Holiday cash v travellers cheques v card ??? help

Tippie

Hi
We are going on holiday for a month in January to Goa, India. We have been before and have always taken cards and travellers cheques with us as you cant take currency with you. It has been a few years since we have had a holiday due to our finacial mess, which we are now sorting out slowly but surely. This time though we no longer have the luxury of credit cards, these were one of the first thing that had to go during our clean up operation, and only have a cash withdrawl card with Nationwide. What we would like to know is what is going to be the best way for us to take money with us? Also we need to book a few hotels online before we go as well as train tickets in India. Would a prepaid card work for us? While we are away we will have wages, and other money going into the bank that we will need to access but will only be able to do this with our cash card. The Nationwide is supposed to be giving all its customers a debit card, but this was supposed to be in July and as yet nothing. Any help will be good help.
Thanks Tippie

Donnie

Cash card might not work for withdrawals in January. You can obtain a FairFx Anywhere card or two via Money Supermarket > Sterling £ Currency Card. That will get you the best rates all things being equal and the convenience of being able to purchase online.

Then set up Bank Transfers to the Prepaid Mastercard as and when necessary, as long as your Nationwide account allows.

geordieracer

Why cant you take currency? Didnt stop me when i went there

Tippie

you cant take rupees in or our of India. Been loads of times and have never been able to, and the whole dont change money at the airport goes out the window for us when we arrive because of that as we dont get the tour bus to the hotel we get a taxi so need money to pay for that but we only ever change the bare minimum and we change sterling rather than travlers cheques.

Bob_the_Saver

Be there same time as you.

Take Cash (20£ Notes) & 1 Fairfx Anywhere card for withdrawals and another with a very very small balance for use in Internet cafe's and booking train tickets online. Cards are free so get the two. Top up whilst away direct from bank account (See Fairfx web-site).