Yes Oktata,as you say let your banks know that you are travelling abroad, I always do mine. The bank I draw from when I am abroad do state that you don't have to let them know, but under the circumstances stated in this thread, I think it is just as well to do so.

Also be aware that one ATM may reject it another accept it.
A few weeks ago went to ATM - think it was Bank of Baroda - and the machine told me my card was not acceptable. As we have 2 cards used the other one and was going to ring Nationwide but forgot about it. When we went to ICICI put my card in without thinking about it and it was accepted.

I phoned Nationwide when I had problems a few weeks ago and they told me it was nothing to do with them and they do not block foreign use (indeed it used to be a selling point for them).

AndyD 8-)#

We had problems with the Nationwide card for the first time this trip but a phone call to their customer service department soon sorted it out. Now they are aware of the duration of our trip and have said it will be fine for the time we are here.

We also had a problem with Nat West a trip or two ago and they said that the blocking is done by some sort of security software that does it automatically and that telling them in advance that we would be in India would not have made any difference. The phone call sorted it out though.

To All Nationwide Users

Please be aware that you need to inform them again after 3 months, if staying longer.

In all the years I have had a Nationwide card I have never informed them where I am and use it in maybe 5/6 different countries each year.

that is not what they told me - they were quite clear that they do not block foreign use.
I was told locally thet the problem is with the Link network.

AndyD 8-)#

Just advised Nationwide will in Goa, please read reply.
.

We don’t need notifying you’re travelling abroad There’s no need to tell us when you're travelling abroad. Our Special Investigations department constantly monitor card use and spending patte.

Hi Noni

Yes, that is what Nationwide state, ie you don't need to notify them when travelling abroad, but after hearing from my friends who also have Nationwide accounts and only this year could not draw from the ATM's in Goa, I decided I would speak personally to the Special Investigation Dept. They assured me that my account would not be block, but I would have to ring again in 3 months, to make sure my account isn't blocked after that period!

So far I have been able to get money out using my Nationwide Account.

tried Axis Bank and SBI this morning and was refused.
I don't think this is anything to do with Nationwide, I suspect that any foreign card would fail. I think it is a computer/network failure in the Link network.

AndyD 8-)#

Is it possible to go inside the bank to obtain money with your cards?

Getting really despondent with Nationwide - last time I was in Goa they put somebody elses money into my account, i did not know anything about this until a correction statement came. To-day I have had another correction statement saying that they last week credited a cheque twice - instead of cheque and cash - am thinking of taking my money out of there, seem very inefficient = especially with what you are all saying that you cannot obtain cash when you need it. Are other cards having the same problem.

like I said haven't tried going into the bank (they weren't open this morning when I tried) but if the Link network is down they won't be able to verify your card either.

AndyD 8-)#

Hi Noni

Have only drawn from ATM twice since we've been here, as of yet not had a problem. Will try to draw aghain tonight to see if we can still obtain money, will let you know the outcome asap.

Regards

Axis Bank Candolim - no problem tonight, Nationwide Visa.

AndyD 8-)#

P.S. Last month a number of Indian Banks reported ATM problems due to more people withdrawing more money.
Anwer: Put in more money - NO
Reduce max. withdrawal - YES

I offer no comment!

AndyD