MacPrague

Has anyone used a VISA debit card in their travels? Any leads on where one could be obtained?

I posted early this morning about a good friend of mine who is coming to visit and arrives this Sunday. Apparently, something just happened to her credit card, so the company is trying to issue her a new number, but she fears it will not arrive in time. I'll suggest that she get the company to FedEx it, but in case that doesn't work the goal is to have somthing that she can put money on before she leaves that is not attached to her bank account (since she will be using her ATM as well and this is just for back-up).

If anyone has tried this kind of debit card and can offer direction, that would be fabulous!

Thanks so much!
--MP

suze

^^^

kswl

In this situation I believe I would try a "reloadable" credit card, a sort of prepaid turnkey debit card, for as much money as she thinks she will need in cash on the trip. Make that two cards, with the amounts split evenly for safety's sake.

If she doesn't spend all the money she can switch the balance back to her checking account when she returns. My bank has this feature, and it is a small one in middle Ga. Parents will frequently use this solution when sending kids abroad for a semester. Protects the balance in the checking account, too.

kayd

Usually "VISA debit card" refers to a card issued by the bank where a checking account is maintained. It is used as an ATM card to witdraw cash from the checking account; in the same way, it debits the account immediately when used for purchases at places where VISA cards are accepted.

janisj

By "debit" card - I assume you mean an ATM-type card linked to your checking acct. It is a "Visa debit card" because it has a visa logo and can be use for purchases as well as to get cash out of a machine. Most ATM cards ARE visa debit cards.

But if you mean a "visa travel card" like you mentioned on your other thread - here is what I posted there:

&quot;<i>I personally think the &quot;travel card&quot; is a terrible option. They cost money to open, cost money to use, and even cost money to close out.

Just have her contact her local bank and have them raise her daily limit for ATM withdrawal. A very common and easy operation. Then even if she hits a limit on a specific machine, she can just step to the next machine and get more money.</i>&quot;

Travelnut

Assuming you mean the 'prepaid' travel money cards... there are a LOT of fees to buy, reload, unload those cards, so not very cost-effective in most situations.
AAA is one place where they can be bought.
It may be cheaper for friend to bring travelers checks in her own currency; if she doesn't need them, she can just deposit them back home. The Visa prepaid card charges you for the purchase -and- to offload any unused balance when you're done with it (and there is an expiration date).

suze

Given the situation you're describing, I'd just use Travelers Checks. Is there a reason you/she doesn't want to do that?

kswl

Maybe you should check with the bank; ours doesn't charge those fees, which makes it an attractive option in some circumstances.