Cheap Travel Money Discussion Area

CountryGoose

Chippy wrote: »

Thanks for that...just one thing I'm still unsure about...am I right in thinking she will need the FairFX card in sterling for use in Australia? If so how will she know what rate she is getting?

Sterling is the way to go. She will get the Mastercard rate on the day of the transaction. This is not far from the interbank rate. On that, she will pay 1.5% commission. However - this is a backup, if the Clarity stops working, etc.

Chippy

CountryGoose wrote: »

Sterling is the way to go. She will get the Mastercard rate on the day of the transaction. This is not far from the interbank rate. On that, she will pay 1.5% commission. However - this is a backup, if the Clarity stops working, etc.

Many thanks County Goose...Yes for the 1st time in her life I will be encouraging her to use a Credit Card but she is very sensible so I'm sure she won't get carried away with it. I just want to make sure she has suitable back ups as she will be travelling around for a year on her own and it seems that money/valuables etc often go missing.

ticketcollector

Hi
Am going to travel to Amsterdam next week.

I am wondering what is the best way to spend abroad.
I have a metro bank mastercard debit, and they claim (the bank) that I wont pay any fees on purchases or cash withdrawals.
I am a bit skeptical on that.

So should I go to my local currency change place (it used to be top on mse money maximiser (thomas global exchange)) and get eruo.
Use somewhere else and get euros.

I wont be using my smile / LTSB debit cards. urrghh.

CountryGoose

ticketcollector wrote: »

Hi
Am going to travel to Amsterdam next week.

I am wondering what is the best way to spend abroad.
I have a metro bank mastercard debit, and they claim (the bank) that I wont pay any fees on purchases or cash withdrawals.
I am a bit skeptical on that.

So should I go to my local currency change place (it used to be top on mse money maximiser (thomas global exchange)) and get eruo.
Use somewhere else and get euros.

I wont be using my smile / LTSB debit cards. urrghh.

Did you read any of the threads on this section of the board before posting your question?

The Metrobank card is fee free and one of the best deals you can get. Get cash with that at an ATM when you arrive.

grandma_j

migwellian wrote: »

I think this current account should be included in your article on money overseas. It's the closest thing to what Nationwide's Flex account used to offer. The only catch is that, like the Santander Zero credit card, it's only available to people who have a mortgage with Santander.

also the alliance and leicester premier current provide fee-free withdrawals in spain (only in euros). you have to put £1000 per month into the account. i have checked it out with santander but will get it in writing before i use the card in spain.

raven_r

WARNING! only use fairfx if you have the euro or dollar cards - their global card where the currency is held in sterling and converts each transaction on the day charges a whopping commission each time it is used (I've found) AVOID! The Caxton Global Traveller card is much more economical if you need a card that will allow you to pay in local currency worldwide.

raven_r

Chippy wrote: »

Thanks for that...just one thing I'm still unsure about...am I right in thinking she will need the FairFX card in sterling for use in Australia? If so how will she know what rate she is getting?

WARNING! only use fairfx if you have the euro or dollar cards - their global card where the currency is held in sterling and converts each transaction on the day charges a whopping commission each time it is used (I've found) AVOID! The Caxton Global Traveller card is much more economical if you need a card that will allow you to pay in local currency worldwide.

raven_r

jicms wrote: »

Hi

I've read about FairFX Mastercard to avoid Ryanair credit card booking fees. It looks like I need to go for the Euro card as the Anywhere card charges a fee unless you load £500.

I really just want to apply for the card as I've got no imminent travel plans wth Ryanair, however I'm confused about the application process. Do I have to choose to buy Euros paying in Sterling? How does this work when I want to pay for a Ryanair flight in Pounds Sterling?

WARNING! only use fairfx if you have the euro or dollar cards - their global card where the currency is held in sterling and converts each transaction on the day charges a whopping commission each time it is used (I've found) AVOID! The Caxton Global Traveller card is much more economical if you need a card that will allow you to pay in local currency worldwide.

CountryGoose

raven_r wrote: »

WARNING! only use fairfx if you have the euro or dollar cards - their global card where the currency is held in sterling and converts each transaction on the day charges a whopping commission each time it is used (I've found) AVOID! The Caxton Global Traveller card is much more economical if you need a card that will allow you to pay in local currency worldwide.

Really - how much was the whopping commission? 1.5% perhaps?

And how much commission is charged upfront on the € or $ cards? 1.5% perhaps, built into the exchange rate? And remind me of the fee on these cards for ATM use......

(Just imagine I've posted this three times for emphasis )

iblametheparents

raven_r wrote: »

WARNING! only use fairfx if you have the euro or dollar cards - their global card where the currency is held in sterling and converts each transaction on the day charges a whopping commission each time it is used (I've found) AVOID! The Caxton Global Traveller card is much more economical if you need a card that will allow you to pay in local currency worldwide.

Do you, by any chance, work for Caxton?

As Country Goose and myself have mentioned far too many times to count, the FairFX Anywhere cards beats ALL other prepaid cards.