Preparing for a holiday simply shouldn't be an issue for anyone. But as one prepares to go out they find the biggest nightmare to deal with is the currency rates for the country they are visiting. But don't allow the stress of these foreign currencies get you down as you have several travel money delivery systems available to you.
Currently the pound sterling remains strong and conversions to other foreign currencies are quite generous. Of course the change in currency can be handled several different ways, and whilst each may seem to provide the consumer with the best deal, not all are customer oriented and the wisest choice you have.
For instance, the traveler could choose to exchange currency in the UK before going abroad. You will be charged a conversion fee as well. These fees are the standard rate and there is no reduction of fees on this conversion method. If you want the equivalent of 100 pounds you will need to have the funds on top of that to cover the conversion.
On top of that you will need to keep track of these funds for the entire trip. If you lose these funds you will have to rely on an outside funding source. If you forget to bring any other funding sources you are in serious trouble. Cash can be stolen easily, and if it is there is no way to replace it leaving you in a bad predicament.
A second option for the person on holiday is to use a credit card. With your credit card you have the option to use it at an ATM or Bank to withdraw funds from your account. Either way, the credit card will most likely give you a very poor exchange rate, as well as inordinately high ATM fees.
But when a person want their travel money delivery with the best funding options, and the lowest conversion rates they should decide to go with a prepaid currency card. These cards are loaded with your funds at a considerable discount and work just like a debit card.
Cards like the FairFX Currency Card give much better exchange rates and are safe for worldwide use. Each card has been created to be use whilst traveling. In fact they are even easily reloadable if you run low on funds you simply need to find an internet connection or make the transfer with your mobile phone with the FairFX telephone top-up service.
Simply choose a card that meets your needs and load it to receive the best overall benefits that these cards carry. They are safe, inexpensive and secure. This means they are safer than cash and cheaper than the average credit card and offer peace of mind that the other two can't deliver on.
Friday 25 June 2010, 01:59pm
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.
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.
Thursday 17 June 2010, 12:18pm
Are you planning to travel to the states? If so, then you're probably aware that you have to plan a whole lot of things from what hotel to stay in, what places to visit, and what kind of activities to do. One of the most disregarded aspects of traveling is currency exchange. Travel money USA dollars can be exchanged for almost anywhere, but the challenge is in getting a good rate.
What Options Are Available?
The most well-known way of exchanging currencies is getting it done in the airport. While exchanging currencies in the airport is convenient, you should only resort to it if it's an emergency. The rates at the airport are very high and can take anywhere from 10-20% of the money you're exchanging.
Another way to get your currency exchanged is going to the High Streets. Although, this can be a lot cheaper than the airport, the rates always fluctuate so you will have to get your money exchanged at the right time. If you can plan beforehand this is something to look into.
The last method is to simply carry cash with you. While carrying cash is convenient, many people feel uneasy carrying their whole traveling budget along with them. While rare, you may lose your wallet or have your baggage stolen in the worst case scenario.
Are There Any Better Alternatives?
The answer is an absolute yes. A great alternative is to buy currency cards. With these cards, you can buy travel money USA dollars at much better rates rates. This is a relatively new way to pay for your travels and many travelers are not familiar with how prepaid currency cards work.
All you have to do is load up your currency card with the amount of money you want to spend for your trip to the US. The currency card is used as a regular credit card but this card is not linked to your bank account in any way. So if you lose it, you won't have to worry about identity theft or unauthorized withdrawal from your accounts.
Prepaid currency cards are also very safe to use. If you lose the card, you can simply call the company and request your balance to be transferred to a new card. This way, nobody will be able to use the remaining balance on your old card.
Prepaid Currency Cards Help You Stick to a Budget
Many people find themselves overspending on their trip. By loading up your currency card with a set amount of money, it will be easier to stick to your budget. But what if you need money for an emergency? No problem, you can simply call the company and transfer money into the account. The company will update your balance within a couple of hours.
In conclusion, prepaid currency cards are the way to go if you're looking for travel money USA dollars. These cards are convenient, easy to use, and safe. Next time you plan your trip, look to use prepaid cards to pay for all your expenses.
Monday 07 June 2010, 10:25am
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.
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.
