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Quote: Originally posted by happybonzo on 10/2/2009

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It strikes me that these cards are really aimed at people who do not have Debit/credit cards

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I am not being flippant but are there many people who go camping in Europe who don't have them? I just wonder how they would get the cash card charged with more money?

David

I think they're aimed mainly at people who still think in terms of 'Which is best, Traveller's Cheques or exchanging cash at the Bank.......?'   I'm not trying to be derogatory to those who've posted on here stating they have one of these cards - but I do think this is the market they're aiming for.  You see lots of postings on these forums asking this question about exchanging money, where those of us who've been going to France for years just get cash out, or spend on cards, like you do at home.  I don't think I've been in a French bank in the last fifteen years - but I can still remember what a nuisance it was trying to find one that was open!

Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 10/2/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by happybonzo on 10/2/2009

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It strikes me that these cards are really aimed at people who do not have Debit/credit cards

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I am not being flippant but are there many people who go camping in Europe who don't have them? I just wonder how they would get the cash card charged with more money?

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Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 10/2/2009

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Interestingly, if you look at some of the currency exchange websites, for advance orders, they're offering an exchange rate of 1.17 for purchases to be delivered in August 2009 - so that look's like the 'wheeler-dealers' are predicting a small upward rise in the pound against the euro. 

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Hi,

Thanks for all the input, some very interesting points. Regarding the debit card are you saying it is just as cheap and easy to use one of these for withdrawing cash out in Europe?

 I normally spend on credit card in France and take enough euros with me to cover what I need. But as we are going to various countries in Europe for 2 months I wanted a card which I could put my money in first and and use it to withdraw cash and use it to purchase with. I could use credit card but I will not be able to pay balance until we return and I don't really want to do this.

I am still leaning towards FairFX card as some of your comments ar fairly positive.

Thanks

Marilyn

We travelled round Europe last year for 6 weeks and used our Nationwide card all the time and did not not have any problems. We will do the same again this year.

Margaret

Quote: Originally posted by judas_hill on 10/2/2009

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We travelled round Europe last year for 6 weeks and used our Nationwide card all the time and did not not have any problems. We will do the same again this year.

Margaret

The problem with the Nationwide card is you must have an account with them. I will certainly consider opening one just to get a card if you think this is the better option.

Marilyn

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I can see that for someone who wants to micro manage their finances these cards could be a good idea, especially if you are well disciplined. I have come to the conclusion that its not even good value to buy  euros here in the UK before you go abroad as using a Nationwide card or similar will get you a better rate of exchange. I have always banked with Natwest and Margaret with Nationwide and the difference in costs between the two when taking money out abroad is staggering. In future I intend to transfer money from my account to Margaret and use her NW card in the ATM. Last year we went away for 9 weeks and hope to do te same this year. I always have my laptop and use internet banking to run the various bank and credit card ccounts as if I was at home.

David

Marilyn, using a Nationwide debit card means you can use it in any ATM, in Europe of further afield, and there's no transaction charge, and no commission - and you don't have to pay £9.95 up front for the card, or £1.50 for each withdrawal of cash as you do with this Fairfx card.  We put our holiday spending money into our Nationwide account, and just use the debit card for cash withdrawals, and for spending in shops and supermarkets, using the Chip and Pin just like you would at home!   The account pays interest too, and we've just earned 14p from the small balance we left in the account!!!!

It's so easy these days - gone are the days of carrying lots of cash, and finding banks to change it.  The only fly in the ointment is at the very occasional (one last year) supermarket you may also be asked for some ID, so we make sure we have something with us which will do.

It strikes me that these cards are really aimed at people who do not have Debit/credit cards

I'm really disappointed at the above responses as  I thought this forum was about campers from all walks of life and that all views were valued if not always necesarily agreed with!  And no, I'm not a single parent, dont have feral kids, dont holiday on the costas and dont receive benefits. I also have, and use, credit and debit cards. What I do though, like kittypickle above, is I like to know in advance how much money I have exactly for holidays as having a self-employed husband and working in the public sector myself I know that especially in this financial climate things can go up and down and I like to be prepared.  So benefits to both the Nationwide and Fairfx card.  Thanks to the good advice received from the posts I have already applied online for the Nationwide card and will also use that as a back up.