Cheap Travel Money Discussion Area

NiftyDigits

jayu619 wrote: »

Hi all, was just hoping someone could help me with my current situation.
My younger brother (17 years) will be travelling to the USA for 20 days (2nd July - 21st July), and I was looking for him to take a prepaid card since he prefers not to carry too many notes on him.

After some extensive reading and heaps of confusion at rates and fees etc, I've found that the favoured prepaid cards to use are FairFX, Kalixa, ICE and Caxton?
I already use and have Fairfx, and use it due to work sending me around Europe (I think I have the "Anywhere" card), but they require any additional users to be 18 and over, so it would be fair to rule that out.

I was just wondering, for the USA, since he will be buying things at American stores etc, and paying by card, which provider would be best to stick with? Which would be cheapest to load fees on? I was looking to put on about $500 when he leaves, and top it up should he need any more via online, but don't know who charges the least rate for transactions, loading fees, ATM fees etc. He'll take about $300 in notes with him, so ATMs would only be used in emergencies.

Thank you very much in advance

If fewer and large withdrawals and more purchases, Kalixa purchased using their promo code. All round usage, ICE GBP.
Don't bother with foreign currency cards unless rates are fluctuating wildly.

jayu619

NiftyDigits wrote: »

If fewer and large withdrawals and more purchases, Kalixa purchased using their promo code. All round usage, ICE GBP.
Don't bother with foreign currency cards unless rates are fluctuating wildly.

Thank you very much for your answer Nifty

So it would be fair to say that Kalixa is only worse off against ICE in terms of ATM usage?

I've tried to find the fees for both, and can see that loading via Credit Card (what I will use) with Kalixa is at 1.75%, any chance ICE is worse/better than that?
Which of the two is also better in terms of buyback in terms of unused USD currency?
Thanks

headgirl49

Thank you Nifty. So Nifty your advice for a prepaid card is iCE Travellers?

NiftyDigits

headgirl49 wrote: »

Thank you Nifty. So Nifty your advice for a prepaid card is iCE Travellers?

International GBP £ Travellers Cashcard https://www.iceplc.com/prepaid-currency-card/pound-card.html So that you don't get confused, click the link for the exact card that you should order. Don't top with a credit card.

NiftyDigits

jayu619 wrote: »

Thank you very much for your answer Nifty

So it would be fair to say that Kalixa is only worse off against ICE in terms of ATM usage?

I've tried to find the fees for both, and can see that loading via Credit Card (what I will use) with Kalixa is at 1.75%, any chance ICE is worse/better than that?
Which of the two is also better in terms of buyback in terms of unused USD currency?
Thanks

Who mentioned US$? I also didn't write that you would be worse off at the ATM with Kalixa. You really need to learn to pay more attention to avoid making silly mistakes.
ICE charge 1.5% for CC top ups, but why would you choose to top up with a CC anyway?

In short, total charges for ICE are 1.85% of any transaction. Kalixa 0% for purchases and variable for withdrawals, dependent on the amount, but as little as 0.75%.

For the mainly purchasing usage described, Kalixa should be your choice. Promo code is in your Inbox. No need to reply to the PM.

pootleflump

Arrghh, I need dollars for going to Disneyworld in a week. Had planned to get one of the those pre-paid cards but didn't realise I had to give it a week to 10 days for delivery- just expected to get it within a couple of days. (This was for FairFx, are any others quicker?)

Is my only option left to get cash/travellers cheques?

dzug1

Certainly with some issuers you can order a prepaid card to pick up at the airport next day

pootleflump

Thank you Dzug1- had another look and found Travelex does a short notice one.

headgirl49

nifty in your opinion whats the best option now..currency in euros?..or prepaid euros on a currency card?id prefer a cashback and no atm prepaid card..is ice really the best? also can that £ travellers card be used in spain? if so does the exchange rate work out good?

NiftyDigits

headgirl49 wrote: »

nifty in your opinion whats the best option now..currency in euros?..or prepaid euros on a currency card?id prefer a cashback and no atm prepaid card..is ice really the best? also can that £ travellers card be used in spain? if so does the exchange rate work out good?

I'm sorry, but you are just becoming annoying now. I have already informed you unambiguously as to what was the best option and best value for your circumstances.