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Avoid being cheated on tourist rates of exchange with a prepaid card

If you're planning on traveling out of the country, then you're probably looking at your options for currency exchange. Most travelers often lose money on tourist rates of exchange by getting their money exchanged at airports, using their credit cards, or using alternative methods. But a prepaid card may be the best option for many reasons. First, let's take a look at the alternative methods.

Check out the great rates of exchange on our cards:

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Why Credit Cards Cost So Much More in the Long Run

Credit cards are probably on the top of most people's minds because of the convenience. They also know what they are getting when they use their credit cards as they are familiar with their interest rates. However, most people are unaware that there are hidden charges and extra fees associated with credit cards.
Many credit card companies charge you extra fees for currency exchange. When you pay with your credit card, you are charged every time you use it during your trip. While the charges may not be significant, they can really add up and cost you a lot of money by the end of your trip, making it expensive.

Airport Currency Rates Are Also High

Getting your currency exchanged at the airport is also viable. This option is convenient and mostly used if the traveler needs the money at that point and cannot take the extra time to look for alternatives. Most people are on limited schedules while they are traveling so they have to resort to this option.
Airports charge tourist rates of exchange which can be very high. In fact, getting your money at the airport is one of the most expensive choices. You may be surprised that the rates can be 15% or even higher depending on the supply and demand as well as the airport center.

Currency Cards are the Perfect Solution

By taking a little time to prepare beforehand, you can save a lot of money with currency cards. Currency cards are just like credit cards. You purchase the money at low rates before leaving for the country. Then, you simply load it up with the money you need and go on your way.
There are no hidden charges, the rates are lower than your other choices, and they are easy to use. What's more, they allow you to keep to a budget because you can load up the card with the money you want to spend. If you need more money, all you have to do is contact the company during your trip to deposit more.
And that's not all there is to these cards. If you lose the card during your trip, you can make a call to the company and get the balance moved over to a new card. This is very important as it may be easy to lose your wallet or luggage while you are traveling.

Order a FairFX travel money card today for cheap exchange rates on your next trip abroad!

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Monday 28 June 2010, 04:16pm

Avoid higher cost of tourist rate exchange!

Are you planning to take a vacation or a business trip abroad? If so, then you must already be engrossed with all the necessary preparations such as the things that you should bring, your hotel accommodation, scouting for tourist destinations, and a lot more. One aspect which is sometimes overlooked is how to maximize your finances. This is not about having a huge and flexible budget but rather how you can get the most out of your money. This is about taking advantage of the best tourist rate exchange.

Check out our great exchange rates for travellers:

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The Leverage of Knowing Tourist Rate Exchange

With your finances at hand, it is essential to know how far it will go in your destination country. This is of utmost importance especially if you are on a tight budget. While comparisons among different foreign rate exchanges only shows minor differences, the overall difference adds up to a considerable amount of money since you're most likely going to convert a large amount of money. A bad tourist rate exchange means you could lose a big portion of your travel budget.
Remember that in business, high demand of any product provided by only a few suppliers result in an increase in price. This also holds true with rate exchange establishments. The worst tourist rate exchange is offered at the airport. Typically, only two or three exchange centers compete in an airport. The added charge may even reach up to 20% of the exchange value. This is obviously a bad deal but a person who did not prepare ahead and is already pressed for time may have to resort to this rate.
The best option to dodge terrible rate exchange is to opt for prepaid travel money cards. Companies that offer these cards are in close competition with leading foreign rate exchange centers. Not only do they provide the best exchange rates, but you will be able to know the value of your money in your destination ahead of time.

Worry-free Travel with Currency Cards

Your travel schedule may be packed with many activities. And carrying a huge amount of money in your bag or purse is definitely an added emotional burden. What if somebody manages to steal your bag? What if you are too engrossed with your activities and you end up misplacing your bag or wallet? Using a currency card will definitely address this issue.
The fact still remains that you may still lose your purse or bag, but with a currency card you can rest assured that your money will be safe. Not only do prepaid currency cards provide the best exchange rate, they also offer money protection. If you lose your card, you can email the customer service representative and get a new one with the old balance transferred into it.

Other Advantages of Currency Cards

Avoiding terrible tourist rate exchange is not only where you can get great savings. Withdrawal fees, loading fees, and other possible added charges are generally lower compared to the traditional credit and debit cards. Prepaid currency cards also come with the usual debit card features such as possible reimbursement of purchases.
Order a FairFX card now to save on your holiday money.

