I am currently residing in the UK, but intend to go traveling for sometime in the very near future. I am looking for the best option for an international bank that will be provide the best services for this situation. I intend to start by traveling within Europe and then go further afield. A debit card would be useful and I would prefer that there are no charges for withdrawing my money from ATMs whilst overseas. Any ideas?

They are not an international bank but Nationwide don't charge for something while you're abroad. If I was in your position subject to detailed inspection I would plump for HSBC.

thanks, was wondering if a foreign bank i.e. a german bank such as comerzbank or swiss such as Citibank would be more suitable for this sort of thing?

Actually Citibank are american oops

Nationwide is a perfect solution for this situation. They offer a FlexAccount + Visa debit card, which can be used for purchases and money withdrawals abroad without you being charged a penny. I have found its exchange rate to be great. While travelling around Europe a few weeks ago the pound/Euro exchange rate was the best available at that time, and if I had to exchange my pounds to Euros in the UK, the rate would have been significantly lower than using a card abroad.

thank you, very helpful

all the banks/ card companies give dreadful rates compared to currency exchange companies

if you intend to spend a lot of time in the eurozone your best bet is to open an account there , bulk transfer to that in euro's , have a debit card on your euro account ; it is illegal for them to make a charge for withdrawing cash in any eurozone country

The best account depends on where you are going but if you plan to travel mostly in Europe then a bank account dealing in Euros is might be the best option. You will probably out of the country that you take the account out in for a lot of the time so it will be good to be able to access your account online. Online banking allows you to monitor your funds which might be difficult from just an ATM in another country.

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We live in a consumer generation, but we also have to work in it.

Citibank.....you can have current account and a savings account in sterling and in euros (and dollars).....and then a debit card in euros.

Keep your money in a sterling account, transfer it to your euro account online when you need it and then draw it from an ATM for free.....

Good exchange rate and good interest on savings......

PS No! I don't work for them! just a happy customer....