Taking euros abroad, advice needed!

Biz.Kid09

Biz.Kid09

Biz.Kid09

Soldato
Joined
14 Oct 2009
Posts
9,657
Location
UK
I am going to Benicassim next week and I am just trying to get my euros sorted, I was thinking of just going and getting it all in cash and just trying my best to keep it safe with me in a zipped pocket or something but just wondering if anyone else had any other advice?

I have seen these pre-paid currency cards, anyone ever used one of them?

I know that the Halifax Clarity Card is highly recommended? but I am leaving it too late for that I think! I don't have a Halifax account and it would be my first credit card as well as having no real income because I am a student.

Thanks
 
You have no debit card? What are the fees on cash withdrawal abroad or use abroad? Some just have a percentage fee which isn't too bad. Especially considering the market exchange rate you get.

Yes it'll cost money in fees, but it is less of a worry.
 
I do have a debit card and the fee's aren't too bad.
I was going to take that for emergencies but I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with the pre-paid cards for example as there is no withdrawal fees in most cases apparently.
 
Biz.Kid09 said:
I do have a debit card and the fee's aren't too bad.
I was going to take that for emergencies but I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with the pre-paid cards for example as there is no withdrawal fees in most cases apparently.
Click to expand...

All look like they have fees to me.

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/prepaid-cards/

edit: a couple there without fees
 
Last edited:
i took a prepaid card to america from which ever travel agency we went too, it got refused for a couple of big purchases we tried to make because it didnt have my name on the card.

my debit charges 2.75% so spend £100 it cost £102.75.

not bank breaking tbh and prob better than carrying a bit wad of cash.

for future get a halifax clarity card too.
 
After my last visit to Austria, where are bank fees, terrible rates and very hard to find currency exchange I always take cash. Uk rates are much better and you will save your time. or if you take big money, do 50% euros and 50% leave pounds, if you need extra after.
 
angela said:
After my last visit to Austria, where are bank fees, terrible rates and very hard to find currency exchange I always take cash. Uk rates are much better and you will save your time. or if you take big money, do 50% euros and 50% leave pounds, if you need extra after.
Click to expand...

If you use ATMs and tell it to charge you in the foreign currency then the exchange rate and fee will be the card fees charged by the UK bank. Most countries have free ATMs in their home currency these days, so should be no other fees.
 
Metrobank free cash withdrawal in EU and decent exchange rates. Can open an account in less than an hour and get the debit card right there and then.

Only if you are in SE UK will you sort it in a day though....
 
For Europe I just use a pre-paid foreign fx card. Hassle free and can use it like a credit card.

However if you are eligible get a clarity card as they seem to be really good for foreign currency.

Travelling with cash isn't an issue if you have a safe in the hotel you can leave it in.
 
Thanks for the advice guys, Thinking of going for the CaxtonFx Euro Traveller.

My only use it for it will be to withdraw money to spend on the day, I won't be using it to pay for thing's in shops etc.

Freefaller, I am camping so don't have a safe to leave it in but the campsite does offer lockers which is an option.
 
TBH nowadays I just take a bit with me and use a cash machine, every I get back and work out the exchange rate ive got including the fee and its always better than what I get changing the cash

Hawker
 
Biz.Kid09 said:
Thanks for the advice guys, Thinking of going for the CaxtonFx Euro Traveller.

My only use it for it will be to withdraw money to spend on the day, I won't be using it to pay for thing's in shops etc.

Freefaller, I am camping so don't have a safe to leave it in but the campsite does offer lockers which is an option.
Click to expand...

Ah okay. In which case, a prepaid card or just use your debit card, whilst it's not the most efficient way it's fine if you're short of time. If you do have time to wait, get a clarity CC or a charge card. :)
 
Well imagine you are in the UK and do exactly the same......No security, no safe, just strap it to yourself and pray you dont look like an easy target.
 
I would apply for the Halifax Clarity anyway, but also plan something else in case that doesn't work out. If the Clarity does work out then it'll be your best bet.
 
Last edited:
Biz.Kid09 said:
Freefaller, I am camping so don't have a safe to leave it in but the campsite does offer lockers which is an option.
Click to expand...

Keep it in your pocket? Or in the car? I've never really given money abroad much thought really, I either take what I need out of a cash point as I go, or just carry what I need day to day and stash what I don't.
 
Thanks for the advice guys, I am still considering a pre-paid card, got a bit of time yet so will have a think.

Just out of interest, is the clarity a good card to go for anyway apart from the overseas advantages etc?
I have actually been recently looking into them as although I am not a huge spender I figure that I may as well try and build some kind of credit rating.

I have a debit card with Santander and their 123 Card looks quite good with the cashback incentives etc?

Just as a note, I am not going to be spending thousands and then having to pay it back over X amount of time. I will just be purchasing my shopping, fuel and so on and paying it off straight away.
 
I always take it out the wall when there. Much better rate than Pre buying it, getting it from the airport etc.

With Nationwide;

In Germany -
200.000000 EUR at 1.22669 £163.04
50.000000 EUR at 1.22760 £40.73
 
Really?

That's interesting.

I have a Santander and Natwest debit card, how would I work out what rates etc I would be getting if I just draw it out when im there?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom