Cheap Travel Money Discussion Area

therewasatime

I'm going to Amsterdam in December and need to pay for hotel etc in Euros. It would be nice to be able to get cash out of ATMs over there too. I want to spread the cost out over the next few months and wondered if it's cheapest in the long run to get a pre-paid card and build up the balance, or if there are better rates if I convert it into cash.

I'll most likely pay the hotel on the card (unless it's cheaper to get the cash out of the ATM of course!) and take cash out while I am there.

I understand there are risks to keeping money on a pre-paid card, but there's also risks to keeping cash!

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks.

funkeii

Hi there

Thanks for the great posts and contibutions so far....

We are going to the US doing a trip: LAS VEGAS, SAN FRANCISCO, WEST COAST - L.A - 13 nights total on 30th August 2012.

We need to pay for hotels when we get there, car hire, petrol, excursions, food, etc

What do you think is the best option for us???

We plan on taking altogether £3000 to cover things - but we are just not sure which cards to get? and whether or not to get cash too??

Any advice much appreciated....

Kath

KTF

Assuming your credit rating is OK, etc...

Why not open up a savings account in the UK as a 'holiday fund' fund and pay into that over the next few months.

Then apply for a Halifax Clarity card and use it in Amsterdam to get cash out of ATM, pay for the hotel, etc.

Then use the money you have been saving up in the savings account to pay off the bill when you get back?

Edit: Also applies to the question above as well I guess.

blighty09

Hi all
Off travelling soon for 5 months and contemplating which CC is the best to use whilst abroad. I currently bank with LLoyds and their charges are sky high, so looking for an alternative. I'll be withdrawing money regularly, rather than carrying huge wads of cash. I have considered the 'Halifax Clarity' card with O% on commission rates and free cash withdrawals. Does anyone have experience using this card abroad or something similar?
Thanks

KTF

Yes, I have been using the Clarity card since it was introduced in both Europe and North America with no problems at all.

1trainer1

Does anyone know how long ICE take to deliver? I want to order but need the money by Monday and was wondering if i Order today will I get it by Monday?

miss_corerupted

Hi i'm going to Rhodes in a month, i'm wondering what is the best way to spend money there card or cash? a mix of both maybe.

I have saved some money already so I don't need a credit card, but if that's the best way to spend should i still get one?

Thanks

John_Pierpoint

There is just a chance that the Euro fuss will kick off again while you are there.
This could then result in plastic not working in ATM's.
Personally I would have a wad of folding Euro as well as plastic.
As I also have a wad of USD & GBP I would take these too just in case.

KTF

Nice try. Nearly took the bait as well...

callum9999

John_Pierpoint wrote: »

There is just a chance that the Euro fuss will kick off again while you are there.
This could then result in plastic not working in ATM's.
Personally I would have a wad of folding Euro as well as plastic.
As I also have a wad of USD & GBP I would take these too just in case.

Kick off again.... Cards have never stopped working in Greek ATMs, nor are they at all likely to...