Travel money

[Deleted User]

Just wondering what people do as a Plan B with travel money?

By default I take some cash to keep exchange fees down, but not too much, as I'd worry about losing it or having it nicked in an unfamiliar area.

I used to keep travellers cheques as a backup, but it seems it's no longer worth doing so as it's hard to find somewhere that actually accepts them (in Europe) now, which more or less defeats the purpose of taking them.

mgdavid

Have a read of the Travel Credit Cards section, there's a Quicklink at the top of this page.

eDicky

Exchanging cash does nothing to keep expenses down, compared to eliminating unnecessary cost and hassle by using the recommended cards, such as Starling Bank. Take two - plan A and B...

Doshwaster

Plan A is Halifax Clarity plus whatever cash I have leftover for previous travels
Plan B are various cards from other issuing banks

If travelling off the beaten track I also make sure I have at least $US 100 hidden away for emergencies.

PompeyPete

Doshwaster wrote: »

Plan A is Halifax Clarity plus whatever cash I have leftover for previous travels
Plan B are various cards from other issuing banks

If travelling off the beaten track I also make sure I have at least $US 100 hidden away for emergencies.

In pristine condition of course.....no writing on them, no marks, no folds, no creases, no tears.;)

Doshwaster

PompeyPete wrote: »

In pristine condition of course.....no writing on them, no marks, no folds, no creases, no tears.;)

Indeed - if you are ever in a pickle it is amazing what doors a crisp $20 note or two will open. The hotel which was totally full will magically find a spare room and that policeman threatening to lock you up suddenly has a change of mind.

Duckyduck

Incidental, can anyone recommend a good travel card on VISA network? Both my travel cards (Halifax Clarity and Monzo) are on Mastercard which wasn’t accepted by any of the 3 merchants I tried in China. Had to get cash out an ATM and now have leftover yen.

EveryWhere

Duckyduck wrote: »

Incidental, can anyone recommend a good travel card on VISA network? Both my travel cards (Halifax Clarity and Monzo) are on Mastercard which wasn’t accepted by any of the 3 merchants I tried in China. Had to get cash out an ATM and now have leftover yen.

Barclaycard Platinum Travel or Barclaycard Platinum Cashback Plus.

Yen are from Japan.

Yuan from China.

PompeyPete

Doshwaster wrote: »

Indeed - if you are ever in a pickle it is amazing what doors a crisp $20 note or two will open. The hotel which was totally full will magically find a spare room and that policeman threatening to lock you up suddenly has a change of mind.

Hey, I'm in 'a bit of a pickle' right now....US$20 bills won't help me though.:o

sazaccount

I seem to have plan a,b,c,d and e lol as I take long term trips/jobs abroad
I have my debit card which I would take out the bulk of my cash, a revoult card for any card payments (can take out upto £200 fee free from atm) which I used around the world. Credit card both visa and amex.

Then I also leave a credit card with my parents at home