If you are planning to take a trip out of your resident country, then money is usually your first concern. Not just the cost of the trip, itself, but the expenses you will incur while you are there. This generally entails knowing the currency of the country you are going to as well the tourist exchange rates.

It is very important to know how your money compares to the local currency of the area. This is vital information for properly being able to plan for your trip. It could ruin everything if you arrive somewhere and realize you did not set aside enough money for necessities. You need to know if your dollar is worth more or less than theirs.

There are many different ways in which you can discover this information. Many local and cable news channels report it on a daily basis. It is usually carried in the morning news reports. This can be helpful, but only to a certain degree, since it is not updated in real time.

Many banks also provide this information freely to their customers. Finding out the current rate, at least as current as they list it, could be as easy as walking in or calling to ask. Some of them even offer exchange services, so you are ready, before you leave for your trip.

The drawback to both of these is the lack of real-time information. Currency rates can fluctuate on a daily basis and throughout any given day. It would be horrible to arrive at your destination and find out the information you had received is now no longer accurate.

Thankfully, you do have several options that you can use to avoid finding yourself in such a situation. There are many Internet sites that offer real-time currency exchange information. They use automated processes to make sure they offer the most up-to-date information possible.

This means that you get the latest exchange rates, right when you need them most. Regardless of where you are going, this makes it easy to find the information you need in seconds. All it requires is a little of your time using an online search engine.

To get as colse as possible to these interbank (spot) rates, try using the FairFX prepaid currency card. We are an online business with lower overheads, and we trade directly in the currency markets, so make great savings which we pass on our savings to the customer. Apply today before your next trip.

Friday 26 February 2010, 03:16pm

Tags: exchange rates, Tourist

When you go on vacation, especially if you’re traveling overseas, it is never a good idea to carry cash with you, as it is not very safe. Should you happen to drop it or if someone were to rob you, you are just out of luck, as there is no way to get it replaced.

Traveller's cheques: how long will they last?

This is why things like traveller’s cheques became the chosen way most people would pay for things when they traveled. But traveller’s cheques have been replaced by the use of plastic cards, which are not only easier to carry, but also quicker to use and are more convenient, as well. Rather than use a credit or debit card you already have, you might think about using a prepaid travel money card.

Using credit cards abroad could clear out your cash

A prepaid travel money card is like a credit or debit card but it offers some advantages. For one thing, credit cards are going to pack on additional interest for anything you buy. Unless you are planning to pay your travel expenses in the full that same month, those interest charges are going to pile on really fast. With a prepaid card, there is no interest. The companies that offer these types of cards make their money from fees that are charged when you add money to it and when it’s activated. But there are going to fees with whatever method you choose, even if you exchange cash for a foreign currency, there are likely fees involved there as well.

Prepaid cards are the best way to spend money abroad

Also, with a credit card, the amount you can spend is only limited by your total credit limit on the card. This will usually allow people to spend way more than they intended to spend. With a prepaid travel money card, you are limited to the amount you put on the card to begin with. Only want to spend $1,000? Then just put $1,000 on the card and you can’t go over that unless you add more to it later.

With a debit card, you are also limited to just the money you have in the bank and cannot overspend, using money you don’t have, like you can with a credit card. The reason using a prepaid travel money card is better than a debit card is because if your debit card is stolen, a thief can easily clean out your entire bank account, rather than just the amount you put on the prepaid card. While you can report the theft and will eventually get that money back, you will likely rack up a ton of late fees on bills you can’t pay yet.

The FairFX card also has amazing exchange rates, and no hidden fees. Apply today, ready for your next trip.

Friday 26 February 2010, 12:19pm

Tags: Travel Money Cards

If you are going to be traveling abroad in the near future, you are going to want to find the best tourist exchange rates that you can possibly find. Obviously, you will have to convert your currency to something that will be accepted by the local businesses. There are different options of conversion available and each one will give you a different exchange rate. This is why you need take the time to research each one so that you get the best rate possible.

Make sure you check rates before your trip

No matter which option you choose, in order to get the best tourist exchange rates possible, you need to look and see what the current currency exchange rates are. These can change slightly on a daily basis, and if you are going to be in a foreign country for a longer amount of time, you should check these rates more than once, just to keep yourself current on what is going on. There are a number of online tools that are designed especially for the purpose of converting currency, like xe.com, and they are regularly updated so you can be assured that you are getting the most up-to-date exchange rates.

Traveller's cheques: not quite dead yet

Another you can do to ensure that you are getting the best tourist exchange rates possible, is to research the various options of paying for things while travelling overseas. You can carry cash, which can then be converted to the local currency, but if it gets stolen, good luck getting it replaced. You can go the safer route and use traveler’s cheques, which are safer than cash because if these get stolen, it just takes a little time and effort to get replacement checks. Traveller’s cheques can be expensive, however, with service charges and other fees, like paying to have them shipped out to you.

