Confused! Please help!

Helen_T2

I am taking my 2 children to Cyprus in October on my own.
Haven't been abroad for years. What is the best way these days to take money? I do not own a credit card, but have read that the Halifax Clarity card is good. If I pay for lunches etc with this credit card will I get charged fees in restaurants? Will obviously need quite a bit of cash for drinks etc but don't want to be carrying lots of cash on my own. Do people still use travellers cheques?
Have a Halifax debit card but apparently fees are £1.50.

Also would it be cheaper for me to pay balance for hotel from here in pounds or euros or to pay when I get there in euros?

Thank you very much.

richardw

If you can do without a credit card, then perhaps don't get one to avoid the temptation for other spending.

zenmaster

A pre-paid debit card such as CaxtonFX seems to be the preferred way of doing things these days.

You load it up with a certain amount in stirling which is converted to the foreign currency at the appropriate rate. They take a small cut of this which is how they make their money.

When you use the card, either for purchases or to take cash out of an ATM there are no further fees.

If you run short on the card I believe you can top up by text. It's best to try this before you go to make sure it works.

I would also recommend carrying a credit card purely for emergencies.

zenmaster

Oh - North or South Cyprus?

If North I don't think you can use a card such as this as it's a non-euro country.

Gloomendoom

If you can, get a Clarity. That way you don't need to take any cash with you. You can just withdraw it from ATM's as and when you need it. There is no need to carry bundles of cash around with you. You can also use it to pay for purchases and hotel bills without any fees.

zenmaster

I'd have to argue for taking at least £50-£100 cash with you.

The last thing you want to be doing when the plane lands is trying to find and understand a cash point.

Also, beware, some of the foreign banks make their own charges for withdrawals. I think Cyprus is OK but do your homework either here or on TripAdvisor.

Gloomendoom

zenmaster wrote: »

I'd have to argue for taking at least £50-£100 cash with you.

The last thing you want to be doing when the plane lands is trying to find and understand a cash point.

Also, beware, some of the foreign banks make their own charges for withdrawals. I think Cyprus is OK but do your homework either here or on TripAdvisor.

Actually, on reflection, I would agree with you. ATMs in Cyprus are easy to use but, like the UK, sometimes they are out of order. As you say, it's also one thing less to worry about when you arrive at the airport.

Bob_the_Saver

[QUOTE The last thing you want to be doing when the plane lands is trying to find and understand a cash point.

Usually the first thing I do, with the safety net of those dollars in my sock.

stephb34

I wouldnt bother with travellers cheques often you have to have your passport with you to change them and they charge for changing them. The prepaid cards are a good idea and take a small amount of euros to get you started.

agrinnall

stephb34 wrote: »

I wouldnt bother with travellers cheques often you have to have your passport with you to change them and they charge for changing them. The prepaid cards are a good idea and take a small amount of euros to get you started.

Agree with this, but please don't take just one card, it's not unknown for a card to stop working, or for you to lose it or have it stolen, and if it's your only one you'll be a bit stuck. I would suggest you take at least your normal debit card as a back up, and maybe a credit card too for emergencies. I'd also recommend that you don't keep all your cards and cash in one place, if your accommodation is secure leave some there, and when you are out and about keep some cash separate from your handbag/purse/wallet.

I would use cash in restaurants, you might get charged for using a card and there's always the risk that dodgy transactions might be made. I tend to use cards to withdraw cash and to make purchases in reputable shops.

As to paying your hotel bill in advance or when you get there, that's really going to depend on a number of factors, such as how the payment will be made and what that will cost, and the exchange rate and how it might move between now and when you go. One advantage of paying when you are there is that if you have any problems they are more likely to resolve them if they haven't already got your money.

carebear13

hmmm- did anyone see simon calder (travel expert) on tv the other morning. he actually suggested taking the euro rather than t/c's. i would suggest taking a credit card for emergencies or at least making arrangements back home with someone who has one just in case.
we used a prepaid card in menorca last year and had no problems other than trying to find an atm that works for cash, but dont forget that you can use them just like debit cards too.