FAIR FX left us Stranded

Jools01

Don't touch FairFX with a barge pole, especially if you are going to remote locations.

They claim the cards work anywhere that a Mastercard works, WRONG!!!

We were a group of 25 Scouts on an expedition to Tanzania. The six leaders each took out Anywhere cards (after seeing it recommended on MSE). Loaded each card with £750 (£4,500 in total), which was to cover cash needed for fuel and food.

The plan was to withdraw the cash in Tanzania, as needed, to give security against carrying cash,

However, the cards simply did not work.We tried on multiple days, in different towns, in different machines, but just did not work! We tried an ordinary Halifax CC (Mastercard), and that work fine, but all of the FairFX cards failed. We didn't want to take large quantities of cash on the Halifax, as it was a very expensive way to do it.

We tried to E-mail FairFX customer services, but with a 48-72 hour turn around, and when we did get a reply, they denied even seeing any attempt to withdraw cash on their systems. After a week of difficulty trying to contact them by E-mail, we managed to find a phone number, and spent 30 minutes on the phone. It get passed up to third line support, who confirmed that they could see the transaction requests (which we were initially told they couldn't), which were being authorised and then immediately cancelled. They stated "we have seen this before in remote places, but there is nothing we can do about it". So a known issue then.

And that was it, no offer to try and get funds to us, nothing, just apply for a refund when you return. So, we were left stranded, with 18 teenagers and 7 adults. We had to get funds sent out by Western Union in the end.

On our return, they then said it would take up to two months to investigate.

They have just come back and said that as the problem was with the local bank, it is outside of their control, and refuse any responsibility or compensation.

So, if the local bank has a problem with Mastercard, how come our Halifax CC Mastercard worked with no problems (on two occasions, immediately after trying the FairFX), and we immediately tried the FairFX after success on the Halifax, still with no luck.

We gave them a second chance to reconsider, but no, just a "we are sorry".

If you are going remote - DO NOT USE FAIR FX.
Actually, from their Customer Service attitude, just DO NOT USE!

Jools

jackieblack

I can't comment on FairFX, I've never it.

But you are wrong when you say that withdrawing cash on Halifax Clarity is "very expensive", in fact it's one of the most cost effective ways of getting foreign currency.
Next trip just stick to withdrawing on your Clarity at your destination.

Moto2

jackieblack wrote: »

I can't comment on FairFX, I've never it.

But you are wrong when you say that withdrawing cash on Halifax Clarity is "very expensive", in fact it's one of the most cost effective ways of getting foreign currency.
Next trip just stick to withdrawing on your Clarity at your destination.

The OP didn't mention Halifax Clarity just Halifax CC (credit card)

worried_jim

Also take a mixture of cards, six people all with the same card could (and was) be a problem. You need a back up. Come on Scouts- Be prepared!

jackieblack

Moto2 wrote: »

The OP didn't mention Halifax Clarity just Halifax CC (credit card)

Well spotted
(Must read more carefully in future )