Prepaid US Dollar cash cards for Latin America?

Agc204

Hello

I am travelling around South and Central America for 4 months shortly. I would like to get a prepaid cash card, and one that would incur the least charges would be a cash card preloaded with US dollars - BUT only if this can be used in the latin american countries. I understand many places will accept US dollars in cash, but I am not sure if they would except card payment in dollars? If they would always have to convert to the local currency I will end up being charged a double exchange rate.

The prepaid cash cards in sterling appear to all have heavy transaction fees, so ideally I would like to avoid those.

If anyone can shed any light I'd be most grateful.

Many thanks

callum9999

Does it have to be a travel card? There are numerous bank accounts and credit cards available nowadays that offer 0% commission and no charges on foreign withdrawals.

jamesperrett

I'm not sure where you are planning on going, but when I last went to South America they were much less keen to accept US dollars than they had been a few years ago. I had no problems using my Nationwide debit cards at cash machines or for purchases (but that was before NW added the extra commission charges).

James.

dzug1

Only one experience of paying a $$ hotel bill using a (normal credit)card - they did actually charge in $$

Some countries have ATMs that dispense $$, but they are not very widespread. They invariably charge, and I'm not sure how good the exchange rate is.

If you want a prepaid card use the Travelex Passport Globe - it's loaded in sterling and charges only 1.49% exchange loading. Mentioned frequently on here.