Tuesday 18 May 2010, 04:48pm
Prepaid currency cards are the best option to save yourself cash when buying travel money. They are more secure, and give you much better exchange rates than buying cash. See how much you could save with a FairFX card now!
Carrying a prepaid currency card with you on a trip or vacation overseas is a wise decision. Travel money review shows that prepaid currency cards provides a great way for you to control your spending. Opening a prepaid currency card is similar to managing a checking or savings account. Once money is deposited in your account, you will be given a prepaid currency card and it can be used like a regular credit card, only that it is designed for spending money abroad.
Since your money is being limited on the amount that you deposited on your account, you can't over spend your budget. In addition, there will be no membership charge and no interest charge. Hence, travel money review confirms that prepaid currency cards give you a better deal with your money.
A Close Look into Currency Cards
Prepaid currency cards are quite new but their popularity is rising fast. It is because these cards offer convenience. You won't have to go to the bank or exchange agencies to get money. It is a payment card that can be used to pay hotel bills, services and purchase items. You also get 24 hour access to your cash because it can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs to over 160 countries worldwide.
The Benefits of Currency Cards
Using a prepaid currency card offers the following benefits. First is easy access. You can get a prepaid currency card even if you have been refused for credit cards due to a bad credit rating. You also don't have to worry about paying bills and interest rates. Next is security because a prepaid currency card requires a PIN number before you can withdraw your cash.
Third is budgeting, since you can only use the available money in your account, prepaid currency card is a great way of controlling your spending. Prepaid currency cards can also be used to transfer money abroad. When you are on a trip overseas, you can deposit funds into your prepaid currency account through the internet or telephone in the case of an emergency.
They Also Offer Security
Fortunately, a prepaid currency card is not linked to your bank account which leaves your savings protected. For example, if your card has been used by a thief, the only amount that he can get is the amount available in your prepaid card.
What's more, carrying a card makes your cash less prone from being lost or being stolen. In the case this happens, you can still get your cash with the insurance that is issued by the card provider and you can also report your loss to a customer service hotline of the card provider. The company will cancel all transactions in your account making sure that your money is safe. You can then transfer the balance to a new card.
Prepaid currency cards are a worry free way to spend money on your travels. They have less exchange rate fees, are handy like a debit and credit cards, and you will have full control over the amount you spend.
Get a FairFX card today and take advantage of better holiday money rates.
Thursday 13 May 2010, 04:47pm
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.
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.
Thursday 06 May 2010, 02:17pm
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.
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.
Friday 30 April 2010, 02:23pm
Using a FairFX currency card gives you much better exchange rates for your Euros that the airport or high street. To save money on your next trip to Europe, order one of our cards now!
If you are going on holiday to Spain or Greece, or to any other European country then at some point you will need to exchange pounds for euros. Most people will purchase their travel money a few days before they go away. Travel agents and banks can supply you with foreign currency and they will usually charge you a commission for doing so. One of the problems with taking all your holiday money euros as cash means that you will be walking around with a lot of money in your pocket.
People who want to feel safer and who don't like carrying a lot of money around with them when they are on holiday may prefer to use travellers cheques. One of the problems with using either traveller's cheques or cash is that once you have bought your travel money, you won't be able to take advantage of any further changes in the exchange rate. Currency exchange rates fluctuate all the time and you could get two or three more euros to the pound on one day, than you did on another.
Apart from buying your holiday money euros for cash or by using travellers' cheques, you can also use your credit card to draw money out once you reach your destination. When you use a credit card in this way the card issuer will take a commission because you have drawn cash, and it will also cost you more money to use the ATM machine. Increasingly people are getting fed up at having to pay all the hidden extras just to get their holiday money. If you are fed up and looking for an alternative means of sorting out your holiday money then you will pay less if you use a currency card.
Currency cards can be obtained online and they work in a similar way to a credit card or debit card, apart from the fact that you have to load the card up with money first to be able to use it. There are a number of companies that supply currency cards and the commission rates differ slightly from one provider to another. When you use a currency card you can always charge it up with more cash straight from your bank account either online or over the telephone.
You don't have ATM costs with a currency card and the charges are a lot lower than they would be on most credit cards. If you don't like carrying around a lot of cash with you when you are away, then currency cards are an ideal alternative. When you use a currency card you dispense with all the hassle and extra costs that are often associated with trying to get your holiday money euros.
