I'm going to amsterdam next week and was wondering if I'd be able to withdraw cash there? My friend said you need to ring up your bank to let them know you will be going abroad so they don't block your cash withdrawal. I'm with HSBC.

Your friend is correct. Most banks will flag an out-of-country use of their card as a potentially fraudulent transaction, and lock your card unless they were informed in advance that you will be traveling.

Call from the telephone number they have on file to establish your identity.

Unless you TELL your Bank you are going to be in Amsterdam of COURSE you card will be declined when you try to use it there, and your Account will instantly be frozen!

Let's pretend you WEREN'T going abroad and you suddenly saw a withdrawal against your Account in another country....be absolutely honest, you'd be MAD AS HELL the Bank had "allowed that to happen", wouldn't you?!

Your friend is correct, let the bank know before you leave, my bank requires I re confirm every 60 days if it is an extended stay

Always let your Band know first.

You must let them know in the UK.