Best ATM facility for a child abroad

Sixer

Hi guys

I'm looking for some advice about the best option for my son.

He's 15 at present. He'll turn 16 just two weeks before his trip starts.

He's going to Malaysia on a five-week volunteer expedition. The organisers prefer the kids to take ATM cards and as little cash as possible.

So he'll need either a prepaid credit card or an account with an ATM card that will a) work in Malaysia and b) be open to 15-year-olds.

I'd appreciate any advice as to the best options available.

Cheers!

jambosans

A good place to start would be looking at the MSE Cheap Travel Money Guide (linked below):-
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money#prepaid

Age will restrict your sons options, as many cards (including prepaid) require the account holder to be at least 18 years old.

FairFX offer a Family and Friends Prepaid Mastercard, but this requires you to hold an account, and the extra card costs £6 (in addition to any fees you have in opening your account).

fawinds

If you are in or near London, a Metro Bank cash account would do. I have the bank account and there are no foreign exchange or ATM fees for withdrawals or purchases abroad.

With the cash card your son would be able to use ATMs for free.

jonesMUFCforever

Have a look at www.visa.com
There is a page on there where you can put in town, country etc and find out which machines accept which cards.

[Deleted User]

o2 money card is free and indeed works abroad

Tupperware_Queen

my son has a lloyds child account with a visa debit card, not sure if it would work abroad, might be worth checking, as they have excellent online management which he should be able to access once 16

Tupperware_Queen

heres the link

Lloyds youth account

glider3560

Tupperware_Queen wrote: »

heres the link

Lloyds youth account

The fees are pretty high at Lloyds TSB. 2.99% exchange rate adjustment on all purchases and cash withdrawals. Then an additional 1.5% (minimum £2) on every cash withdrawal or £1 on every purchase.

Tupperware_Queen

I don't go abroad so am not aware of the charges, but it is a good account for teenagers, hence my posting the link.

Sixer

Thanks VERY much for all your help, guys. There is much more choice than I had realised and I'm off to check out all the suggestions.

Tupperware_Queen

by the way, you are very brave, letting your baby go off abroad....I panic when mine are on scout camp :rotfl::rotfl: