Best way to take currency

[rudilb]

I'm off on a big trip around the med this August and was wondering what the best way to carry my dosh was - I don't really want to take loads of cash for obvious reasons (wet, mostly) and the thought of being ripped off by my bank isn't great. Anyone any ideas?

I have read recently about a prepaid card from a company called Caxton FX. Has anyone else got one of these and if so, what's the verdict?

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Six and a half of pure Tornado!

[karlT]

I use HSBC Mastercard and use it in France frequently. Exchange rate on statements is ALWAYS better than you can get for cash in Post office or local branch in UK.

Debit card at Atm's is usually ok rate for small spending amounts that you cannot use credit card for. (Check with your bank on charges before hand though)

Ensure you have access to internet banking whilst abroard so you check statement on card regularly and also make any payments online to avoid interest charges.

Happy Holiday

[Prime 2]

I travel around Europe, Middle East and Africa for a living and always use my HSBC Mastercard or my debit card for transactions.

There is a small fee, however the exchange rate is always there or there abouts.

[codprawn]

Having had my wallet nicked in spain it is NOT a nice experience. All my money - cards everything gone.

I ended up getting my mate to send money to a post office - it was the ONLY way. They said they would send me new cards - to my HOME address!!!

My mate is very wealthy and thought he would be ok but after trying to help me and seeing what a nightmare it is he invested in an American Express card as backup - they will courier you a new card in 24hrs anywhere in the World.

Remember never keep all your eggs in one basket.

PS - I ain't too keen on the Spanish or the Don Juan hotel - buggers did nothing to help at all even though it was their staff that pinched it!!!

[Limey Linda]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Having had my wallet nicked in spain it is NOT a nice experience. All my money - cards everything gone.

I ended up getting my mate to send money to a post office - it was the ONLY way. They said they would send me new cards - to my HOME address!!!

My mate is very wealthy and thought he would be ok but after trying to help me and seeing what a nightmare it is he invested in an American Express card as backup - they will courier you a new card in 24hrs anywhere in the World.

Remember never keep all your eggs in one basket.

PS - I ain't too keen on the Spanish or the Don Juan hotel - buggers did nothing to help at all even though it was their staff that pinched it!!!

Could not have happened to a nicer bloke.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Could not have happened to a nicer bloke.

Yes i thought that as well - really deserved it didn't I as every time I find a wallet I hand it in...............

[slimtim]

get a nationwide flex account and/or their gold credit card. They don't charge you to use ATMs abroad and when I was using mine in Canada, the exchange rate was always good.

[willk]

My two cents:

1. Your main credit card, for general use - the rates are fine. Don't allow them to charge you in Pounds, it's a rip off.
2. Another credit card*, frontloaded for cash withdrawals (cheaper than travellers cheques) and more flexible - multicurrency.
3. Cash - keep a bit of "mad money" concealed somewhere, be creative.
4. A sacrificial wallet with a couple of Tesco's cards and a few squid in it - keep it handy and obvious. When they find it they will quit looking/let you go.
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* Keep this one well concealed with your "mad money" - it's the emergency card too.

[MikeCC]

Take a look at something like www.moneysavingexpert.com - they have fairly frequent updates on most economic travel cash arrangements, especially this time of year.

[Skipper one]

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