Cheap Travel Money Discussion Area

jools39

jnm21 wrote: »

Not for the Anywhere (Sterling card).

Re the FairFX card and ATMs

In the card FAQs...

The Euro and Dollar FairFX Currency cards can be used anywhere in the world or to spend in any currency wherever there is a MasterCard® acceptance mark, including shops, restaurants, online or on the telephone. If you were to use the cards in a country where Euros or Dollars are not the local currency, the exchange rate would be the wholesale MasterCard® market rate. FairFX do not take any further commissions or fees when you do this. Accordingly, the FairFX Currency cards represent fantastic value for use in any currency. If you are withdrawing currency at an ATM the standard FairFX fees apply (€1.50, $2.00), some ATM providers charge for using their cash points however they normally inform you of this before you make a withdrawal.

It says here there is a €1.50 charge when using an ATM ? If this is correct would it not make the Caxton one with no ATM fee better value?

Kahh

I have got several thousand euros to exchange to gbp as I no longer have a foreign bank - where is the best place to exchange them for the best rate for cash? Or should I keep them for future use in Europe.

zeke

Off to Turkey next Saturday 21st (long overdue break!) and wish to order some liras. Ran my details through the maximiser and Best Foreign Exchange came out top. Can't say as I've ever heard of them, can anyone please advise whether they are reputable/ reliable/ prompt etc? I'm looking for delivery to home, around £1600. Don't want to go down the route of taking one of these use abroad cards, they confuse the hell out of me, and time's running short. Thanks in anticipation.

jnm21

jools39 wrote: »

Re the FairFX card and ATMs

In the card FAQs...

The Euro and Dollar FairFX Currency cards can be used anywhere in the world or to spend in any currency wherever there is a MasterCard® acceptance mark, including shops, restaurants, online or on the telephone. If you were to use the cards in a country where Euros or Dollars are not the local currency, the exchange rate would be the wholesale MasterCard® market rate. FairFX do not take any further commissions or fees when you do this. Accordingly, the FairFX Currency cards represent fantastic value for use in any currency. If you are withdrawing currency at an ATM the standard FairFX fees apply (€1.50, $2.00), some ATM providers charge for using their cash points however they normally inform you of this before you make a withdrawal.

It says here there is a €1.50 charge when using an ATM ? If this is correct would it not make the Caxton one with no ATM fee better value?

It is not easy to find: http://www.fairfx.com/cardselection#anywherecard: "A 1.5% charge is made on all usage, ATM or point of sale, using the FairFX Anywhere Card, in the UK, on the internet, or abroad - Anywhere!. There is no additional ATM fee*."

missile

katieparkes wrote: »

Now nationwide have upped their rates for spending abroad what is now the best debit card to spend abroad as i am going travelling in october and was hoping on relying on a debit card!?

thank you

Nationwide Flea account debit card is still free to use in EU until November

dzug1

jools39 wrote: »

It says here there is a €1.50 charge when using an ATM ? If this is correct would it not make the Caxton one with no ATM fee better value?

Caxton have a small loading on the exchange rate - so the answer depends which is higher, the loading or the fee - and the answer to that depends on how much you are taking out.

iblametheparents

zeke wrote: »

Off to Turkey next Saturday 21st (long overdue break!) and wish to order some liras. Ran my details through the maximiser and Best Foreign Exchange came out top. Can't say as I've ever heard of them, can anyone please advise whether they are reputable/ reliable/ prompt etc? I'm looking for delivery to home, around £1600. Don't want to go down the route of taking one of these use abroad cards, they confuse the hell out of me, and time's running short. Thanks in anticipation.

Don't take that much cash to Turkey! Why don't you take a little Lira and, if you haven't got enough time to get a prepaid card, get some Sterling Traveller's Cheques - most places charge 1-1.5% commission and these can be exchanged in supermarkets and bars the resort for a very good rate. Some bars/supermarkets in Icmeler are currently offering 2.35. If you lose the Traveller's Cheques or if they are stolen at least they can be replaced.

iblametheparents

jnm21 wrote: »

A very good spot (seems that their T&C do indeed suggest what you are saying), but I would email them to confirm - I can see it being like paying GBP on a UK debit card in the UK & still getting charged (when you are paying for currency on the 'cards from hell').

Yes you are abroad, but if you are drawing GBP I honestly reckon they will charge the UK ATM fee (with no grounds based on their T&C).

Also would the Turkish ATM charge a fee to dispense GBP?

Most ATMs don't charge, I normally use a HSBC one when I'm there which I know definitely doesn't charge.

I emailed Caxton and got the following reply:

"Yes you will still be charged the 2.5% as the ATM may dispense Pounds Sterling but electronically the transaction will be processed in the local currency; Turkish Lira."

So, it won't work unfortunately. Fairfx Anywhere card it is then!

However I've just looked on the Icmeler online forum and someone is saying they have spoke to Caxton on the phone and they've said there are no charges for withdrawing Sterling in Turkey on their Global Traveller Card. I may get one and just put £20 to see if it works.

zeke

iblametheparents wrote: »

Don't take that much cash to Turkey! Why don't you take a little Lira and, if you haven't got enough time to get a prepaid card, get some Sterling Traveller's Cheques - most places charge 1-1.5% commission and these can be exchanged in supermarkets and bars the resort for a very good rate. Some bars/supermarkets in Icmeler are currently offering 2.35. If you lose the Traveller's Cheques or if they are stolen at least they can be replaced.

Thanks for the response but I am happy to take the cash, my question is whether BTE are reputable/ reliable for the exchange.

iblametheparents

zeke wrote: »

Thanks for the response but I am happy to take the cash, my question is whether BTE are reputable/ reliable for the exchange.

You know you can normally get better deals when buying stuff in Turkey if you pay in Sterling too.. they seem to like it more than Liras.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2636905