The Boat to Estonia

..or Chip and Pin as this post should be called. I have to speak of banks again. Attempting to get Euros at the ferry terminal was when I knew for sure that I am screwed. The cashier regrettably told me that my card was declined, as were they all! Every card I have and I have 6. Starting a side trip sitting on the life vest box on the deck of a ferry phoning you UK bank is pants. It only gets worse when you are talking to the blood suckers call centre operative, as nice welsh girl who knows nothing about travelling with bank cards.

"The problem Mr Winterburn, and thank you for your patience (on hold for ten minutes and at international roaming charge rates)". "You are welcome. It's paper thin though I have to tell you". "The problem Mr Winterburn is a Finnish one. Their card readers cant't read Lloyd's chip and pins. It will be fine when you leave Finland". So basically according to the bank the whole of the EU nation of Finland is incompatible with their chip and pins, but it is clearly a Finnish problem. "Does that answer you query Mr Winterburn". "Not exactly. Lets do it another way. You have my money. I need my money. Finnish petrol stations are automatic requiring chip and pin. here is the question. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET ME HOME???? The query gets escalated so that I can be told by someone more senior that I am indeed screwed.

With blood pressure close to blowing my head off someone finally mentioned that my cards will work in a bank ATM. I hang up promising to stay in touch as I may be don't travel. Yep the ATM is happy. So I empty the sucker!

Question to self: What are the chances of cards being rejected? Moderate. What are charges for using cards internationally compared to currency exchange charges? High. What are the chances of getting mugged. Close to zero. The conclusion seems to be a return to cash transactions is sensible. It also provides the satisfaction of depriving the banks of revenue to give to their fat cats in bonus handouts. We are not "all in this together".

I have a similar suggestion for an inventive alternative to another bank product. Savings accounts with next to no interest? Stick cash under your bed!

I join Aki and Eva to settle into the day trip to Tallinn. The guy put a beer in my hand. Good call mate. I'm a grumpy old git. Ta.