Bank cards often carry hidden charges

Using credit cards or ATM cards seem to give you the best tourist exchange rates, especially when you compare them to cash and traveller’s cheques. These cards are easy to carry and are very convenient. The downside to using them, however, are the hidden charges, which add up over the course of your travels, and ATM machines may be hard to come by on foreign soil.

Get much better value rates on prepaid cards

The best alternative is to use a prepaid travel card, where you put money on the card and use it like a credit card. This gives you the best exchage rates, and is more seucre than having all your funds avaiable, should you card be compromised. Have a look at FairFX's holiday money cards and see how much you could save.

Friday 26 February 2010, 09:53am

Tags: exchange rates, Tourist

If you are going to be taking a trip and traveling abroad, then it should be no secret to you that there are various ways of having access to money when you are in a different country. Luckily, you have the option of choosing between everything from cash and credit cards to traveler’s checks and prepaid travel cards. You should expect transactions fees and other various fees when converting your currency into a foreign one. Even when converting cash to a local currency, it won’t be an even 1:1 exchange ratio. Here are some ways to get the best rates of exchange when traveling overseas.

In order to get the best rates of exchange, you should start out by looking at what the current rates are for currency conversion. There are lots of tools online for doing this. You can see exactly how much of your own money equals 1 unit of currency for the country you are traveling to. One word of advice, since the exchange rates change so frequently, if you are going to be staying longer than the typical vacation period, it would wise to check the rates every so often to keep yourself updated.

Of all the money options available to you, using a credit or ATM card will usually give you the best rates of exchange possible. Even converting cash to the local currency may have fees involved and obviously traveler’s checks do as well. Credit cards and ATM cards usually offer rates that are anywhere from 2 to 8 percent lower than what you get converting cash or traveler’s checks. The downsides with using these two options are ATM machine may not be easy to find in the country are traveling to and using your credit card is going to accumulate a great deal of interest.

If you don’t want to carry cash on you, or you even just want better savings on your travel cash, then the only option left is to get a prepaid travel card. Using this type of card is quickly catching on with travellers who want added security for their money and the best rates of exchange, and FairFX has some of the best on the whole market. Prepaid travel cards require a PIN number in order to be used, giving you much greater security than cash or even credit cards. Most providers charge a fee when topping up a card, but here at FairFX we keep this completely free, and easy to do online. Apply for your card before your trip and start saving.

Thursday 25 February 2010, 04:27pm

Tags: Comparison, exchange rates

Taking a trip abroad is an exciting experience. You get to experience new cultures, new types of food and you're going to meet many interesting people. Traveling to other countries, however, takes lots of planning. Part of this planning involves what to do as far as money is concerned. It's not a good idea to take Sterling on your trip. You wouldn't want to get into a situation where a shop owner or other proprietor won't accept your cash. That's why you should look into foreign exchange so that you can convert your money to suit the country you'll be visiting.

Finding Exchange Locations

You should be able to find foreign exchange facilities near where you live, or you can speak to your bank. It's best to do your homework first so that you know what the exchange rate is for the country you'll be traveling to. This way, you'll know that you're being treated fairly and are receiving the exact amount of foreign money for the dollars you plan to trade. There are many places to do a foreign exchange and these places deal with most forms of currency, so you shouldn't have trouble finding the money you need.

Worst Case Scenario

The reason you want to exchange your money is so that you know your money will be accepted everywhere. So you exchange every dollar you have for this new currency and you're ready to take your vacation. However, the moment you get there you are robbed of every dime you have. Now you're broke and in a foreign country. What are you supposed to do now? Instead of trading all your American Dollars at a foreign exchange location, maybe you should have thought about getting a travel money card.

Travel Money

Travel money cards are used just like credit cards. The difference is they are used all over the world. That means you won't have to worry about trading your money at a foreign exchange facility; you'll have all the currencies on your travel money card. The best part about the travel money card is that if it is every stolen, you can report it so. The travel money card company will then investigate the theft and will get you back on track so that you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about not having enough money to do so. These cards are the best way to go no matter where you're going and they should be part of your planning whenever you schedule a vacation abroad.

Thursday 25 February 2010, 01:35pm

Tags: Travel Money Cards

You may have noticed that are a number of different options in which to have money while you travel. Each choice has its own pros and cons. Here we will take a look at all of them and compare holiday money options available to travelers.

Cash is insecure, incovenient, and often poor value

The first choice is just straight up cash. The good things about using cash are it is quick, convenient and there will be less fees involved when exchanging for the local currency when traveling abroad. The one major downside is, however, if it gets stolen, you’re just out of luck, as it won’t be replaced.

