Using money on Camp America

oliverrl

I am going on Camp America between 14th July and 4th September and I am trying to figure out the best way to use my money! I am a student so I cannot use a credit card and I have applied for a Monzo card, however, I am not sure if this will be the best option, especially if the value of the pound decreases! Any advice would be great!

eDicky

Monzo is an excellent choice for you, giving the best rates available at the time of use. Any variation in the value of the pound is unpredictable and not relevant, but you can invest £5 in a Revolut card to take in addition (it's unwise to take only one), with which you can buy USD at the perfect interbank rate (weekdays) whenever you feel the rate is favourable.

oliverrl

eDicky wrote: »

Monzo is an excellent choice for you, giving the best rates available at the time of use. Any variation in the value of the pound is unpredictable and not relevant, but you can invest £5 in a Revolut card to take in addition (it's unwise to take only one), with which you can buy USD at the perfect interbank rate (weekdays) whenever you feel the rate is favourable.

Thank you!, I was thinking about one of those Thomas Cook wallet cards too, would you reccomend? If not, is there anyhting cheaper than the Revolut card?

eDicky

oliverrl wrote: »

Thank you!, I was thinking about one of those Thomas Cook wallet cards too, would you reccomend? If not, is there anyhting cheaper than the Revolut card?

Definitely avoid cards such as Thomas Cook, Cash Passport etc. Revolut will be much cheaper to use, the £5 card is the only cost if you stay within withdrawal limits. Even if you don't, the 2% fee is cheaper than falling prey to Thomas Cook exchange rates. Anyway, I don't know what Camp America is but you rarely need cash in USA.

Otherwise try to open a Starling Bank account with their mobile app.

oliverrl

eDicky wrote: »

Definitely avoid cards such as Thomas Cook, Cash Passport etc. Revolut will be much cheaper to use, the £5 card is the only cost if you stay within withdrawal limits. Even if you don't, the 2% fee is cheaper than falling prey to Thomas Cook exchange rates. Anyway, I don't know what Camp America is but you rarely need cash in USA.

Otherwise try to open a Starling Bank account with their mobile app.

Sounds good! sorry to be a pain but is there a page or any info on this Starling bank account on here? Not seen it with the likes of Monzo and Revolut

eDicky

oliverrl wrote: »

Sounds good! sorry to be a pain but is there a page or any info on this Starling bank account on here? Not seen it with the likes of Monzo and Revolut

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/travel-credit-cards#starling

springdreams

eDicky, Camp America is a residential summer camp in a number of US states for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The camp users are generally on site for 4 weeks at a time, and take part in a number of activities whilst there, e.g. pottery classes, painting, etc.

College and university students from US and non-US countries are the ones supervising the camp users and teach / supervise the activities. The students get paid a very small wage for this, plus they get board and lodging. They pay for their own travel costs, visas etc. It is work experience for them.

jackieblack

springdreams wrote: »

The students get paid a very small wage for this, plus they get board and lodging. They pay for their own travel costs, visas etc.

One of DD's best friends did this last summer. He received very generous tips from several parents, enough to cover his 3 weeks travelling around NYC, Miami, NOLA and Nashville when camp ended.

dawyldthing

I don't know why you can't get a credit card as a student, I had one with the bank I had my student loan with. I worked in America for 2 summers. You'll need money for days off as it depends what your co workers have planned and you might need to take it with you as I'm sure I got mine as a lump sum at the end (but all camps are different mind). You'll more than likely need a card for bookings on flights etc for travelling afterwards. Halifax clarity is a nifty card and brillant exchange rate even on cash.

Enjoy - you'll meet some fab people and make loads of memories