If you have a holiday planned then before you go away you will probably want to sort out your holiday spending money. One of the problems that many of us face when going abroad is knowing where and how to get the best exchange rate when we go away. Below are a number of ideas for getting your travel money.
Tip 1: Buying Currency
Many travel agents will tell you that you can buy your currency from them and that when you return, they will change back notes over a certain denomination e.g. twenty euros. At the moment there is not that much difference in value between the pound and the euro although the exchange value changes every day. Buying currency from your travel agent is useful if you haven't had much time to sort out your travel money. If you don't want to take a pocket full of cash away with you then you may want to consider getting some travellers cheques.
Tip 2: Travellers Cheques
The main advantage of buying travellers cheques is that you are not carrying around a lot of cash. If you lose your travellers cheques or they are stolen, the company will get you some more. One of the problems with buying travellers cheques is that many hotels and exchange offices will charge an extra commission on tourist exchange rates when you use traveller's cheques.
Tip 3: Credit Cards
If you don't want to take a lot of foreign currency away with you, or deal with travellers cheques then you can use your credit card. A credit card is more convenient as you can get cash out of an ATM machine whenever you need it. You will be charged for borrowing money on your credit card and there is usually a charge for using ATM machines abroad.
While all of the above tips are useful and viable ways of getting your travel money sorted out, each option also has its drawbacks. There is a cheaper and more convenient way of getting your travel money, and that is by using a currency card. Currency cards are quite new and issuers charge different percentages for using them, nevertheless the charges are usually a lot lower than borrowing on your credit card and using an ATM machine.
A currency card is a prepaid card, which means it works in the same way as a credit or debit card, once you have loaded the money on it. Probably the best place to get your currency cards is online as you can also add more money online or by phone if you prefer. When you use a currency card there are no ATM charges, and the cost of the card is minimal when you compare it to borrowing on a credit card. A currency card is a convenient and cost effective way of getting your travel money and obtaining the best tourist exchange rates.
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.
Wednesday 28 April 2010, 10:26am
Spending money for a holiday? Be financially secure and save money by applying for a prepaid currency card. It can make your travelling experience easier and safer. At first you might be skeptical about the idea, but the advantages of carrying a prepaid currency card whenever you go abroad far outweigh trying to exchange money the old way.
The Old Way of Exchanging Currency
Before prepaid cards became popular, you'd have to carry a large amount of cash when you go travel out of the country. A lot of people feel uncomfortable carrying a lot of money with them while they travel as it's easy to lose bags or have your possessions stolen. When you actually get to the currency exchange center, you'll find that they charge incredibly high rates and it's difficult to find places where the rates are low.
Using Credit Cards
You can use credit cards to pay for goods and services but stores in foreign countries only accept certain credit cards. In addition, there's a huge surcharge that's added to your credit card because you are using it out of your country. Also, if there is an error in your receipt or you get overcharged, the chance of disputing it are slim since you'd only find out after you left the country you were visiting.
Prepaid Currency Cards Offers a Cheaper and Easier Solution
Prepaid currency cards are safer, easier, and cheaper than carrying cash or using a credit card. If you're spending money for a holiday, you should aim to save some money. Prepaid currency cards can save you as much as 10% compared to the currency exchange booths at the airport. (See our homepage for live rates of exchange). The currency card companies are trying to compete with exchange centers and are offering competitive prices for buyers.
You'll also feel secure since you're using a prepaid card instead of carrying cash. Putting the amount of money in the card will also help you control your spending since you have a budget to work with. What's more there are no interest charges, no debt to pay, and no chances of getting charged overdraft fees by your bank.
Choosing between carrying money and securing a prepaid currency card is all up to you. However, it's clear that prepaid cards are cheaper, safer, and easier to work with. If you're spending money for holiday, you might as well do it in peace and enjoy your next trip.
Get a FairFX card today to make sure that you get the best deal buying foreign currency for your next holiday.
Monday 26 April 2010, 09:55am
Most travelers know that they need to do some money exchanging prior to leaving for holiday, but what many fail to think of are the many circumstances in which they may need to exchange money while they are still far from home.
Cash Withdrawals
The first thing you may think to do is hit an ATM with a debit or credit card and simply withdraw some cash in the local currency for wherever you happen to be at the moment. This is one of the easiest remedies for the situation at hand, but you will find the fees that your credit card company and the owner of that foreign ATM charge you for that transaction to be quite shocking.