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Tuesday 22 June 2010, 04:04pm

Some of the best exchange rates in the UK with our prepaid cards

So you're planning on traveling abroad. But do you know how to get the best exchange rates in the UK? Many people either opt to use cash, their credit cards, or exchange currencies at the airport. Each of these has their advantages and disadvantages but in the bigger picture prepaid currency cards may be the best option.

Check out our great exchange rates:

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Option

The first option is to use cash. While cash is convenient and simple, nobody wants to carry around their huge travel budget with them on their trip. If you lose your wallet or your belongings, this can mean a huge disaster as your cash will be irretrievable.
The second option is to use your credit card. Many international locations accept credit cards and are convenient. However, credit card companies usually charge you extra fees to convert currencies. While the fees are not as high as you'd think, they add up and can cost you a lot of money.
The third option is to get your currency exchanged at the airport. This should only be in the case of an emergency as the fees that the airport exchange centers charge are very high. Sometimes the rates can be over 10%, taking away from your total budget.

Why Prepaid Currency Cards Are The Better Choice

Prepaid currency cards will allow you to get the best exchange rates in the UK. All you have to do is use your credit card or debit card to load up your card. The great thing about prepaid currency cards is that they can be used as a regular credit card but without the high fees associated with international payments.
What's more, many currency cards come with the same kind of benefits as credit cards. You can earn reward points, get fraud protection, and you can return goods if the merchant offers a refund policy. If you lose your currency card, you can let the company know and transfer the remaining money into a new one.

Manage You Money Easier With Currency Cards

When traveling, it's easy to get carried away and spend more than you can afford. According to statistics, most travelers overspend over their planned budget. This is because there are always things that come up where you need to spend additional money.
So if you want to stick to a tight budget, you can do so with a currency card. In addition to getting the best exchange rates in the UK, these cards will not be usable once your budget is reached. Additional money will not be transferred from your credit card or debit card into your account.

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Thursday 17 June 2010, 12:18pm

Compare Currency Exchange Rates When Buying Travel Cash

It is important to compare currency exchange rates when converting your pounds to dollars or other currencies, when it is time to go on holiday and you need to buy travel cash. There are a number of places to purchase your travel cash, but the exchange rates can vary, so you need to compare currency exchange rates carefully. There are several factors to consider when you compare currency exchange rates because some options charge commissions or fees, when you are buying your travel cash.

Check out our great currency exchange rates:

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Market Conditions Set The Basis For Exchange Rates:

When you compare currency exchange rates, it is important to keep in mind that the currency markets establish the exchange rate, but many of the exchange bureaus and kiosks may charge commissions or fees on top of this exchange rate. When you compare currency exchange rates to buy travel cash for your holiday, the cheapest option is the prepaid currency card you can get. Because it is an online Internet-based business, there is no rent overhead and the two-way currency exchanges allow the optimal exchange rate.

Compare Currency Exchange Rates At The Bank:

You can compare currency exchange rates at the bank, but there might be fees and commissions involved there, too. For one thing, you have to compare currency exchange rates frequently because they can fluctuate throughout the day, based on the world currency markets, which banks follow closely. When you compare currency exchange rates at the bank, be aware they might change by the time you get there to exchange your currency and they might be limited to which currencies they have available to exchange.

Easy Access to A Number Of Currencies:

When you compare currency exchange rates, you have to keep in mind that many places will be able to convert pounds to dollars, but might not be able to offer you other options, if you are traveling for holiday in a place that takes another currency. When you compare currency exchange rates, there is a way to purchase travel cash and if you order it by 2pm, you can have it delivered to your home the next day in your choice of 21 currencies. The easiest and safest way to get the travel cash you need is to purchase the prepaid currency card that is based on the best current exchange rates. You can purchase the prepaid MasterCard currency card or have the money transferred to your foreign currency account.

If need to purchase travel money for your holiday, be sure to compare currency exchange rates, but when you want the best currency exchange rates, you will want to consider the ease and security of the prepaid currency card, to make your holiday travel cash go much further. If you compare currency exchange rates, you will find it is the most affordable option and it's easy to get, by using the Internet and your personal computer. It just takes a few minutes to set up an account, which is the initial part of your currency card purchase.

