Beware of Greeks!

[towny44]

It will be an interesting next few weeks in the Eurozone whilst the new Greek Govt flexes it anti austerity muscles.
I wonder when the Germans will realise that trying to tie the rest of Europe to their stronger currency so they can maximise their export sales is a doomed policy. The Euro must unravel soon, it really is impossible to think it can last much longer.

[Boris+]

Beware of Greeks - yes, but I can't see that in their current financial straights they will come 'bearing gifts'!

They have run up a debt, and I really have no time for people who run up debts and then don't service them. This politician who has been elected seems to be saying he is going to re-negotiate the debt ......... I suppose that's Greekspeak for non-payment!

Em

[Silver_Shiney]

I never did understand that phrase "beware of Greeks bearing gifts". When you think about it, it wasn't the Greek who brought the Trojan Horse who caused the problem. It should really be "beware of gifts bearing Greeks"...

On a more serious note, though, this guy's posturing last week was that he would write off half the national debt. It's not for the borrower to write off debt, that's the province of the lender. However, now he's saying he'll try to renegotiate. I think the only wriggle-room left is for Greece to leave the Euro and reinstate the drachma - not that they've got any assets to back up the currency, or any money with which to print/mint the currency.

[Princess]

So, please any advise on when to buy our euors for the spring/summer?

[Boris+]

Well we never buy currency as such - we have pre-paid cards from Ice PLC, got them on-line, and they've been trustworthy etc and never let us down.

When we first got our Ice cards, both my husband and I were supplied with separate card (we applied for separate ones), and then we were each sent a spare one, so that we can have one (each) with us and have one back in the safe onboard. We can 'load' the cards on the internet securely when we are either at home or on board, and we've found that the rate of exchange is good.

So, we have £ Sterling denomination ones, and then if we are going to destinations which have different currencies we've got the £ as a base to work from (we've got currency conversion calculators on our mobiles). Then, if there's anything left on the card/s it can be used up when we get home for fuel etc for the journey home from the port/airport.

Hope that helps - we reckon it works out much less risk, easy to top-up when we are away instead of having to think/worry about changing money, the spare card each is a good 'fail-safe' (just ring them or go online and tell them if there's a problem).

Have a great time.

Em

[Kenmo1]

So, please any advise on when to buy our euors for the spring/summer?

I am interested to hear the best guess on this as we bought £100.85 worth of euros at 1.2890 on Saturday and received 130 euros. Not sure if that was a good or bad move but the alternative was to spend the money on yet another dress for the cruise in April and even I have to admit I have enough in the wardrobe. (Can't believe I have just said that - don't tell my husband ).

Maureen

[towny44]

So, please any advise on when to buy our euors for the spring/summer?

I am interested to hear the best guess on this as we bought £100.85 worth of euros at 1.2890 on Saturday and received 130 euros. Not sure if that was a good or bad move but the alternative was to spend the money on yet another dress for the cruise in April and even I have to admit I have enough in the wardrobe. (Can't believe I have just said that - don't tell my husband ).

Maureen

Current Eurochange click & collect rate is 1.3115, so you could have done a bit better Maureen, but where the rate for our April cruise will be in 2 months is anyones guess. I am going to hold on a bit longer but I could then end up getting a worse rate than you.
By the way my lips are sealed about your excess of posh frocks.

[Kenmo1]

You're a real gentleman, John.

Maureen

[Dark Knight]

one thought is that if Greece do leave the Euro, it will actually strengthen it, as Greece is dragging down the value
so you could see a stronger Euro and a lower exchange rate.
Perhaps Germany's attempt to control Europe via it's currency isn't quite the solution they thought it would be ?

[Silver_Shiney]

I wouldn't be too surprised if, despite the posturing, Germany abandons the Euro in the not too distant future.

[Manoverboard]

To improve the situation for the Greeks will this new left winger chap strive to resurrect his Country's claim for the best part of a $4 billion unpaid war debt as owed to the Greeks by the Germans ... allegedly ?