Wednesday, 7 September 2011

A Technique To Save On Travel Money Rates

By Raymond Jackson


Travel money rates can be quite pricey. You've got the selection of cash, travelers checks or debit or credit cards. You may naturally need some foreign currency cash for a taxi or tips. It is a smart idea to get this before you leave since a currency office may not be open on your arrival or to avoid another stop altogether. Using money can be quite dangerous and isn't always the very best choice for exchange rates.

Using visa cards and ATM cards are a nice option per exchange rates since the rates are commonly better than those for money or travelers checks. But many banks are adding high costs for each use in a foreign currency or overseas. With credit cards there is always the chance of going over budget. With debit cards this is less certain but if the card is missing the possible breakages to your bank account will take weeks if not months to fix.

Travelers checks are a good option but the rates are still not as good as your credit or debit card. Nor or they as handy to use as cash or a card. There are some places that will not accept them, and you won't know where till you get to your destination. Like cash they are risky to carry around.

There is a better option above all of the others. The pre paid currency card. The FOREX rates are much better than with cash or travelers checks. They are issued through Mastercard or Visa and can be used wherever these are accepted. The card is available in most currencies and there are card especially for the euro and US dollar.

There are some distinct benefits to employing a pre paid currency card. You are able to save on exchange rates. The card can be loaded months before travel time locking in a good rate. You decide how much will be on the card, although there's a minimum, and you can stay on budget that way. If you must need to add funds to the card this is done by telephone or Web. You may have somebody else do it for you. Since it isn't a card there will be no finance fees.

These aren't credit cards and are not subject to a background check to sign up for one. They are able to be used at ATM's if you must need cash. If they are stolen the damage is restricted to what you put on the card as there isn't any access to your main deposit account. Some of the pre paid cards offer burglary protection and 24 hour card replacement.

You are able to save on travel money rates with a pre paid currency card. You will need to be sure to compare card exchange rates and watch out for cards that charge fees for usage, adding funds or a monthly fee. There are cards available that charge no ATM fees and no overseas charges. These are the ones to search for and save you the most money over cash, travelers checks or credit cards.




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