The fees with credit card withdraws away from home is simply absurd, which is why most people avoid this option at all costs.
Exchanging Euros for Local Cash
Your next likely resource would be local companies and banks that are located in tourist areas where you are likely spending a lot of your time on holiday. The problem with this is you will never get the best euro exchange rate from these companies, no mater what lines they feed you.
You may be able to get a more reasonable exchange rate if you went away from a tourist area to a bank in a residential community, but you still won’t get the lowest rate possible.
The Secret Revealed
So, what’s the secret here? How do you get the best euro exchange rate on your currency exchange when you are far from home?
It turns out you find the best rates the same you find them prior to holiday when you are at home in your own community! This of course means you go with prepaid cards that can be used around the world.
A prepaid card will not only offer the best euro exchange rate, but it will give you the option of reloading additional funds onto the card if you need it during your trip. They are simple to reload and will offer low rates that simply cannot be competed with through most local businesses and banks. You can also purchase them online, which gives you the ability to compare different cards to ensure you are in fact getting the best euro exchange rate out there.
Holidays are meant to give you a break from the stress of every day life, but when you run out of money and are worried about getting a reasonable exchange rate things can feel more than stressful. Give yourself a break and purchase a prepaid card or two prior to leaving.
Better yet, purchase one “just in case” emergency prepaid card to ensure you receive the same low rate that you received prior to your trip. Since these cards always have the same value no matter when they are used, this is a way to essentially lock in your rate and be prepared for the worst.
Get a FairFX card today for better rates on euro exchange.
Friday 23 April 2010, 10:54am
A FairFX prepaid card gives you much better tourist currency rates that you would get at the airport on on the high street, as well as giving you added security. Order you card now and see how much you could save.
There are several options for buying foreign currency before you take a holiday or trip, but tourist currency rates can vary greatly, when it is time to make a currency exchange. You might need to convert the £ into the foreign currency you need for your holiday, but the Post Office, HSBC and Travelex Heathrow aren't the best tourist currency rates you can find because prepaid cards offer the best options. The other thing to consider besides getting better exchange rates with prepaid currency cards than you can when buying cash, is that they are much more secure, making them the best option for your holiday spending. You can avoid sky high tourist currency rates by using a prepaid card and they are convenient to use, as well.
How Does A Prepaid Card Work?
The prepaid cards are actually a prepaid MasterCard that you can spend in any hotel, eatery, pub or shop, yet you can get currency, if you need to. Most people that need to make a currency exchange will find they might be faced with sky high tourist currency rates at some of the traditional exchange bureaus, especially if you have a need to do it in a foreign country. It is easy to open an account in a matter of minutes and it is part of the initial currency exchange purchase so you can easily make a bank transfer and choose a prepaid card, or choose to have money transferred to your foreign currency bank account or get the banknotes delivered to your front door, should you prefer. Of course, the prepaid card is a secure option that offers convenient access.
Why Is The Prepaid Card The Most Affordable?
Because it is an Internet-based business, there isn't the rent overhead that is involved with exchange bureaus and even the kiosks have high space rental fees to cover. With the prepaid card, there isn't overhead so there is no commission, like many of the other options. You can avoid the worst tourist currency rates with the prepaid card and it is so easy to open an account and get the most secure option for your holiday trip, no matter where you might decide to visit. Because of the high volume of currency exchanges, you also save because, with the prepaid card, you get the benefit of the best two-way negotiated tourist currency rates on 21 different currencies.
Can You Lock In Tourist Currency Rates?
With the prepaid card for your holiday in a foreign country, you can exchange currency before you go and avoid the fluctuating tourist currency rates. This can help you lock in your spending and stay within your budget, but it can help you avoid sky high tourist currency rates you would encounter, should you wait to make an exchange during your holiday travels. Not only does the prepaid currency card offer you a secure and convenient option, but it is the best way to avoid high tourist currency rates, when you are ready to go on a foreign holiday. Order your FairFX card now.
Wednesday 21 April 2010, 12:23pm
Using a FairFX currency card gives you much better exchange rates for your Euros. To save money on your next trip to Europe, order one of our cards now!
Taking a vacation abroad is definitely exciting. But let's face the fact that most people end up spending way more than their budget. So when planning for a vacation, it's important to come up with a plan so you can spend your money intelligently. You can start by finding the best exchange rates for Euros.