Order your FairFX card today for much better Euro rates.
Thursday 29 April 2010, 12:14pm
Are you looking for ways to save money on a trip abroad? Securing a prepaid currency card is the answer to your problem. With it, you will be able to get travel money direct at a competitive rate. Prepaid cards are also cheap, convenient, and easy to use. By using a prepaid currency card, you don't need to go through the hassle of exchanging currencies when you get to your destination.
Purchasing Foreign Currency Online
In buying currency online there are some important things to consider. First is that the online currency exchange company should have a minimum of 2 years of audited accounts, a risk-free service with online order encryption for safe purchase, and they must be registered with the Better Business Bureau.
The advantage of buying foreign currency online is that you can save money on exchange rates and you are also assured that you have the local currency available when you arrive to the country. You don't have to worry about transaction fees on ATM and credit cards. You can order travel cash with FairFX as well, but not at a rate as strong as on our currency cards.
Purchasing Foreign Currency in the Airports
Buying currencies in the airport is advantageous if you weren't able to exchange to the local currency before you got to the country. The airport exchange center is great for last minute emergencies and useful if you didn't prepare beforehand. The biggest disadvantage in buying foreign currencies in airports is the fee. It is very high and you can end up paying up to 15% more compared to other methods.
Securing a Prepaid Currency Card
All the above mentioned ways involve exchanging with cash, which is risky and unsettling. You can eliminate this risk by securing a prepaid currency card. You can get competitive rates similar to buying foreign currency online and you will have travel money direct at a better price.
You can have these benefits without the high fees charged in the airports and on the high street. You will also feel more secure carrying a card instead of money. It's clear that buying prepaid currency cards is the way to go if you're traveling abroad.
A FairFX card gives you better exchange rates and more security than other options for taking money abroad. Apply for your card today to save money on your next trip abroad.
Tuesday 27 April 2010, 09:55am
Prepaid currency cards are the best option to save yourself cash when buying travel money. They are more secure, and give you much better exchange rates than buying cash. See how much you could save with a FairFX card now!
When you need to convert the £ into a foreign currency, the choices for buying travel money might seem limited, yet there can be vast difference in the amount you can expect to end up with after the conversion rate is calculated and the commissions and other fees are added. With the prepaid currency cards, you get the best exchange rates for buying travel money, yet you also get convenience and security that no other options offer.
What Is A Prepaid Currency Card?
You can convert your home currency into a foreign currency quite easily through a prepaid currency card. It is a prepaid MasterCard that works just like any other credit card except you exchange currency before you go on your foreign holiday. Not only do you get the best foreign exchange rate when buying travel money, but the prepaid MasterCard has a chip and PIN to use, making them the most secure option. Because they are so easy to use, and you get the best exchange rates when buying travel money, you can enjoy your holiday with the peace of mind you get from know you got the most from your currency exchange when buying travel money and you have a secure option that is easy to carry in your holiday travels.
Is It Difficult To Get The Prepaid Currency Card?
When you are buying travel money, you want the easiest option because you have many things to do before leaving on your holiday and probably find yourself without adequate time. With the prepaid currency card, you can use your personal computer, sign on the Internet, open your foreign currency account in a matter of minutes and complete the purchase for buying travel money online. Because you can open your account as part of the purchase transaction, when you are buying travel money, the entire process is quick and easy. You can choose from 3 options when buying travel money with your account, but the prepaid currency card is the most popular. Of course, you can have banknotes delivered to your front door or have your exchanged currency transferred to your foreign currency bank account.
Does The Prepaid Currency Spend Like Other Travel Money?
Because the prepaid currency card is a MasterCard with a chip and PIN for security, you can use it anyplace that you use credit cards, which is almost anywhere, worldwide. When you are buying travel money, the prepaid currency card is easy to use in all of the places you will go, including hotels, pubs, eateries and the most popular tourist destinations. Because it is already exchanged currency, the prepaid card makes it easy for you to stay within your budget, and when buying travel money, you have the peace of mind in knowing that you can use the prepaid currency card like you do other exchanged currency options, but you enjoy more security and convenience than any other methods you might choose.
Order a FairFX card today and see how much you could save on your travel money!
Thursday 22 April 2010, 10:33am