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Monday 24 May 2010, 04:58pm

Get The Best Money Exchange Rates By Using Prepaid Card

Taking a trip outside of the country is definitely thrilling especially if you're visiting a new destination. However, a lot of travelers spend way beyond their planned budget. When planning for a trip abroad, it is vital to know how to manage your finances well. Handling your money does not only include the money you're going to spend during your travels but it also involves how far your money will go in the country. Basically, it's about finding the best money exchange rates.

Check out our money exchange rates with our cards:

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Spending some time on research prior to your trip will help you find how and where to get best money exchange rates. If you look at the trends, you'll see that exchange rates fluctuate daily but the fluctuations are not really big.

There are times that you can get great exchange rates and you'll be able to stretch your travel budget. However, this also works the other way around and you may find yourself with unfavorable rates. Since the rate fluctuates every day, most people try to target the average rate value. Rather than going with this option, the best way to get the best money exchange rates is to go for a prepaid currency card. This card is specifically tailored for travelers. Essentially, this card is more like of a debit card but is loaded with the currency of your destination country.

What are the benefits of using prepaid currency cards?

The most important thing that prepaid currency cards offer is the best money exchange rates. Prepaid card providers are in tight competition with foreign exchange establishments. This form of competition is beneficial to travelers like you.

What's more, you get to know ahead of time how much money you will have after the exchange. The amount of money you load into your card will stay the same and will not be altered by the daily fluctuations of the global exchange rates. Basically, if you've done your research on the country's cost of living then you will be able to be on track with your budget. And if you have some money left on the card after the trip, you have two options: withdraw it or use it for the next vacation.

The advantage of currency cards over carrying cash is that you will be safe if it is lost during your trip. Providers have customer service representatives ready to answer your queries all the time. With proper proof of identification, you can readily request your money to be transferred to a new prepaid currency card.

Where do I get these currency cards?

There are various companies that provide prepaid currency cards. And the best ones maintain an updated website so you may compare which ones provide the best money exchange rates. Some factors that you should look for are zero monthly charges, zero added ATM fees (the ATM owner generally has basic withdrawal fee), and zero loading fees.

Truly, using prepaid currency cards provides a lot of advantages compared to other methods. Remember these cards came into existence with the traveler's needs in mind. In the end, which card you go with will be determined by your needs as different companies offer different features.

Get a FairFX card today and take advantage of better holiday money rates.

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Tuesday 18 May 2010, 04:48pm

A Better Exchange Rate For US Dollars

If you're taking a trip especially overseas, you're probably aware that you have to exchange your current currency. For example, you can exchange rates for US dollars at a bank, hotel, airport or a high street currency booth. However, the exchange rate for US dollar differs on every establishment you visit and many of them offer high charges on exchange rates.

Look at our great value exchange rates for Dollars:

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Instead of exchanging it with establishments that won't give you good rates for your travels, try using a prepaid currency card to exchange your money for US dollars. Prepaid currency cards offer a good exchange rate for US Dollars. It is safe, simple to use and you can save money especially when on a trip overseas.

What are prepaid currency cards?

Prepaid currency cards are cards that can be used to pay for hotels, shopping, eating out or anything else on your trip. It functions similar to other prepaid cards but it is made to work with foreign currencies. It can be loaded with money and a user can use it like a regular debit or credit card. You can even use it to withdraw cash from ATMs and the cards come with many features.

What are the advantages in using this card?

Carrying the card is safer than bringing large sums of cash. It can be used like ordinary cards to make purchases or withdraw money. It provides added security against theft because if the card is stolen, you can easily report it to your service provider and your card can be replaced with a new one with the balance transferred. You can even get your money back provided you have given insurance to cover the cash lost.

Your private accounts are also secure as it is not linked to your personal checking or savings account, protecting you from further damage. It a great way to spend money while on your travels since the fees for the exchange rates are lower and more favourable than the rates given at foreign ATMs or exchange centers. It also gives you control over your money so that you won't be overspending. But there are no tight restrictions either. You can transfer funds at any time with access to the Internet or with a simple phone call.

Taking a vacation aboard can be very demanding. You have to consider many things from your baggage, your schedule, what to do during your trip, to your budget. Your money shouldn't be a pressing concern. You can get the best exchange rate for US dollars by getting a prepaid currency card. These cards also offer security, giving you peace of mind during your vacation.

Apply for a FairFX card today and see how much you could save on on your holiday money

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Tuesday 11 May 2010, 03:15pm

Get a cheaper exchange rate for dollars with FairFX

Using a FairFX currency card gives you much better exchange rates for your Dollars than the airport or high street. To save money on your next trip to the US, order one of our cards now!

