Best pre-paid travel card for SE ASIA

Mind_Overload

Hi,

I am travelling around SE Asia for 2 months ( Feb/March) and would like to use a pre-paid travel card.

Fair FX looks like one of the best ones for me, but I was wondering what currency I should load on to it? USD or GBP? does this have a great effect what rate I will get?

I will be visiting, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos & Myanmar

Many thanks

Doshwaster

I've used the Caxton Global card in Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia without any problems. Just be aware that almost all ATMs in Thailand charge for withdrawals regardless of which card you use.

Mind_Overload

Yeah, 3 bl00dy quid in Thailand, I went last year. I have heard some machine dont, but there not easy to find.

Anyone know if its best to load USD or GBP?

Bob_the_Saver

I used to use Fairfx all over Asia (£ card) before I got my Metrobank card.

benjus

Also have a look at Kalixa - you get the best possible exchange rate, although there is a cash withdrawal charge.

Unless you're planning to spend/withdraw in USD, you should not be considering a USD card, as you'll just pay two sets of exchange costs. In fact, the better GBP cards tend to be cheaper than USD/EUR cards even when you're spending in USD/EUR.

Doshwaster

marcus-darkus wrote: »

Yeah, 3 bl00dy quid in Thailand, I went last year. I have heard some machine dont, but there not easy to find.

Anyone know if its best to load USD or GBP?

Yeah, the are some AEON machines in Thailand which don't charge but they are hard to find. I have spotted one or two in the Bangkok shopping malls but not elsewhere in the country. You just have to make sure you don't take out small amounts of money.

If travelling in different countries then I'd get a GBP card though you may save a few pennies by using a USD card in Cambodia.