Prepaid Cards abroad?

wyebird

Hi

I am off on holiday to France in a couple of weeks, have got normal debit card and Post Office credit card, but would like to get a pre pay card as well in case something goes wrong e.g. cards lost / stolen or something (was victim of attempted robbery in a Paris Aire the other year, and so am somewhat paranoid!).

Would like something I can keep separately and top up quickly should I need to, preferably by faster payments - in case I had to cancel my debit card (see I am paranoid ).

Any recommendations?

Thanks :A

joedenise

I wouldn't use the Debit card whilst abroad unless absolutely necessary because you get charged for withdrawing cash, purchases etc. Much better to put everything onto the Credit Card and pay off when you get back.

A pre-paid card is probably better for cash than either of your cards. Make sure you top it up when rates are good if you can.

Denise

Roger1

You haven't got too much time to apply. You could take a look at MSE's very own http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money - scan down for the section on prepaid cards. There are also several threads on the topic in this forum.

From another thread, I found www.kalixa.com. Rates are good with no surcharge for non-£ purchases, though fees for ATM withdrawals and a dormancy fee after 6/12 months (I'm not quite sure which).

stilltheone

Roger1 wrote: »

You haven't got too much time to apply. You could take a look at MSE's very own http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money - scan down for the section on prepaid cards. There are also several threads on the topic in this forum.

From another thread, I found www.kalixa.com. Rates are good with no surcharge for non-£ purchases, though fees for ATM withdrawals and a dormancy fee after 6/12 months (I'm not quite sure which).

Don't bother, it's rubbish.

This Prepaid card; Travelex Cash Passport Globe ordered via Top CashBack or Quidco will likely be much better value than your debit card.
1.49% is the only cost. 0.99% for the initial loading if you take the cashback payment into account.

Roger1

stilltheone wrote: »

Don't bother, it's rubbish.

Really? And your evidence is what, exactly?

I think we've had this correspondence in another thread - OP please use Search.

The card you mention applies the currency surcharge on EVERYTHING! It may or may not be the 'best' card for everybody. Each will have their own reasons for working out what's best for them.

For purchases and internet use, a 0% surcharge has to be better than paying a extra 1.49% every time.

stilltheone

Roger1 wrote: »

Really? And your evidence is what, exactly?

I think we've had this correspondence in another thread - OP please use Search.

The card you mention applies the currency surcharge on EVERYTHING! It may or may not be the 'best' card for everybody. Each will have their own reasons for working out what's best for them.

For purchases and internet use, a 0% surcharge has to be better than paying a extra 1.49% every time.

First of all, Roger the Dodger , take note of what I had highlighted in bold. It is to that I was referring.

I made no reference to the Kalixa card.

But if you would like me to do so, I can. Kalaixa Top CashBack reviews

On paper, the card can be of use if the cashback is paid and the card performs.

I would still go for Travelex Cash Passport Globe in conjunction with Top CashBack/Quidco.

Nothing wrong with the idea of having a Kalixa card as a back up for purchases and large ATM withdrawals, especially if the card works.

wyebird

Well have got an Escape Travel Euro card for OH which arrived promptly - hopefully it works
I went for a cash plus one beacuse it had the bank transfer option to load money, however a bit narked with that! You have to get the Stirling card first, duly did, but apparently can't use have a Euro card until you have used the Stirling card for "a bit", no idea what that means and CS were somewhat vague here too, so I am a bit cross .....

stilltheone

wyebird wrote: »

Well have got an Escape Travel Euro card for OH which arrived promptly - hopefully it works
I went for a cash plus one beacuse it had the bank transfer option to load money, however a bit narked with that! You have to get the Stirling card first, duly did, but apparently can't use have a Euro card until you have used the Stirling card for "a bit", no idea what that means and CS were somewhat vague here too, so I am a bit cross .....

Perhaps you should have listened to the advice given, instead of allowing yourself to have been sold a sick puppy.