Look at our great value exchange rates for Dollars:

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You're taking a vacation and you know you need to exchange your currency but you also don't want to be taken advantage of. There are many choices when it comes to exchanging your currency. If you're converting your money to Dollars, for instance, you can exchange your money at:

  • A high street currency booth
  • A bank
  • A hotel
  • An airport

However, you'll want to be very careful when changing your money to dollars. The exchange rate for Dollars varies widely depending on which establishment you visit. Legal money converter services, banks, hotels and even airports, among other forms of legal money exchange, often charge high rates. This means you won't get as much money as you started out with as it has slowly been whittled away by those pesky fees.

There is one way to get a low exchange rate for Dollars that will leave you with as much money as possible so that you can actually enjoy your vacation. Instead of visiting one of the businesses above, you can get a prepaid currency card. Prepaid currency cards offer much lower exchange rates for Dollars, as well as other forms of currency. But there are more reasons why you'll want to choose prepaid a currency card instead of doing a traditional money exchange.

Prepaid currency cards are safer than carrying around bundles of cash. When you're taking a trip, you don't want to have to worry about not having money. That's why most people take as much with them as possible. What if you're robbed, however? With a prepaid card, you can just get a new card. If you get your converted Dollars stolen, you will be out of luck and money, too!

Not only that, but prepaid cards often have less fees than traditional credit cards. Credit card companies often charge you fees just to have the card activated and then they charge you for each transaction you make. With prepaid currency cards, you enjoy a much better exchange rate for Dollars as well as lower fees on all of your purchases. That means your Dollars will stretch further than they would had you gone with the traditional means of exchanging your money.

Taking a trip can be very stressful, especially if it's overseas. You have so much to worry about: packing, your itinerary, and then there's the money aspect. Don't make the mistake of exchanging your money with just anyone or any business. Don't pay all of those high fees. Instead, exchange your money for Dollars on a prepaid currency card and have the peace of mind that you're money's safe, and that it will last a lot longer than it typically would because you received such a good exchange rate on Dollars.

Get a FairFX card now to make sure you get a better price on holiday money.

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Friday 07 May 2010, 12:18pm

Get Good Exchange Rates With a FairFX Prepaid Card

Whenever you travel abroad at some point in the proceedings you will need to ensure that you have a means of obtaining travel money, Euros if you are travelling to Europe and Dollars if you are going to America. There are a number of ways of obtaining the currency that you need, what you need to know is how to get a good exchange rate for your money.

See just how good our exchange rates are with our prepaid cards:

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Exchange Rates

One of the problems with buying currency from a travel agent is not just the commission that many agents charge, but the fact that you won't necessarily get good exchange rates. The current global financial problems have meant that the exchange rate, never totally reliable, can now change from one hour to the next. If you have paid 90p for a Euro, and the pound goes up against it in the meantime, you will be paying more for your travel money. You may have purchased a mixture of cash and travellers cheques and although it means you aren't walking around with a load of cash, and some hotels and apartment complexes charge a commission for changing your travellers' cheques.

Credit Cards

Credit cards have two things going for them when it comes to purchasing your travel money, you get the exchange rate of the day, and you don't have to carry around a pocketful of Euros everywhere you go. The problem with using a credit card to buy your travel money is that you are charged every time you use an ATM machine and the credit card company will also charge you a premium for taking out cash. If you don't pay your credit card bill in full before the allotted time, then you will be paying interest on all those extra charges, which in real terms means that you got a bad exchange rate.

FairFX Prepaid Card

If you really want to get good exchange rates when you go abroad then the simplest and cheapest way of doing so is with a FairFX prepaid travel money card. Currency cards work in the same way as a prepaid credit card. You put whatever money you have set aside onto the card before you go away and it is ready to use when you reach your destination. The exchange rate that you get with a currency card is better than the deal you would have got from your travel agent, and quite a bit cheaper than using a booth at the airport or on thei high street to change your money, and cheaper than most credit cards. The FairFX currency card is a reusable card and can be loaded up with pounds, euros or dollars. You can buy your card and your currency online, if you wish you can have the money transferred to your foreign currency bank account.

Order your FairFX card today for better rates on holiday money.

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Thursday 06 May 2010, 02:17pm

Above Average Exchange Rates With a Prepaid Card

If you are going away on holiday then you will need to organise your travel money. Like most people you will want to get the best value for your money, which means you want to find above average exchange rates if at all possible. There are a number of ways of buying foreign currency, some of them more cost effective than others. Should you use a credit card, buy cash or travellers cheques, or would you get a better rate with a prepaid currency card?

