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
There is a lot of advice that can be given if you're planning a trip abroad. By searching the Internet, you can find tips on saving money on hotels, saving money on cab fare, finding the best restaurants, and get information on how to manage your budget. However, the best holiday money advice would be to use a prepaid currency card for your trip.
Why Use Currency Cards?
The prepaid currency card is the new way to travel. All you have to do is use your credit card to add funds to your card. The card then can be used just like a credit card. If you need cash for the specific currency, you can go to any ATM and draw you the money you need.
Currency cards are convenient and easy to use. The rates for prepaid currency cards are also much lower than getting your money exchanged at an airport. Even better, the currency cards are cheaper than using your credit cards abroad and much better than carrying a lot of cash around with you. If you lose the cash, there is no way you'll be able to get it back.
You're Always Protected with a Prepaid Currency Card
With a prepaid currency card, you can travel without any worries. If you lose your card, you can quickly get it replaced. The money you put in your card can be put into your replacement card. All you have to do is verify the information and have proof of your identification.
They're great for shopping too. If you buy something and want to return it for a refund, you can get the money back into your card as long as the merchant has a refund policy. Since none of your personal bank accounts are linked and none of your personal information can be taken, you will be safe from identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized transactions. There is no risk when it comes to using these cards. If you think about it, it's far safer than other methods of carrying money around.
The Best Holiday Money Advice for Travellers
So what's the best holiday money advice? Invest in a prepaid currency card. You will be glad you did once you see how easy they are to use, how convenient they are, and the security features these cards come with. Good prepaid currency card companies also have staff standing by to help you should an issue arise.
Again, the best reason you should use a prepaid currency card is for the competitive rates. The companies know they're competing with other exchange centers so you can find some of the lowest rates around. Once you compare the rates between exchange centers and these companies, you'll realise that the better option is using prepaid currency companies.
Get a FairFX card today and get some of the best exchange rates around.
Tuesday 01 June 2010, 04:17pm
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.
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.
Monday 24 May 2010, 04:58pm
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
Get the best exchange rate on Euros with the FairFX Euro Card, a prepaid MasterCard that allows you to take your money abroad in saftey, and get far better foreign exchange rates.
If you are getting ready to go on a holiday or a business trip to a foreign country, you will want to compare euro exchange rates, when you are ready to convert pounds to dollars or some other currency. If you compare euro exchange rates, you will find that you can get more spending money for your trip, if you opt for the prepaid currency card, over any other options. While there are a number of ways you can buy holiday cash for your holiday, if you compare euro exchange rates, you will find that the prepaid currency card offers the best exchange rates, the most security and the ease and convenience make it the best choice.
Why Is The Currency Card The Best Choice, When You Compare Euro Exchange Rates?
The reason you get more for your money with the prepaid currency card, when you compare euro exchange rates, is that you can purchase the prepaid currency card online, using the Internet, so there is no office rent overhead, no commissions. This saves you money because there are no middlemen, like you experience with the exchange bureaus or exchange kiosks. When you compare the euro exchange rates at the common places, like the Post Office, HSBC or Travelex Heathrow, you will find that the prepaid MasterCard currency card gives you more for your currency exchange.
What Do I Need To Do, Besides Compare Euro Exchange Rates?
Once you compare euro exchange rates, you will see that the prepaid MasterCard currency card is the best option to get the holiday cash you need. You just need to set up an account, which only takes about five minutes or less and it is part of the initial purchase of your foreign currency and the prepaid currency card. Of course, that is just one of the three options you have to choose from. You can also have the travel cash delivered to your front door the next day, if you order by 2pm and banknotes are available in 21 currencies, which is a better selection than many of the exchange bureaus or kiosks. Once you compare euro exchange rates, you will see that the rates are considerably more attractive than any other options available to get your travel cash and you can even have it deposited into your foreign currency bank account, if that is what you desire.
Safety And Security With A Prepaid Card
If you are looking for the easiest and safest way to get the best currency exchange, this prepaid MasterCard is it. Not only is your online transaction handled through the secure website, but your holiday cash is safe when you travel, as well. With the security of the prepaid currency card, you are much safer than carrying cash to foreign countries and you have the same access that you get with a credit card, except you don't have to worry about the interest charges. If you want the safest, easiest and best currency exchange rate, compare the euro exchange rate and then get your prepaid currency card for your travels.
Wednesday 31 March 2010, 09:22am
When you look at the varying foreign exchange rates from different providers on the internet, you will find that prepaid currency cards offer consistently better value. Have a look at the rates on the FairFX Prepaid Currency Card now, and see just how great a deal you could get.
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.
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.
Use a prepaid currency card to get the best value on your travel money
When you look at foreign 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 deal, you will want to consider the ease and security of a 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.