By doing a bit of research ahead of time, you can find out how to get the best exchange rates for Euros. There are certain times when exchange rates are low, allowing you to save on your trip. But the currency exchange market also works in the opposite way where you will have an unfavorable exchange rate. We all know that currency exchange rate fluctuates daily so you need to keep an eye on its recent rate.
If you want to get the best rates, opt for a prepaid currency card. It's a new and effective method in the travel industry. Basically it works like your usual debit card but instead, you can load it up with the currency of your choice.
What are the advantages of currency cards?
Currency can be exchanged at lower rates with currency cards. Companies like us who offer these services are competing with exchange booths so the rates are much cheaper than usual. It is preloaded with the amount you specified so your exchange rate won't fluctuate when you use the card. You will also know exactly how much you have and be able to adhere with your budget. In the case that you are not able to use all the money, you can either withdraw it or keep it for your next trip.
What's more, you don't have to worry about getting your card stolen. There is a 24/7 customer support department you can contact and you can request for funds to be transferred to a new card. All you have to do is verify your identification.
Are there any other options besides prepaid currency cards?
There are plenty of other ways to exchange currency. You can use traveler's checks, cash, credit cards, and debit cards. It's possible to get great rates if you plan beforehand. However, it's not always ideal to carry around a lot cash with you while you're traveling.
Other exchange methods such as checks, credit cards, and debit cards can be costly. The bank and credit companies will usually charge you a high rate every time you use their card to pay in a foreign currency. And if you lose your bag or wallet, you'll have no way to access your money. Prepaid currency cards are the easiest and simplest way to pay for all your travel needs.
Nevertheless, you can have a combination of these options and weigh what suits you best. Order a FairFX card today, and see how much you could save on exchange rates!
Tuesday 20 April 2010, 04:48pm
Are you looking for the best money for holiday option, especially when you are getting ready for a just lovely holiday in the sun and the sand? A smart tourist is going to look at all the options available to him out there, and choose the one which suits him the best. Now, you need a money option, which is going to allow you to buy foreign currency. You want to get the best foreign currency exchange rate for your pounds, don't you? So you could look at these options for buying foreign currency.
Hard Cash
Some tourists swear by cash in hand, but they spend their holiday looking for places in which to hide that extra cash. (Money belt, inside of shoes,...) You never know when a pickpocket may decide to deprive you of your hard-earned money for holiday! Besides, cash in hand is definitely not a safe option for a tourist travelling in remote areas. That is the reason why you just need to have limited cash in hand for day-to-day expenses, and have other secure money access options available to you, like-
ATM cards
These plastic cards are definitely a boon, because you do not have to carry bulky travellers' cheques. But just imagine that you find yourself stranded somewhere around Sutton Hoo, with no ready cash in your purse and no ATM around you. (Your tourist destination can be Sutton Hoo or Timbuktu or Paraburdoo, it does not matter. The tourist destinations are endless, but the ATMs are limited.) So, an ATM card is good enough, as long as you are in the teeming metropolis. However, this money carrying option is not good for getting easy money for holiday access, in a jiffy in a remote area. Besides, you may find some foreign ATMs charging you for withdrawing money from their ATM boxes.
Travellers' cheques
Once a boon for travellers, but now rather a burden, because you need to find a branch of your own particular bank to encash these travellers cheques, when you travel abroad. Apart from that, travellers cheques are going to bulk up your wallet. And then the hassle of trying to get the travellers cheques made out, beforehand in your own city. You needed to pay the charges the bank required of you, to make out these travellers cheques. And if there were of a large denomination, it would almost seem like you had ready cash in hand. Not very safe, is it? So, what is the best option for a person looking for easy access to cash, when travelling abroad?
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are definitely the safest way in which you can buy foreign currency especially when you are travelling abroad. The idea is that you are going to pay now for the cards and use them at your convenience! These cards are secure, they are going to give you a much better exchange rate for your money for holiday, and the best thing is -- they are not going to have that many added on fees and charges as have many credit cards!
Prepaid cards are thus the best choice open to all future tourists, travelling abroad on holiday, because you can have easy access to your money through your bank, whenever you want, wherever you want. (Sutton Hoo, Timbuktu, Paraburdoo...)
So have a secure, hassle free, and enjoyable vacation and order a FairFX currency card today.
