FairFX Press Releases > Interest rate Related Posts
• 57 per cent of Brits to cut holiday spending
• Strong Euro puts summer sunshine breaks in jeopardy
• Regional airport foreign currency purchase swindle
The Great British summer get away is looking in danger. Credit crunched families planning to escape to sunnier climes will have to battle high inflation, the spiralling cost of living, a weak Pound against the Euro, and extortionate airport currency exchange rates - all before they even step foot on the plane.
It is little wonder nearly three in five Brits (57 per cent) have been forced to slash how much they pay out overall on their holidays, or at the very least reduce their expenditure while abroad over the year ahead, according to research* from pre-paid currency card provider FairFX.com.
Nearly 10% admitted the credit crunch and fear of recession meant they would have to cut how much they will spend on holiday. Also, more than half (55 per cent) felt forced to curb foreign expenditure because the cost of living is too much for them and outgoings have increased drastically.
Stephen Heath, Chief Executive of FairFX.com, said: “As the credit crunch continues to bite, and the cost of living spirals upwards, Brits have been forced to slash their holiday spending. Understandably, basic housekeeping costs are a bigger priority for families, but many people will be disappointed to have to cut back just when they could do with a little sun and relaxation.”
And already hard-up Brits are being fleeced when it comes to getting their foreign cash from the airport. Holidaymakers flying from Liverpool, Leeds, City, Bristol or Birmingham airports could be paying well over the odds for their spending money as these airports are the most expensive UK departure points for buying foreign currency at the moment.
FairFX.com’s league of the UK’s most expensive foreign exchange bureaux: 1= Liverpool, Travelex 1= Leeds, Travelex 1= City, Travelex 1= Bristol, Travelex 1= Birmingham, Travelex 6 Luton, ICE 7 East Midlands, Travelex 8 Newcastle, Travelex 9 Manchester, ICE 10 Birmingham, ICE
Stephen added: “Holidaymakers could be paying as much as 11 per cent more for foreign currency if they leave it until they get to the airport compared to organising beforehand.
“Brits who need to stretch their holiday money as far as possible due to the high cost of living and continued credit squeeze should think about using a pre-paid currency card. For example, they would be able to get seven to 11 per cent more for their Pound using a FairFX.com card compared to waiting and buying their foreign cash at the airport.”
Notes: Research carried out by Opinium Research LLP. Opinium Research carried out an online poll of 2,000 British adults between 18th and 22nd of April 2008. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria. www.opinium.co.uk ** FairFX.com’s Airport Tracker
Monday 14 July 2008, 06:03pm
Want to hear more about the myth of ‘0 per cent commission’ charged by foreign currency providers? Looking for an expert to comment on foreign currency exchange issues? Want someone to identify and explain the cheapest ways for people to spend money abroad?
Perhaps you’re looking for comment on:
• Foreign currency exchange rates
• Hidden charges levied on foreign currency purchases by providers
• The myth of 0 per cent currency exchange commission
• Pre-paid cards or foreign currency cards
• Pre-paid cards versus debit/credit cards
• Brits spending habits abroad
• New innovations in the foreign spending arena
• Top tips for getting more for your money when abroad
FairFX Plc is an internet based foreign exchange business with a technology platform that provides UK travellers with market leading foreign exchange rates. FairFX's core product is the FairFX Currency Card which is denominated in Euros and US$. The card is a Prepaid MasterCard issued by Newcastle Building Society.
Customers can buy online using debit/credit cards or internet bank transfers. By eliminating traditional methods of providing foreign currency such as Travel Money bureaus and kiosks, customers are offered business level foreign exchange rates rather than paying up to three per cent on typical UK Bank debit card usage, five per cent more on the High Street, or even up to 12 per cent more at UK airports.
FairFX has been established by a group of people committed to giving the consumer a fair deal. The business is owned by very experienced private investors and Directors. All FairFX Directors are substantial investors in the Company. FairFX is a Public Limited Company and has a Money Service Provider Licence issued by HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs).
Monday 23 June 2008, 05:08pm
Commenting on Thomas Cook’s new financial services push and its credit card, Stephen Heath, Chief Executive of FairFX.com, said: “Customers should beware if they plan to use this card for their holiday spending. Despite boasting three months interest free on purchases, the interest rate increases to an eye watering 17.9 per cent after that.
“Brits booking their holidays now should also be aware the consultants pushing these credit cards will be paid £10 for every application they get - regardless of whether the person is accepted or not.
“Brits looking for the best and most transparent way to spend their cash abroad should consider using a pre-paid currency card. They could save themselves a bundle compared with using a credit card with a typical rate of interest, and pre-paid cards offer added security when spending abroad or shopping over the internet.”
The FairFX Currency Card is a MasterCard chip and pin enabled prepaid debit card. It differs from regular debit cards in two ways. Firstly, the cards are issued in either Euros or US dollars and secondly, funds must be loaded onto the card before they are available to spend. The currency to be loaded is obtained simply by logging on to www.fairfx.com and can be paid for by any sterling debit or credit card or internet bank transfer.
Thursday 20 March 2008, 01:21pm
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