Travel Money Card or Prepaid Currency Card?

[tashadreamz]

Hi guys,

I was just wondering if anyone has used a Travel Money card or Prepaid Currency Card on their trip before?

I'm a bit wary of taking my credit card because of the high charges. And i don't feel confident taking alot of cash (euros).

Does anyone know if Disneyland Paris shops and restaurants accept this? And how does the card actually work?

Can anyone give insight into this?

Thanks!

[A Small World]

We us the Post office money card - you add Euros to it before you go as much as you want at a time and then use it like a debit card

Its really good - theres no exchange rate on it or costs. It can also be used to get money from ATMs but there is a charge for this. All the shops and restaurants in DLP accept it and we have also used it in the supermarket at Val d 'Europe, in Paris and other places in France

[buttercup1982]

We also used one of these cards but ours was from Thomsons the travel agents. You can set up an online account too so you can see how much you've spent easily an I think you can add more funds on it?:confused3 Sorry DH sorted it! :goodvibes

[tashadreamz]

We us the Post office money card - you add Euros to it before you go as much as you want at a time and then use it like a debit card

Its really good - theres no exchange rate on it or costs. It can also be used to get money from ATMs but there is a charge for this. All the shops and restaurants in DLP accept it and we have also used it in the supermarket at Val d 'Europe, in Paris and other places in France

Oh thanks! That's really helpful, I was a bit wary because I've never considered a prepaid money card. What happens if you don't use all the money on the card, is there a charge to convert it back to £ or cashback?

And have you tried Travelex prepaid card?

[A Small World]

Oh thanks! That's really helpful, I was a bit wary because I've never considered a prepaid money card. What happens if you don't use all the money on the card, is there a charge to convert it back to £ or cashback?

And have you tried Travelex prepaid card?

We've always just left the money on ready for next time

[lilacgems23]

on Thomson website says they charge you 3% for overseas transactions

[lilacgems23]

I got a fairfx card www.fairfx.com and if go via quidco you get £7.50 cashback too


Their exchange rate is curretnly 1.1225 for their card

Post office card is 1.1057

[tashadreamz]

Thanks for the info guys. I will have a look into the options. I've not been keeping an eye on the exchange rates lately but is the pound still very weak?

My trip is in Dec so I don't think I'm in a rush to buy the prepaid card yet.

[anna42hmr]

Thanks for the info guys. I will have a look into the options. I've not been keeping an eye on the exchange rates lately but is the pound still very weak?

My trip is in Dec so I don't think I'm in a rush to buy the prepaid card yet.

you are aware some credit cards do not charge for using them abroad (unless withdrawing cash) these are Santander Zero (formally abbey zero) post office credit card and nation wide credit card (thouhh nationwide doesnt charge for europe only, out of europe there is a 1% fee)

also if you have a nationwide current account with cash card or debit card, they dont charge for either purchases of cash withdrawals

i have all 3 of the above credit cards (santander, nationwide and post office) and are great for avoiding charges abroad. be aware though if you apply for the santander one dont leave it too late as they take ages to process, on the other hand i had the post office credit card in under a week of application!

[tashadreamz]

you are aware some credit cards do not charge for using them abroad (unless withdrawing cash) these are Santander Zero (formally abbey zero) post office credit card and nation wide credit card (thouhh nationwide doesnt charge for europe only, out of europe there is a 1% fee)

also if you have a nationwide current account with cash card or debit card, they dont charge for either purchases of cash withdrawals

i have all 3 of the above credit cards (santander, nationwide and post office) and are great for avoiding charges abroad. be aware though if you apply for the santander one dont leave it too late as they take ages to process, on the other hand i had the post office credit card in under a week of application!

Hi Anna,

Thanks for the additional info! The post office credit card, so they don't charge for Euro transactions on the card? What about exchange rate? Is it usually quite a competitive rate when you make a purchase? I've never really used a credit card abroad so not too sure on the process. And also is there a limit on the card?

Thanks!

[tennisfan]

Hi Anna,

Thanks for the additional info! The post office credit card, so they don't charge for Euro transactions on the card? What about exchange rate? Is it usually quite a competitive rate when you make a purchase? I've never really used a credit card abroad so not too sure on the process. And also is there a limit on the card?

Thanks!

The exchange rate varies day to day of use. I do know that Nationwide get the business rate rather then tourist so that is better. You won't be charged for transactions. The limit is indivdual to the person who is applying as its based on their credit history

[tashadreamz]

The exchange rate varies day to day of use. I do know that Nationwide get the business rate rather then tourist so that is better. You won't be charged for transactions. The limit is indivdual to the person who is applying as its based on their credit history

Thanks for the info :thumbsup2 I'm still thinking which is my best option. I already have 2 credit cards and don't really want to be applying for another (too much hassle). But the prepaid card seems to contain hidden fees, like if you don't use it you get charged? The only thing about taking cash is that I don't want to trudge around with a lot of money or leave it behind in the hotel hmm...

[tennisfan]

Thanks for the info :thumbsup2 I'm still thinking which is my best option. I already have 2 credit cards and don't really want to be applying for another (too much hassle). But the prepaid card seems to contain hidden fees, like if you don't use it you get charged? The only thing about taking cash is that I don't want to trudge around with a lot of money or leave it behind in the hotel hmm...

What hotel you staying in, if it has an in room safe you could alsway leave some cash in it?

[tashadreamz]

What hotel you staying in, if it has an in room safe you could alsway leave some cash in it?

I'm staying in HNY. I think they provide a safe?

[anna42hmr]

Hi Anna,

Thanks for the additional info! The post office credit card, so they don't charge for Euro transactions on the card? What about exchange rate? Is it usually quite a competitive rate when you make a purchase? I've never really used a credit card abroad so not too sure on the process. And also is there a limit on the card?

Thanks!

hi no they dont charge for euro transactions, i have used all 3 in france, and the rates varyeach day depending on the rate, they use either the mastercard/visa card buisiness rate and has always been better than the cash exchange rate that you get as a tourist,

there is no hidden charges on the nationwide or post office card when spending in europe, the only thing with the santander credit card is they have a £10 dormancy fee that they charge if the credit card is not use for 6 months.

i went with c/cards and a friend went with one of the money cards and we found i got a slighly better rate on the credit card, as for having 2 cards, the national average is 5 so as long as you are under that and have a good credit history you should be fine

i found that i got the better rates with post office credit card when i used that and another card on the same day, wether thats because its ran by the bank of ireland and therefore they trade in euros there any way i dont know


i would recommend every one read this site http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

its from martin lewis (the tv money expert) and gives you best pre-paid cards and best credit cards to use abroad and the pros and cons etc its really useful

[tennisfan]

I'm staying in HNY. I think they provide a safe?

Yes they do have room safes, so that could be an option too:thumbsup2

[lilacgems23]

accoring to moneysavingexpert the best prepaid card is FairFx.com

dont forget quidco (or similar)