Getting money abroad

[simondenmead]

Has anyone used these 'pre-paid' visa cards abroad before? They seem to be an absolute minefield with fees levied all over the place. I am off to Idaho in a few weeks and from what i've been reading these seem to be replacing travellers cheques which seem to be getting harder to cash.

[Brockley_Jack]

Don't say I don't do you any favours Simon. STL. - view external link

[simondenmead]

Don't say I don't do you any favours Simon. STL.

Thanks Jack but it doesn't look like i can load the card with stirling and pay with US dollars. Thats what i'm after.

[Brockley_Jack]

Don't say I don't do you any favours Simon. STL.

Thanks Jack but it doesn't look like i can load the card with stirling and pay with US dollars. Thats what i'm after.[/quote]

As I understand it you can load it from your Sterling bank account and they'll convert it for you. The benefit of using an FX company is that you tend to get better rates in the first place. Then of course you spend fee-free when you're over there.

I have a Euro one, it works fine.

[proclaimer]

I had one of those Europe pre-paid cards a couple of years ago. It was supposed to be like using cash but in reality charges were either put on directly or discounts didn't apply if you used it (which is effectively a charge). A pre-paid card that will allow you draw out cash in local currency is an option. The 2 main issues with that though are; The exchange rate is likely to be poor and finding a cash point that will take them may be difficult.

[simondenmead]

Yeah the issue for me is that I am going to the USA and travelling in Idaho which is likely to be pretty remote. I don't want to take cash and these cards seem a good idea. The more i look at them the more confused i get, charges and caveats everywhere. Maybe just use the credit card

[souths1]

On having asked the wife, who works in a travel bureau if you chose the right pre loaded card and put on A£100 in sterling you will get you're money converted into dollars that instant at the rate that day. There should be no charge to use it abroad, if you buy a card you should remember that you need to start to use it within 15 months.

[simondenmead]

souths does she know where i can get such a card please or the of a reputable company doing it?

[Rockthecasbah]

http://boisepsychhospital.com/about-us/

Your "hotel" looks pretty chilled.
Hope they sort out your issues.

Maybe recommend it to some fellow FF's.

[simondenmead]

oh dear...