Symi Chat

Well this time next week, we will be in Symi [img]http://i27.servimg.com/u/f27/14/57/44/02/sun10.gif [/img]

I am still deliberating how to take our money, so I have a few questions. Is it easy to get money from a hole in the wall with a debit card and should I change my sterling for Euros in Symi or before I arrive?

[quote="Kalliopi"]

Well this time next week, we will be in Symi
[/quote]And I won't be far behind you!


Everyone has their own ideas about what's best but there's no problem using the ATMs on Symi.

I tend to take Euros from the UK and top up from an ATM if and when I need more.

Enjoy your holiday!

I do the same as Allan. Always like to have some euros before I go (need some for Rhodes anyway) and then get money out of one of the ATMs using my Halifax Clarity card as I get a better rate.

Not sure what to do when I go to Halki in September as had a letter from Olympic last week saying there's no longer an ATM on the island. Just as well I'm only going for a week and shouldn't need a lot of cash.

I've used ATMs on Symi for years, Kalliopi and never had a problem. Like Allan and Gemma I take some euros with me and top up as required on Symi.

Apart from the 3 ATMs on Symi, the one in the baggage reclaim area at Rhodes Airport is useful - if nothing else it gives you something to do while waiting for your luggage. Rhodes Town has lots of ATMs but with the ferries leaving from Kolonna and Akandia they aren't in especially convenient places for travellers.

There's an ATM just inside the old town walls across from Kolona. The loos are on the left (50 cents) and the ATM a bit further on the right. Not sure about Akandia.

yep ATMs for me too. i get my max out on each go though to make the fixed charges more cost effective

[quote="Gemma1"]

I do the same as Allan. Always like to have some euros before I go (need some for Rhodes anyway) and then get money out of one of the ATMs using my Halifax Clarity card as I get a better rate.

Not sure what to do when I go to Halki in September as had a letter from Olympic last week saying there's no longer an ATM on the island. Just as well I'm only going for a week and shouldn't need a lot of cash.
[/quote]
Lorks i got the same message Gemma. I tend to travel with euros so it wont bother me too much but handy to put the odd item on the old plastic but hopefully will still be able to do that. I front load my visa so incur next to nothing in charges.

I use a pre-paid currency card which doesn't have any fees for ATM withdrawals. Might suit some people - there's a comparison of them here:

We find the Caxton Card as recommended sometime ago on the SV site a very good way of carrying Euros as no fees for transactions and always a competitive exchange rate that can easily be loaded electronically before or during visits to Symi (iPad / iPhone and WiFi). It has all the convenience of a VISA card being accepted in shops and restaurants although we find that Symi prefers cash in most of the restaurants that we frequent. In fact had better go and load the card up as we set off for Manchester tomorrow for Wednesday morning flight - starting to get that Symi feeling !

Should have said that having some Euro coins is also very useful as on arrival in Rhodes it is now traditional to have the first chilled Mythos out of the vending machine whilst waiting for the baggage.

[quote="D and E"]

Should have said that having some Euro coins is also very useful as on arrival in Rhodes it is now traditional to have the first chilled Mythos out of the vending machine whilst waiting for the baggage.
[/quote]
Bang on D and E. Its like coming home to have that first chilled Mythos on Greek soil!!!

Will toast your health Snoopy - yamas

And will toast yours en route to Halki in September - yamas to you to

Sitting here in the new Olive Tree looking out over the sea towards Turkey. Just had a lovely breakfast.Ah,life is sweet.

The New Olive Tree!!!! Waht has Janine done to the old one - i loved it!

It hasn't changed for the worse Snoops. It's just moved a few metres down the lane to the old 'To Klima'/'Filos' place on the Kalistrata just below Georgios.

All the same Olive Tree things are still there; home cooking, yummy cakes, smoothies, internet access, magazines, books, toys(!).... But now there is a huge terrace overlooking the entrance to the harbour.

Lots of information and pictures on their website:

Phew - thanks for that Allan. It looks great. Been out of the loop so didn't notice the change of location. Look forward to my next visit and a smoothie with yummy something with it.

A (wobbly!) video...

Thanks for that Snapperjon. Just made me feel like jumping on a plane and taking my chances on accomodation just to get my smoothie fix from Janine!!!