Traveling and Money - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Traditional_Ale · 09-23-2009, 06:49 PM

My girl is making her first overseas trip to the UK here soon and is looking for help with handling money. To preface, neither of us have proper credit cards.

Is there a pre-paid card that she can take to Europe that can be insured in the sense that if it is lost or stolen she can have a new one mailed to her within 24-48 hrs?

Any other money info would be much appreciated.

ken0042 · 09-23-2009, 06:52 PM

Capital One still does the "deposit required" cards. I know new people usually get approved for a $300 limit with $75 savings.

Then before you leave pre-pay it by how much you want to spend.

DOK · 09-23-2009, 09:06 PM

Travelers cheques - just like cash, AND secure!

ma-skis.com · 09-23-2009, 09:24 PM

you can use debit pretty much anywhere, just a 4 or 5 dollar fee, but with your bank security, just don't use it to take out 20 bucks or buy a pack of gum,

We used it through australia and china while taking out big chunks of cash at a time, cash seems easier to budget while travelling too

drewboy12 · 09-23-2009, 09:52 PM

Do realize, if you are staying at a hotel, pre-paid credit cards will not be excepted. How ever as for pre paid cards, which are good for everything else, BMO offers the best one you can get. $10 activation fee which is good for 3 years.

Debt card is fine everywhere but you will want to use it as little as possible as the charges can range from like $1-$10 to withdraw cash.

Traveler cheques can be ok for some instances but I don't think you really need them.

Keep cash in a money belt, and put together a fake wallet. with those fake demo credit cards and stuff you get in the mail, put 5-10 euros, or which ever currency in it. If you are robbed you lose fake cards and $10.

Hope that helps

thumper · 09-23-2009, 09:58 PM

Haven't been to the UK for a couple years however last I went, the UK bank machines only accept a four digit pin number if you're trying to withdraw cash.

My normal pin is five digits for added security however luckily a friend who had been overseas just before I left gave the heads up.

Bottom line, if you don't have a credit card, use traveller's cheques.

Enjoy

evilcougar · 09-23-2009, 10:11 PM

Don't use travellers cheques. A lot of little stores etc.. don't accept them. I've been to many many countries in europe including the UK. You're best off to travel with a bank card and or credit card and some cash. Just keep it in a place you can't get robbed.

4X4 · 09-23-2009, 10:22 PM

Seriously, get a pre paid credit card for $500 or $1000 (that you can reload online from your bank account) and then survive off of cash.
Credit cards are shunned in Europe. If you use one in a restaurant or store, you'll pay an extra fee. And if you lose it... Well...

Cash is the way to do it over there. If you're scared of pickpocketing, your lines of defense are as follows:

a) keep cash folded up, by itself, in the bottom a front pocket
b) keep half of it in a different place, folded up, and hard to get at
c) don't get idiot drunk
d) I can't help you beyond c

Deegee · 09-23-2009, 10:31 PM

Credit Unions offer Global Payment cards which operate as MasterCards, however they pull directly from a chequing account.

That gives you credit card functionality with no credit line.

rockstar · 09-23-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

Seriously, get a pre paid credit card for $500 or $1000 (that you can reload online from your bank account) and then survive off of cash.
Credit cards are shunned in Europe. If you use one in a restaurant or store, you'll pay an extra fee. And if you lose it... Well...

Cash is the way to do it over there. If you're scared of pickpocketing, your lines of defense are as follows:

a) keep cash folded up, by itself, in the bottom a front pocket
b) keep half of it in a different place, folded up, and hard to get at
c) don't get idiot drunk
d) I can't help you beyond c

I got "beyond c" one night in Madrid and some Russians pickpocketed the SHINGUARD out of me.

Then I was hit (read: lightly caressed on the right ass-cheek) by a passing car.

4X4 · 09-23-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstar

I got "beyond c" one night in Madrid and some Russians pickpocketed the SHINGUARD out of me.

Then I was hit (read: lightly caressed on the right ass-cheek) by a passing car.

Haha. That reminds me of the time I got hit by a garbage truck. And then threatened if I didn't ESHI!

evilcougar · 09-23-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

Haha. That reminds me of the time I got hit by a garbage truck. And then threatened if I didn't ESHI!

Turtle!!!!!!! Wait, that was the scooter guy, yes? Either way...both stories are freakin hilarious...LOL!!

Canada 02 · 09-24-2009, 12:17 AM

I was just in the UK a month ago; outside of the big cities, many places would not accept my american credit card because they have credit cards with the chip and PIN system FYI

drewboy12 · 09-24-2009, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada 02

I was just in the UK a month ago; outside of the big cities, many places would not accept my american credit card because they have credit cards with the chip and PIN system FYI

I think if you go to your bank, they will give you one with a chip now... Or call your credit card company... Its becoming standard world wide now.

Akai-Sesui · 09-24-2009, 03:09 AM

Had a conversation with a friend a couple months ago and her friend told her to put a single 100 euro bill in a tampon tube.
Most thieves target wallets and money belts; No self respecting thief would ever take that from your hotel or wherever it is you're staying.

Incogneto · 09-24-2009, 09:16 AM

....Just use your debit card, and take out cash.

yads · 09-24-2009, 09:56 AM

Take some cash with you and then use a debit card to take 100-200 pounds at a time. Make sure all of your cards have a chip and 4 digit pin.

Canada 02 · 09-24-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewboy12

I think if you go to your bank, they will give you one with a chip now... Or call your credit card company... Its becoming standard world wide now.

does not exist in the USA

Locke · 09-24-2009, 11:07 AM

1) One is required in order to do the other. Ie, money is necessary when traveling, just to clear that up.

2) What kind of hippy/hillbilly are you that you dont have a credit card? Are you one of those 'off the grid' weirdos or just a 'one day credit will ruin the world' snobs?

3) Dont use traveler's cheques, those were great....in the 80s.

4) Go to AMA and get a traveler's card, its essentially a prepaid CC, it operates exactly as a debit card with a PIN and all and it only has what you put in it.

5) Wear a fanny pack, it will help you blend in with the locals. No it wont, but it would be funny to see!!

6) I believe #4 was already mentioned. But do it anyways.