Pre-Paid Dollar Cards.

[Just-Pete]

Anybody use these when abroad? I usually take all my money in cash, and then keep it in the safe, and take a bit a day. But my friends are telling me off about that. So Just wanted to know if anyone else uses them or has ever hand any problems with them??

Cheers,

 

[a_hobden]

I use the fx card, great rates and had been accepted everywhere so far

www.fairfx.com

 

[2Tiggies]

I also use the FairFX. Although I do take credit cards as well and use the Post Office fee free mastercard for most of our expenses. Been using FairFX since 2010 and very happy with it. I use it for some online purchases in US$ between trips as well which is quite convenient.

Just remember not to use it as a hold card for a rental car or hotel as it is not a credit card and they will put a hold on your funds, meaning depending how much you have loaded onto the card, you might not have access to your cash for a while.

Thomas Cook and some others also do a travel money card, as does the Post Office. The rates are slightly lower than FairFX but they work just the same. However, beware of inactivity fees if you aren't going to be using it for a while between trips. ALways read the fine print because it may be to your advantage to close it when you return and just get a new one for the next trip if you aren't going to the USA within a year

EDIT: Sorry OP, just seen your ticker and realized you don't really have time to apply for a FairFX

 

[Just-Pete]

I also use the FairFX. Although I do take credit cards as well and use the Post Office fee free mastercard for most of our expenses. Been using FairFX since 2010 and very happy with it. I use it for some online purchases in US$ between trips as well which is quite convenient.

Just remember not to use it as a hold card for a rental car or hotel as it is not a credit card and they will put a hold on your funds, meaning depending how much you have loaded onto the card, you might not have access to your cash for a while.

Thomas Cook and some others also do a travel money card, as does the Post Office. The rates are slightly lower than FairFX but they work just the same. However, beware of inactivity fees if you aren't going to be using it for a while between trips. ALways read the fine print because it may be to your advantage to close it when you return and just get a new one for the next trip if you aren't going to the USA within a year

EDIT: Sorry OP, just seen your ticker and realized you don't really have time to apply for a FairFX

Oh-uh!! FairFx is the one I had ended up ordering!!! This could be bad!

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh-uh!! FairFx is the one I had ended up ordering!!! This could be bad!

Oh have you done it already? Don't worry, just give them a call. Or drop them a line on their facebook page (they monitor it and respond pretty well). They may be able to express it out to you. It is likely it will be with you in 7 days but just for peace of mind, I'd contact them. Sorry to make you panic

 

[Just-Pete]

Okay I'm sure it's fine. I did it this morning, and now I'm apparently waiting for an email to confirm it's been processed.

I think I'll go ahead and contact them though! Thanks for the advice!

 

[peajay18]

We've used a MyTravelCash card on our last two holidays and will use it again next year.
We've been very happy with it, and the ease of use is great.

 

[Just-Pete]

We've used a MyTravelCash card on our last two holidays and will use it again next year.
We've been very happy with it, and the ease of use is great.

Yes I tried them first actually, but I just couldn't get the order to go through on their website for some reason?

 

[Nicnic]

I've just got the Halifax Clarity credit card, no purchase fee and no ATM withdrawal fee.
Never used a CC for all our purchases before, we usually just take cash and TQ's. Think TQ's are on the way out!
We will take some cash as the CC is only in DH name, this will be the first year he is in control of the money!!!
I was looking at the fairfx card but didn't want to be left with $$ left over so settled on the Halifax and will pay it off when we get back, hope it was the right choice!

 

[2Tiggies]

Nicnic, I use a combination of cash (don't take too much as I generally don't carry cash with me at all), FairFX card and Post Office Credit Card. If I see the rate is particularly good at any time I go buy multiple Disney gift cards for between $100 and $200. It works for me as I don't have to carry photo ID with to pay with a card when out. It's only if you are purchasing offsite that you can't do this. It's worked great for me. I started doing it for DD with $50 cards because I figured I could live with a $50 card getting lost, albeit not very nice, but rather that than all her money! We just check what the balance is at the end of the evening and throw in another one or two as appropriate, for the next day. They make great keepsakes too so we try collect a variety of designs

 

[ninamouse]

I've just got the Halifax Clarity credit card, no purchase fee and no ATM withdrawal fee.
Never used a CC for all our purchases before, we usually just take cash and TQ's. Think TQ's are on the way out!
We will take some cash as the CC is only in DH name, this will be the first year he is in control of the money!!!
I was looking at the fairfx card but didn't want to be left with $$ left over so settled on the Halifax and will pay it off when we get back, hope it was the right choice!

I've done the same as you Nicnic and for the same reasons.

I will load up the card and will pay it off with the money I have saved up when I get back.

I will also be taking a little cash out with us. I just now need to decide when to change up to dollars as the dollar rate is looking good and I don't know whether to wait and see if it goes up any more!