If you are in the UK the best option is to open an account with Nationwide. I bank with them and I have no bank charges - whatever I withdraw over here I only pay the exchange rate - no charges. Same when I use my credit card - only pay exchange rate and no additional charges for using it abroad. Plus with online banking you can keep track of it all very easily! I promise I don't work for them or anything - they really have made my life easy whilst working abroad!