Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Having ranted last week about Creditwest Bank’s apparent lack of customer service, it turns out that once Figen Kaymak, Catalköy manager, had returned from holiday, things got markedly better. She said that Vakif Bank in Turkey was in error in not informing them of recipient change of details. Then the problem was compounded by the fact that Barclays Bank in the UK seemed incapable of tracking the money and it took Figen to inform them via an MT103 Swift message,
Anyone reading this quote MT103 to your bank in future because it definitely worked and we got the money back within 48 hours. Minus charges of around £70, but that’s from Vakif and Barclays and that’s another story which we will try to deal with but I doubt we’ll be successful. There are no charges from Creditwest.
Scarily, Figen reckons that 80% of banks in the UK don’t know how to come up with a Swift code, in fact they don’t know what it is, let alone that it’s called an MT103. Thanks to Figen now we all know.

I agree with the above, but on a different subject. The long legged Ukrainian, or what ever she was, has gone, thankfully. There were times when I could have cheerfully slapped her. "Yes" didn't seem to be in her vocabulary. Yesterday, went in and asked if interest could be increased. Yes of course was the reply from the new lady. Job done in 10 min. What a difference.

Interest from what to what?

I could be heading to Credit West! I went to draw some money from Iktisat Bank in Girne 'High Street'. Pressed the 'English Speaking' button and received my ticket number and noticed it was a 4 figure number when all the counters were showing 3 figure numbers. I waited and waited while all about me were being served as their 3 figure numbers came up. About 40 minutes later, just before closing time, when there were very few customers remaining, I was called up to the desk where a girl with limited English attempted to serve me. With help from a senior person, I eventually got my cash.

Now I do not expect preferential treatment, but nor do I expect to be put to the back of the queue. What a change from the heady days a few years ago when there were 3 dedicated 'English Speaking' ladies (Ba Ha, Natalie and Yilsen). I am now seriously considering taking my custom elsewhere.

How difficult is it to move your money to a different bank?

divesup, I would have thought that was self explanatory. Emphasis on the word increased. If you want exact interest increases then you most go in and discuss your personal circumstances.

I think you will find Elenara is still there, I know what you mean she is great with the men but seems to ignore any female customers.

Oh Bum. If Elenara is still there, I'm with your wife garryco. Anyone who knows me personally will agree wholeheartedly that "shrinking violet" is not a description I recognize personally. I find doing business with C.W is usually fine (the occasional hiccup of course) but that woman definitely didn't "make my day"

Sorry Sophie, I was curious as to the interest rate offered. I HAD BEEN IN LAST WEEK AND NEGOTIATED AN INTEREST RATE FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR. Just curious as to the rates offered to other people. Are they getting a better rate?
It's divesups.

Given the massive decline in the tl over past eight years.

I think interest rates below 30% are simply damage limitation.
I guess many are hoping for a turnaround in Turkey soon.
Somehow I fear this is some years away.

Inflation has gripped the TRNC and I expect almost a monthly rise in the cost of living if your in tl.

If you've got sterling coming in then trade £ on a short term basis.
tl is far to risky right now.

garryco wrote:Seems CW openly admit (via Elenara...it's her again) that they do not offer the best rates around,l am currently getting 13 from 2 differentbanks,very happy with that.

Which banks are giving 13% please Garryco?

Jonnie wrote:

garryco wrote:Seems CW openly admit (via Elenara...it's her again) that they do not offer the best rates around,l am currently getting 13 from 2 differentbanks,very happy with that.

Which banks are giving 13% please Garryco?

Try Capital. TL for the right amount and length of investment.