Tuesday 30 March 2010, 09:39am
If you are tired of paying the huge fees that have become standard when exchanging money prior to a holiday, you aren't alone! More and more people are standing up and questioning why they should have to pay those high commissions just to exchange money that is already theirs for currency of another country. This is why it is now advised that you compare exchange rates for your travel money well in advance of a holiday.
Exchanging Last Minute
If you are accustomed to exchanging your money just before leaving home or at the airport once you have arrived for your holiday, you are probably paying the most outrageous fees out there. Since you are in a hurry, you aren't likely to compare exchange rates and companies that deal with last minute exchanges know this!
They know you aren't in the frame of mind to be questioning their exchange rates, if you are even paying attention at all. As a result, rates in airports and banks or other exchange businesses near the airport tend to have higher rates.
People who take the time to start shopping around for the best rates in advance of their holiday are the ones who end up paying much less. This only makes sense because it will free up more money to actually be spent on holiday!
Comparing Rates Online
One option to compare exchange rates in advance is to go online. You can now access virtually anything you want with a few keywords and the click of a mouse, so why not try to find the most competitive currency exchange rates online? This is actually the best way to start, but you have to watch out that the sites you use are trustworthy.
For starters, ignore any random emails you receive asking you to click a link and compare exchange rates. Many of these sites are set up for phishing, which means they are there to collect your personal information rather than to actually exchange your money.
Another word of caution is to avoid exchange websites offering "commission free money," as there is really no such thing as legitimate exchanges without any form of commission. The trick here is that they offer you a higher exchange rate while waiving the typical "commission fee." You are still paying the fee, but it is deceptively hidden in the exchange rate.
If you compare exchange rates from one site to another you will catch these little scams!
Prepaid Options
You never know exactly how much currency you are going to need when you go on holiday, so the new options of purchasing prepaid currency cards are probably going to be your best deal. You can still compare exchange rates prior to leaving for your holiday, but you will be able to purchase your currency and have it placed on a convenient, completely safe Mastercard or Visa which can be used around the world just like any other credit card.
What is so beneficial here is the ability to compare exchange rates prior to purchasing your currency and then have a safer way of carrying your money around once you leave for holiday. While you may still want some local notes on hand while on holiday, the bulk of your travel money should be secured on a prepaid card where the fees are noted upfront at the time you place currency on the card.
Monday 29 March 2010, 03:32pm
Get the a great currency exchange rate when you travel with the FairFX prepaid currency mastercard. See how much you could save!
It's important to find the best currency exchange rate when travelling abroad. Whether you're going on holiday or a business trip, you want to get the most for your money. There are plenty of options available to you for exchanging your currency: Pre ordering your desired currency from your bank, the Bureau de Change, using your bank card or credit card, and prepaid currency cards. Currency exchange rates are always fluctuating. But which option provides you with the best currency exchange rate?
You can pre order your selected currency from your bank. Although you must order your currency weeks in advance of your intended travel date. All banks charge a commission when ordering foreign currency. Commissions vary from bank to bank. Banks also charge a commission to exchange your foreign currency when you return home. It's always best to watch the currency exchange rates and try to lock in on the best exchange rate. This also means you'll be travelling with a lot of money. This is not only unsafe, but travelling with a lot of money in your wallet makes it hard to stay within a budget. When travelling in the UK and Europe, there are many Bureau de Change that will exchange your foreign currency. Such places aren't readily available within the U.S. and most small community banks will not exchange foreign currency. The Bureau de Change are located in airports, shops and banks in the UK and Europe. The Bureau de Change also charges a commission to exchange currency. Sometimes the Bureau de Change's exchange rates are higher than a bank's. Especially in more convenient Bureau de Change locations like tourist shops.
Another option is to use your bank card or credit card to draw out money as you need it, which is very convenient. But it also means you are subject to your bank's charges and the charges of the cash machine you use. In addition to being subject to fluctuating exchange rates every time you use your bank card or credit card, it's hard to monitor how much money you're spending and what extra charges are being added. It's also difficult to stick to a budget this way.
One of the best options available for converting your currency while travelling abroad are prepaid currency cards. Prepaid currency cards allow you to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Any charges are paid when you set up your prepaid currency card. So there are no additional or surprise charges. You pre-load your prepaid currency card with your desired currency, which allows you to lock into a currency rate and optimise the best currency exchange rate available. You can use your card at most cash machines and prepaid currency cards are accepted at most shops and restaurants worldwide. It's like using your bank card or credit card. Unlike your bank card or credit card; You don't have worry about the fluctuation currency exchange rates every time you use it. You can keep your prepaid currency card for future travel and re-load it as needed.
When looking for the best currency exchange rate while travelling abroad, be sure to explore all of the options available to you. The most secure, widely accepted option that helps you stay within your budget and doesn't charge a commission is prepaid currency cards. Prepaid currency cards are the best option for value for your money.
Monday 29 March 2010, 09:39am