Travellers Cheques; over the hill?

When you are going to compare holiday money options, your list has to include traveller’s cheques. They offer more security than cash in that, if your checks get stolen, you simply report it and they will be replaced. Also, if you run out of money, you can usually find a way to get more money converted to traveler’s checks, no matter where you are. On the other hand, though, this type of currency can be rather expensive, with service fees and shipping charges to have them sent to you. Not everyone accepts them either, and some even charge a fee if they do take them.

Credit cards are convenient, but tend to levy heavy fees

The next choice when you are looking to compare holiday money options is credit cards. They are both secure and easy to carry. If it is stolen, it can be easily replaced. If you have a Visa or MasterCard, it will likely be accepted almost anywhere you go. Even though you would know if your physical card has been stolen, it may take awhile to realize someone has merely stolen your credit card information and is using the card that way instead. For those few merchants, like some restaurants, that don’t accept credit cards, you will need to have some cash on hand for times when you run into someone who won’t accept your card. And most importantly, interest rates can add up fast if you don’t plan to pay the card off in full that month.

Prepaid travel money cards are the best solution for foreign travel

When you compare holiday money options, there is really only one choice if you want to avoid the higher credit card fees and don’t want to carry cash. That option is a prepaid card to be used for traveling purposes. They are as convenient as credit and debit cards, and actually offer greater security as they need a PIN number to be used. Some will have fees that are charged when activated and when you put money on them, however.

We offer prepaid currency cards with a great exchange rates and no hidden fees.

Thursday 25 February 2010, 09:51am

Tags: Comparison, holiday money

When you’re travelling abroad, you want your money to stretch as far as possible. With all the different rates and fees that are involved in travel, it can be quite difficult to figure out how to get the most for your money. So, where to start?

Getting low foreign currency exchange rates

One way in which to save money is to find the lowest foreign currency exchange rates possible. There are plenty of websites around that will tell you the exchange rates for any kind of purchase you make, organizing it by credit card company. Whether you’re making a purchase with a credit card, debit card, cash advance, ATM withdrawal, or even cash, chances are that, depending on the bank or company, there will be some sort of fee that you incur. Do some investigating into the companies that you have your money in, and see who has the cheapest rates.

Money exchange rates can change significantly based on the provider

Depending on what credit card company or bank you go with, you can experience vastly different exchange rates, which can really cut into your spending if you have to waste money switching back and forth. Luckily, if you pick the right provider, you can mitigate the damage to your funds. For example, if you convert using USAA, you’ll have to pay 1% of the money you’re exchanging for a conversion fee, whereas Capital One has no conversion fee (and is therefore your best bet for exchanging foreign currency). Chase and Citibank, however, have a 3% exchange rate, so seriously consider other options for currency exchange if you have those cards and plan on traveling abroad.

Get your foreign currency online before you travel

Sometimes, when you travel, it’s impossible to anticipate how much you’re going to spend, and what on. This may often lead you to make a lot of little transactions using your checks, cash, or credit cards, which, when you factor in the fees that are made for every transaction, can really add up. One way to circumvent this is to get the money through a company that specializes low cost currency online, like FairFX. Have a look at our selection of travel money cards, which give you cheap currency that youo can spend on a prepaid mastercard. Buy online today before your trip tomorrow, and stay ahead of the charges.

Wednesday 17 February 2010, 02:11pm

Tags: Comparison

If you’re planning on traveling abroad anytime soon, you might be wondering how to make the most of your money, especially when you’re transferring to foreign currency for the duration of your stay. The following outlines ways in which a prepaid card can help you inexpensively exchange your currency to the native one of the country to which you’re traveling.

The currency travel exchange rate varies wildly among providers

Depending on who you use to exchange your foreign currency, it can often cost you quite a lot, and you end up getting less for your money. There are providers who, for certain circumstances, won’t have any transfer fees, but some can even go as high as 3% of the total amount exchanged! No matter who the provider is, the rates also tend to change depending on how you exchange the money – through banks, through ATM withdrawals, as a cash advance, etc. This can be tricky, especially if you need money in a pinch and have to get it from wherever’s closest. You never really can tell just how much it will cost you.

Buy your travel currency in advance to save on commission.

Thankfully, Wells Fargo, Crown Currency Exchange and other such services can provide you with the ability to buy travel currency before you even set foot on the plane. Their innovative services will allow you to purchase foreign cash prior to the trip, thus eliminating a lot of commission rates and fees that will cut down on your funds at an alarming rate. A quick online search can reveal quite a few companies who are willing to do this for you, often in the comfort of your own home. Just get the money exchanged, and wait for the foreign currency to come to you in the mail; soon you’ll be set to go!

