| Compare exchange rates at the various banks | | | | You can also choose to purchase prepaid travel |
| and currency bureaus and you will soon realize | | | | cards that can be used as credit or debit cards. |
| that prepaid travel cards are the better option to | | | | Purchases can be made at restaurants, shops and |
| exchanging your cash. Prepaid travel cards are | | | | they are also accepted at hotels. They basically |
| relatively new but they are growing fast in | | | | can be used the same way you would use a |
| popularity. This is due to their convenience and | | | | debit or credit card. Funds can also be withdrawn |
| low costs. When you convert your currency at | | | | from ATMs in most countries. |
| the bank you are at the mercy of the ever | | | | Prepaid cards offer the added protection against |
| changing currency rates. With a prepaid currency | | | | crimes such as identity theft. Your private banking |
| card, you have essentially locked in your rate. You | | | | accounts are secure, as these cards are in no |
| also pay less when it comes to fees. Banks | | | | way linked to your personal checking our savings |
| charge fees of 2% plus an additional three pound | | | | accounts. Getting cash is quick and simple, no lines |
| transaction fee to exchange currency. Currency | | | | to wait in at the bank or currency conversion |
| cards do not charge transaction fees. | | | | bureaus. |
| If you opt to go with a pre paid card that can | | | | If you have any problems with your card or if |
| only be used at ATM machines there are cards | | | | you need to report it lost or stolen, there is 24 |
| with the Visa or Mastercard logo that can be used | | | | hour customer service available on all cards. If |
| to withdraw local currency from over one million | | | | funds are stolen a block is placed on the card to |
| Visa or Mastercard cash machines in more than | | | | prevent any further loss. You can also establish |
| 160 countries. You have 24 hour access to your | | | | your own personal identity number to further |
| cash. This proves to be more convenient than | | | | secure your card. |
| having to constantly go to the bank or exchange | | | | Prepaid currency cards are an excellent, carefree |
| bureaus to get cash. | | | | way to travel with your money. They are less |
| Prepaid travel cards are preloaded with money | | | | fees. No lines to wait for at the bank. And |
| that you plan to spend while travelling abroad. You | | | | convenient as any other credit or debit card. |
| determine the amount and how and where you | | | | Compare exchange rates and see what the |
| want to spend your funds. If there are remaining | | | | options are and you will find prepaid currency |
| funds on the card you have two options. If you | | | | cards the optimal solution to your travel needs. |
| are a frequent traveller of your particular | | | | You are not limited to how you can spend your |
| destination, then you can leave the funds on the | | | | money. They also help you control the amount |
| card. Your other option would be to withdraw the | | | | you spend. Currency cards give you one less thing |
| money. Your funds are never lost if you do not | | | | to worry about when on vacation or business |
| use the balance. | | | | travel. |