Carrying currency abroad

[Skipppy]

Hi all.

I am off to Vegas at the end of June. I am going to take some hard currency with me but I am trying to work out the best way to carry the rest.

Previously i have used the American Express Travellers Cheques card. You pay a certain amount in Sterling onto the card and then you can use the card to withdraw from a cash machine whilst abroad without incurring charges etc. Brilliant idea. Except it was discontinued at the end of 2007.

I have found another firm 'FairFX' - http://www.fairfx.com which seems to do pretty much the same thing.

Anyone got any experience with these guys or any other companies to use to do this sort of thing?

Cheers!

[The Moose]

This is so not useful in this sub-forum.

[Skipppy]

Agreed, but it was moved here by the mods... At least i have got 6 weeks before i go, enough time to get 3 or 4 replies!

[Chilli]

Could you not just keep in in the bank and take your switch card? I've always found the fx rates to be very good.

[v15ben]

STA do a cashcard where you pre-load cash before departure (or during the trip) and you have zero fees when using it as a debit card. Cash machine withdrawl fee is £2.25, but if you go down the debit card route it works out pretty cheap. Its also damn secure, you just send a text message to cancel it if it's stolen/lost which means instant block on the card! It's £19.95 with £10 already pre-loaded so basically £9.95. Give me a shout if you want to get one and I can sort that for you

http://www.statravel.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/uk_divisio...

I've also done Nationwide current accounts in the past due to free withdrawls but they recently increased their £0 up to £1 minimum fee so that knocked their hand a little.

[FPC]

Just use your debit card in ATMs for cash or your credit card for purchases. Easy.

[v15ben]

FPC said:

Just use your debit card in ATMs for cash or your credit card for purchases. Easy.

...but always check the ATM fees your bank charges before you leave

[FPC]

Yes, it's usually a couple of quid. But that's got to be worth it for not going through the hassle of travellers cheques or currency conversion.

[mcflurry]

Post Office or Abbey Zero credit cards
Nationwide is 1% so not too bad, but no longer a class leader IMHO

[juice]

An off the wall suggestion, but....Speak to the hotel you're staying at. You should be able to wire the money to the Casino Pit ahead of time, then withdraw it as you see fit. If its a decent amount, you may find your stay being comp'd.