Get low travel money rates with the FairFX prepaid currency card.

One way in which you can save a lot of money on foreign currency exchange rates is by getting a FairFX prepaid currency card. Since there’s no need to use a kiosk or a bureau to get your money transferred, you’ll be saving a lot on the often expensive rates you might have to deal with when you normally exchange your currency. With the help of FairFX, you can get 102 pounds more per every thousand pounds after exchanging dollars for pounds, which is far lower than when you try to use it in the airport, at a bank, or in a kiosk. If you act soon, you can also get a free FairFX Prepaid Mastercard worth up to 10 pounds when you sign up for their services. Get a FairFX prepaid currency card today, so you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble when traveling abroad!

Wednesday 17 February 2010, 09:26am

Tags: exchange rates

Are you planning your next vacation, and contemplating having it in a foreign country? That’s all well and good, but you do have to keep in mind that you have to transfer your native currency to theirs, so you can actually spend money on goods and services while you’re there. However, this may not be as simple as it seems. Check out these effective methods for stretching your money out as much as you can.

Some currency exchange companies take more comission than others

You can find plenty of companies that will exchange your currency for the legal tender of the country for visiting. However, they will charge a fee or a particular rate for this service; this cannot be avoided. What you can minimize, though, is the amount that they take from you, so you can instead use that money during your vacation. Just do some investigating as to the various currency exchange companies out there that can give you the currency you require at a rate that’s extremely affordable, more so than their competition.

You will find the best rates of exchange online

Fortunately, the Internet is a great place to locate rates of exchange that are extremely reasonable. You can start by investigating the banks that you normally go with, and see what their fees and rates are. You might even be able to use your own debit and credit cards in a foreign country, but keep in mind that the rates can vary depending on the kind of transaction you make, and what country you do it in. Thankfully, you can find all this information by searching online for the data you require. You can even find Internet-only companies that will give you extremely competitive exchange rates that the other firms can’t beat.

Great value currency exchange services at FairFX

A great way to exchange your money before a trip is here at FairFX. All you have to do is utilize their service and put some money in a prepaid card. Obviously, there are fees that go along with this, but it’s assured that those fees are lower than any other service of this caliber. Once you get your prepaid card set up, all you have to do is wait for it to arrive, take it with you as you travel, and use it for whatever goods and services you require there. You only have to pay the fees involved in the transfer, so it’s not like the other cards you can use, where you’re charged every time you make a transaction! With FairFX cards, you know your money’s getting spent on the stuff you want to get as you vacation abroad. Therefore, don’t hesitate, and get the foreign exchange currency rates that won’t drain your expenses before you even get there!

Tuesday 16 February 2010, 04:07pm

Tags: Other companies

For your next vacation, you might be wondering just how to get your money exchanged for the native currency of your particular country of interest. After all, you don’t want to have to lose too much of your money just getting it transferred, thereby wasting it, do you? Here are a few tips to get the most out of your money.

Money rates change dramatically based on who provides the currency

Depending on who you’re getting your currency from, you can often get quite varied money rates. You may not think much about it, but getting the lower rates can really make a difference when getting your money exchanged. The most intelligent thing for you to do is to perform a quick online search for any providers and businesses that specialize in foreign currency exchange rates. You’ll quickly notice that there are quite a few differences in price between these firms, as well as special deals that you can take advantage of. Simply find the least expensive company with the most effective exchange rates and go with them. You won’t regret it.

Bank rates on card transactions are often the most expensive way of spending abroad

If you just plan on using your card when traveling abroad, you could be wasting the most amount of money of all of these options. Depending on your card lender or provider, the fees and rates can change between countries and even between transaction methods. What you get charged for a cash advance might be dramatically different from what you’re charged for an ATM withdrawal, and so on. Some rates might be as little as 0% and as high as 3% of your total amount transferred in many cases. Therefore, it’s recommended that you use your cards as little as possible when traveling abroad, to save yourself the expense of having to continually pay those fees every time you use a card.

Get some of the best money exchange rates with pre paid cards from FairFX

Fortunately, there’s a service that will help you immensely- FairFX prepaid currency exchange cards. It would do you well to check out their unique system where you can pay for your foreign currency before you even leave the country! With FairFX, you can get your money transferred to a prepaid currency card that you can use whenever you’re in another land, and, since you’ve already paid the negligible fees that are necessary to use the service, you don’t have to worry about how much money you have – all of it gets spent on the things you want to purchase in this foreign nation. With the help of companies like this, you can get the most out of your money when you decide to vacation abroad!

Tuesday 16 February 2010, 02:53pm

Tags: holiday money