Travelling for six months plus

niceyl

Hi there,


I am planning on going on a trip that is likely to last eight months. Has anybody any tips about organising money over that time? I was thinking of using my Halifax clarity card as a cash card by every so often topping up so that I am in credit and therefore don't get charged any interest. Has anyone else done this? Is it OK to do? Firstly I will be in Africa and I think I am just going to take American dollars. Any tips for handling money in Africa is most welcome! Then I will be travelling through more developed countries and that is where I was thinking of using my Halifax card.


Also, has anyone got any tips on a good vpn for travelling through Africa? I want to be able to have a secure internet connection while I am away.

El_Torro

I wouldn't take a load of cash and rely on exchanging it for local currency. What if you lose it? Depending on where you are and what you're doing you should be OK to find ATM's.

I'm not up to speed on whether there are cards that don't change a fee to withdraw cash, either way it won't be more expensive than the bad exchange rate you'll get for all those dollars.

eDicky

niceyl wrote: »

I am planning on going on a trip that is likely to last eight months. Has anybody any tips about organising money over that time? I was thinking of using my Halifax clarity card as a cash card by every so often topping up so that I am in credit and therefore don't get charged any interest. Has anyone else done this? Is it OK to do? Firstly I will be in Africa and I think I am just going to take American dollars. Any tips for handling money in Africa is most welcome! Then I will be travelling through more developed countries and that is where I was thinking of using my Halifax card.

Also, has anyone got any tips on a good vpn for travelling through Africa? I want to be able to have a secure internet connection while I am away.

It's against T&Cs to put a credit card into positive balance, so if you do it deliberately and repeatedly Halifax are likely to return the funds. Interest on cash withdrawals will be insignificant if you clear it at the first opportunity. Don't rely on one, or even two, sources of funds, cards can fail, be blocked or lost. Have a look at the new Revolut card, current favourite although it requires a smartphone.

dawyldthing

You can set it up so you pay 100% of the balance each month. Obviously can be a pain with the interest charged inbetween but you'll get the best exchange rate