using revolut .. but HOW to covert Roubles to Bitcoin ?


PS: Seems like Bitcoin value is heading down (

No idea how to get 'in' and 'out' before losing more ;)







Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: BillyB on December 03, 2019, 12:20:34 PM
PS: Seems like Bitcoin value is heading down (

No idea how to get 'in' and 'out' before losing more ;)

Look on the bright side. You can buy the mining equipment cheap right now .
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on December 04, 2019, 12:17:30 AM
One thing I have read about Bitcoin mining ..  Unless you get free electric and have a super computer .. you are wasting your time / money, now
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: krimster2 on December 04, 2019, 07:53:35 AM
yup!!
actually, 2% CC charge ain't bad mobers....
I used to do all my Ukrainian/Russian sales in dollars to simplify, since it was easy to dispose of dollars in Russia/Ukraine OR repatriot...
now it's euros and rubles...sterling is a secondary currency, not very common in Moscow, so it means your forex rate's gonna be less...
the only dollars I touch in Moscva, are from people who want to dispose of a lot, and are willing to pay my commission...
I could pretty much make a living just from doing this....
but it's just a side gig, that provides me a LOT of useful networking...



Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: BillyB on December 04, 2019, 09:23:56 AM
One thing I have read about Bitcoin mining ..  Unless you get free electric and have a super computer .. you are wasting your time / money, now


Strange an article would say that. The current value of bitcoin is over 7 times higher than it was at anytime prior to 2017 and electricity back then were not much cheaper and computers were weaker. Also Bitcoin was harder to mine. I think a lot of people are getting out of it because they don't understand what they're doing.

One doesn't need a supercomputer. A digital coin motherboard is sold for around $50 and mining digital coins doesn't need a powerful processor. A $20 cheap used one will work. Just need powerful graphics cards preferably Radeon over Nvidia. Used cards are being sold at a fraction of the price it was a year ago when bitcoin hit over 20K. One can flash the BIOS on the graphics cards for free to improve efficiency. Websites available to show how to do that. Antminers are cheap too now.

I don't do digital coin mining but my second business of making custom PCs uses a lot of the same hardware. Krimster probably is the one to talk to about mining digital coins but he probably don't want to talk and give up his secrets.
Title: Re: Money when abroad
Post by: msmob on December 13, 2019, 02:36:20 AM
So, Revolut are redeeming themselves ..

For someone travelling abroad and needing to pay in multiple currencies .. It's impressed me with the exchange rates