high cirrus costs

hi all, i'm currently away traveling for a year.

currently in south africa.

every time i use my bank card i get really stung, ie: when i take out 160 i get charged 5.50.

this will really add up over the year.... does anyone have any advice?

do you think my bank would entertain a better rate... seeing as i'm gone so long

There are lots of existing threads on the cheapest/best way to access cash abroad that would be worth seeking out. The bank will almost certainly not negotiate Cirrus charges on an individual basis.