Friday 16 April 2010, 09:59am
When you want to get the best travel money exchange rates, it helps to know about the most secure and convenient ways to convert your home currency. There are some traditional ways that come to mind, but they don't offer the best travel money exchange rates because they keep a commission from the proceeds to cover rent overhead and other expense. Instead, you can need to be familiar with the prepaid currency cards that are the ideal travel card for your holiday needs. Not only do you get the best travel money exchange rates, but they are the most secure and convenient way to exchange currency.
Prepaid Currency Cards Are The Easiest Way To Save On Currency
It is easy to use the Internet to open an account and exchange your currency. Because there is no commission, you get the best travel money exchange rates and a convenient and secure prepaid MasterCard for your holiday travel money. You can open your currency exchange account in a matter of minutes as part of your initial currency purchase. You can take advantage of 21 foreign currencies, so it doesn't matter where your foreign holiday might take you, it is easy to take advantage of the best travel money exchange rates and carry the secure prepaid currency cards that come with a chip and PIN. You may also choose to receive your exchanged currency in banknotes that are delivered to you through insured mail or you can still enjoy the best travel money exchange rates when you have your currency transferred to your foreign exchange bank account.
Can I Use Prepaid Currency Cards For Everything I Need?
Because the prepaid currency cards are a prepaid MasterCard, you can use them anywhere in the world. Many people like the convenience of the prepaid currency cards because they can help you securely pay for everything you need on your holiday, including hotels, rental cars, eateries, pubs or shopping. It is easy to take advantage of the best travel money exchange rates and purchase any of the things you need or want on your holiday in a foreign country.
Are There Limits To How Much Currency I Can Exchange?
Because the prepaid currency cards are only one of the ways to get the best travel money exchange rates, there are clients that exchange currency to purchase foreign property and there are unlimited ways that you can take advantage of the best travel money exchange rates for your larger transactions in foreign countries. Be sure to consider the advantages you can enjoy with the best exchange rates on larger International transactions because any sizes of International currency exchanges can be handled, once you have set up your currency exchange account. The prepaid currency cards are the most popular way to carry travel money, but when you need to exchange currency for other purposes, it is easy to do with your foreign currency exchange account and you can still enjoy the most competitive exchange rates you enjoy when you get the best travel money exchange rates with the prepaid currency cards.
Get a FairFX Travel Money Card today.
Thursday 15 April 2010, 05:21pm
If you're planning to travel out of the UK, then one thing that's probably on top of your mind is changing currencies. The Pound to Euro exchange rate can be pretty high once you get to your destination so it's important to plan early and figure out how to get the best rates. There are several ways to exchange currencies:
The Common Way to Exchange Currency
Rather than spend some time to research the best rates, many travelers just do it at the last minute when they get to their destination. The Pound to Euro exchange can be very costly if it's done in a foreign bank or the airport exchange center. Many travelers are charged a percentage and there even flat fees you have to change your currency to Euros.
For Travellers Who Prepared For the Trip
Travellers who prepare for their trip start out by coming up with a budget and researching various exchange centers. This allows them to get the best rates for the currency exchange and they won't have to rely on exchange centers once they get to their destination.
The problem with this method is the fact that they have to carry around a large sum of money while they travel. One of the risks of traveling is that people often lose their luggage, wallet, or get their belongings stolen. If that happens, there is very little chance that the money will be returned. Carrying around a lot of cash also makes some people uneasy.
Credit Cards Are Convenient But Hidden Fees Galore
Credit and debit cards are a great alternative since nobody can take out cash from your bank account without the right pin code. If your credit card gets used by somebody else and the signature is not yours, most companies will waive that fee and issue you protection from fraud.
The downside is that credit card companies and banks charge you extra fees every time you use your card to pay in another currency. Although these fees are not significant, they can add up and end up costing more than getting your money exchanged at their airport. You also need to be aware of how your credit card company or bank handles the whole situation of paying in another currency.
Currency Cards Offer the Convenience, Ease, and Security at a Discount
So what's the best way to exchange currencies? It's simply currency cards. Currency cards are easy to use - all you need to do is put in the amount of money you want to spend into the card. This allows you to manage your budget easier and currency cards offer a better Pound to Euro exchange rate than your other options (it can be 10-15% cheaper).
You'll also feel secure about the fact that you're not carrying huge sums of cash and if you lose your card, you can transfer your balance into a new card with a simple phone call to the company. In final, prepaid currency cards is the way to go if you want to enjoy your trip without any worries. Apply now for your FairFX Foreign Currency Card to save for your next trip.
