Travel Cards [i.e. AMEX, Visa]
 

Any thoughts on the use of travel cards for one without a credit card?

There have been many threads on here so a search will bring up all sides of the pro/cons.

I notice you say "without" a credit card. If you can't get a credit card for some reason then these cards are sort of OK. But do realize they are very expensive. You pay fees to use them, to get you own money out of them, and even to top them up in some cases.

do you have a bank acct/ATM card? If so the ATM card probably has a visa logo so you can use it wherever credit cards are accepted. But you do need enoungh money in your checking acct to cover your expenses since you aren't actually charging. But that is also true for travel cards.

So if a credit card/ATM is not possible a travel card is a 3rd option.

meant to say " . . . . a poor 3rd option"

Thanks for reply. As a poor 3rd option would you say better than cash or travelers checks?

I think you'd need to do specific research to figure out exactly the cost of using a travel card vs. travelers checks vs. exchanging cash... if the lowest cost is what you're after.

If it is convenience, then I say take as many different ways to obtain funds as you can. If you do not have an ATM or a credit card and can't or don't want them, I'd probably consider using all 3 methods for the most flexibility (euro/cash, TCs, and travel card loaded with a few hundred dollars only).

Hi T,

Assuming that you cannot get a credit card and cannot get an AtM card, these are a good option. Safer than cash, less hassle that TCs.

Would you mind giving us some details? We might be able to help.

((I))

While AMEX is not widely accepted throughout Europe (vendors have to pay extra fees to maintain the machines), it is the best card to use while traveling. Even their travel checks are guaranteed. They have a fantastic network throughout Europe and can replace lost or stolen cards/travel checks very rapidly (usually within a 72 hour period).

Even my cat can get a credit card !

To all:

Thank you to all for your insight and for taking the time to answer my question. This has been my first visit/posting to the site.

And Jody, aren't you just the sweetest thaaang!! Best of everything to you and your cat! I am so glad you have your cat, because I'm getting a "feeling" it must be very lonely life you're leading that would even allow you to insult people you don't know (oh, and this morning I have noticed that you answered this email on a Friday night. Another big night in? Good luck, sweety. FYI: I'll be living life to the fullest for both of us!!).

I think just about every bank offers a debit card when you open a checking account. Just deposit the money you were going to put on the travel card into the account, and off you go.

You can use the debit card to get cash from ATMs, or you can use it for purchases. Two things:

A.) Shop banks for a good currency exchange deal. I know of two cards that give Interbank rate and a $1 transaction fee.

ii.) Always insist that your purchases are rung up in local currency. A recent rip-off involves charging you extra for the currency exchange by registering the amount in dollars.