Look at our brilliant travel money rates:

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Using a Credit Card

If you don’t want to be walking around with several hundred pounds worth of dollars or euros in your luggage, then you may decide to use your credit card to obtain the currency that you need while you are abroad. The benefit of a credit card is that it allows you take advantage of whatever the exchange rate is on a given day. While credit cards do have some advantages, they may not get you the best exchange rate once you calculate in what it costs you to borrow money on a credit card. Not all credit cards carry the same level of charges, but this can still be an expensive way of buying currency, which is not what you want if you are looking for above average exchange rates. Some credit card companies levy extra charges every time you use an ATM machine when you are abroad.

Cash or Traveller’s Cheques?

A lot of people still tend to buy foreign currency through their travel agent or through the post office. Most travel agents and post offices will charge a small commission on your currency and you won’t necessarily get the best exchange rates from them. Some people like to feel actual foreign money in their pockets when they go away because it makes the experience seem more real. Other people prefer to take a small amount of cash for incidental expenses when they first arrive, and then take the rest of their money in traveller’s cheques. Traveller’s cheques are not one of the best ways to get a decent exchange rate, but you do have the security of knowing that if they are lost or stolen, you can have them replaced.

Prepaid Card

Increasingly travellers are turning to prepaid currency cards as the cheapest way to buy their travel money. Prepaid cards offer a better exchange rate than either banks or the post office and can be a lot more cost effective than traveller’s cheques. The prepaid chip and pin card can be ordered online, you can order your currency at the same time. Prepaid cards have much lower charges than most credit cards and because they are designed for a specific purpose, you will get above average exchange rates on foreign currency. The cards are reusable, and when you want to go away again you just load up the card and you are good to go.

Order your FairFX card today for much better value holiday money on your next trip.

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Wednesday 05 May 2010, 12:09pm

Don't Get Ripped Off on Travel Money Rates at the Airport or on a Credit Card

Are you planning to go on a vacation out of the country but worried that your expenses might go overboard? If you are then that makes you one of the thousands who are worried about carrying cash, saving money while on vacation, and having to deal with travel money rates that catch you off guard. Most travelers who fail to manage their finances while on vacation often end up going over budget and are left to pay for their credit card bills.

Look at our brilliant travel money rates:

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The Traditional Solution to Changing Your Currency

There are a lot of choices that you can choose from when it comes to bringing changing currency. The traditional way is carrying cash. Having your money in your wallet might give you convenience, but you're also taking a risk as you never know what might happen. You may be pick-pocketed, lose your wallet, or even overspend. To be wise about carrying cash, it is safer to bring a small amount with you to spend on the little purchases that you make on the trip.
A lot of travelers often fall into making the mistake of changing currencies on airports; Travel money rates on airports are lower which makes it more expensive. Furthermore, commissions are charged by companies at almost 8% in general when converting currency.
Another option is your credit and debit cards. Using your credit card or debit card can be fast and handy, saving you the hassle of carrying a lot of money. But for the convenience, credit and debit card companies charge you high rates for foreign currency transactions (Credit card users are charged almost 3%).
Another popular choice is using the ATM, withdrawing your money through ATMs is convenient and it also allows you to spend within your limit. However, it does have some drawbacks. You will have to take your time in looking for ATMs to withdraw your cash, for a tourist in a foreign country this may be exhausting for you because you are not familiar with the area.

The Contemporary Advantage

The best method is the use of prepaid currency cards. It is by far the most secure and has lesser fees and minimal charges than credit cards but offers the same amount of convenience. You also don't have to worry about overspending as you get to monitor your expenses. The card also offers better exchange rates than buying cash and you won't have to deal with long lines at FOREX booths to have your money changed. If lost or stolen, the latest transaction could be cancelled and your remaining account could be transferred to another card within 24 hours.

How do I Save Money While on Holiday?

The answer is easy - by spending wisely and keeping track of the money that you are spending. If you want to think ahead of yourself and you want to do away with the trouble of auditing your cash every now and then, managing your finances and using a prepaid card to limit your expenses will go a long way in saving money. This way you won't have to deal with the high travel money rates in exchange centers.

Order your FairFX card today for much better value travel money on your next trip.

Apply for the FairFX card now!

Friday 30 April 2010, 02:23pm