As you cannot take the cash with you, then Yes, Nationwide will still be the best bet as their Visa Charges are going to be 1% as opposed to 2.75% foreign currency fee plus a cash withdrawal charge that most other banks impose.

Abbey had a Zero card with no charges for foreign purchases and Post Office also had a card with Zero fees but I am not sure if their Currency Exchange rate is as good as the Nationwide's.

I am going to Australia in August for 2 months and will need to be able to use cash from payments made into my bank during that period, i.e. cannot take 2 months worth of cash with me. I have a Nationwide Flex Account into which I have transferred a sum each month in the past when I have done something similar. I have 2 Nationwide cards:both Visa Debit and Credit as well as my normal Natwest cards. Is the Nationwide still best all round for Australia this year? Thank you.