Currency Conversion

ZeroG · 27 Dec 2016 at 11:49

I'm going on my first trip to the US in March, managed to get tickets to PAX so going with a couple friends for that plus a little bit of a holiday. I'm planning on getting some dollars so I can have cash on me when I get there but I don't want to be carrying around a lot and I don't fancy using my bank card (which is a Mastercard debit) if I can help it as my bank will charge a fee for each transaction.

I've been advised to get a prepaid card like FairFX which can be pre-loaded with an amount and used as a regular debit card, anyone used them before or something similar?

Also would it be better to get dollars as soon as possible or wait a bit to see if the exchange rate gets a bit better?

malachi · 27 Dec 2016 at 13:23

Without opting to get an Halifax Clarity card or Post Office Credit card which have 0% on international transactions. I have this http://www.statravel.co.uk/prepaid-mastercard-cashcard.htm

Kemik · 27 Dec 2016 at 16:16

Monzo do 0% fee for international transactions. Great app too.

Soviet · 27 Dec 2016 at 16:29

As already mentioned, the Halifax Clarity credit card is great for international use. I've used it in both China and Australia so far and had no issues with it.

ZeroG · 27 Dec 2016 at 16:43

Just signed up for Monzo but currently in position 17,594 so might not get that in time, will keep it as an open option for now.

On Holiday · 27 Dec 2016 at 16:46

Clarit Credit Card actually looks quite good there, appreciated.

Amp34 · 27 Dec 2016 at 16:59

Soviet said:
As already mentioned, the Halifax Clarity credit card is great for international use. I've used it in both China and Australia so far and had no issues with it.

If they accept MasterCard then you can use it. MasterCard is less accepted in parts of Africa and some areas of the Eastern Asia, but accepted everywhere in the US.

Definitely worth getting. I only use my Clarity for international purchases.

wez130 · 27 Dec 2016 at 17:50

Revolut