Thursday 15 April 2010, 10:09am
Are you planning to travel to the US? If so, you probably have a lot of things to prepare from making hotel reservations, renting a car, and planning on activities. But the one thing you should seriously think about is currency exchange. You can exchange Euro to USD in many different ways but using a currency card, you can buy US dollars at better exchange rates.
How Most People Exchange Currency
Most people don't think about exchanging currencies before they get to the US. The initial thought is that they'll just go to the currency exchange center or use their credit cards. However, both options can be very costly. Exchanging currencies at banks and airports are very convenient if you didn't prepare for your trip. What most people don't know is that the rates are very high.
Some exchange centers charge a commission and the exchange rates can be lower than expected. It's not rare for a person to feel that he is getting the low end of the deal after the exchange happens. The fees simply add up and it feels like you didn't bring enough for the money you need to spend on the vacation.
Credit cards and debit cards is another solution but banks and credit card companies will charge you extra fees for different currencies every time you use your card. This is not an effective way to buy US dollars as the small charges start to add up overtime.
What about Carrying Cash?
If you're one of the few people that prepared beforehand to find exchange centers in your home, then you probably found a place to get good rates. But carrying cash is not always the best option for travelers as so many things can happen.
You can lose your wallet, become a victim of theft, and mismanage your spending. Many people also feel uncomfortable carrying large amounts of cash with them. The last thing you want to do is take out a large amount of cash every time you need to buy something.
The Better Solution
You can buy US dollars cheaper by investing into currency cards. You can get much better rates on The FairFX than you can at the airport, on credit cards or on the high street, with rates that are much closer to the wholesale rate used in large transactions. This is also a better way to manage your money since you can set a strict budget.
Plus, if you end up losing your wallet or losing your card, you can transfer the credits into a new card within hours. So if you want to actually spend your vacation without any hassles or worries, use currency cards to spend your money. Currency cards are the way to go because they allow you to buy US dollars at low rates.
The FairFX travel money card has really good value exchange rates. Check it out now, and see how much you could save on your next trip!
Wednesday 14 April 2010, 05:31pm
Exchange rates go up and down all the time but in the current economic crisis the rate can change from one minute to the next. At present travellers are getting fewer Euros to the pound than they were a year ago, so the last thing you want is to pay a hefty commission on your holiday spending money. If you want to get the best exchange rate for Euros when you travel abroad, then shop around for your currency. There are a good number of currency providers around and it is worth taking a look at some of the options before you buy your Euros.
Travel Agents
When you book your holiday or business trip through a travel agent you will probably be asked how much money you want to take with you. Many people will automatically get their currency from a travel agent because it is convenient, and don't consider that they might not be getting the best exchange rate. Some travel agencies will get you a good exchange rate for Euros, but their commission charges often wipe out any advantages this may have had. When you return from your trip, many agencies have strict rules about what they will buy back, e.g. nothing under 20 Euros. Not everyone takes a lot of cash with them when they travel abroad and they may decide to take some more out on their credit card while they are away, but this is often even more costly than buying from a travel agent. Some people still prefer to use travellers cheques when they go away.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques are convenient because you can cash some when you arrive at your destination and get the local rate, you can also use them throughout your stay. Travellers cheques are a secure way of getting currency as your signature and identification are required when converting them into Euros or paying for something in a shop. If you lose your travellers cheques they will be quickly replaced, however, you do pay for this service. You still have to buy your travellers cheques to start with and they can prove expensive as the exchange rate goes up and down all the time. If you want to get the best exchange rate for Euros when you travel abroad then you may want to think about using travel money prepaid currency cards.
Prepaid Currency Cards
Prepaid currency cards are becoming increasingly popular as they are less expensive and more flexible than buying your currency from a travel agency, or purchasing travellers cheques. When you have a prepaid currency card, you can still top it up from your bank account if necessary while you are away and avoid paying credit card charges - although some issuers charge ATM fees. It is much safer to carry a prepaid card with you than to walk around with a pocket full of Euros and the card gives you 24 hour access to your money. Next time you are looking for a decent exchange rate for Euros, why not try a prepaid currency card? See how much you could save, and check out the rates the FairFX card offers on foreign exchange.
Wednesday 14 April 2010, 09:54am
