Did some research online as I thought there must be some differences between the various providers. Turns out that Ukash come out tops according to reviews, with the best exchange rate.

https://www.ukash.com/en-GB/products/travelmoneycard/

Anyone used these? LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Never heard of them. If I was just changing up just hundreds of pounds, for the piffling amount you could be better off compared to big, well known, named brands, I'd personally stay away from them. I wouldn't fancy arriving in the US to find out Ukash is as welcome there as American Express is over here! Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
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Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Ukash is the provider but the power behind the card so to speak is Mastercard which is accepted basically everywhere. The Mastercard logo is carried on the card. In a nutshell it's travellers cheques but on a card.

We will be taking some cash with us too and credit cards just in case. i Just wondered out of curiosity if anyone has used Ukash or any other currency card provider. Last time we went to the states, we had travellers cheques. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Have you considered one of the fee-free credit cards? No extra charges for foreign spending and the rates are normally better than tourist rates. 0% on first 3 months spend too. I use my Post Office card just for spending abroad. On my Nationwide one, when I get home from a trip and get my statement, you can see how competitive it is as every transaction has a different rate - down to about 5 or 6 decimal points - where I presume your spend is matched to the exact conversion rate as the market progresses throughout the day. Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
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Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Last edited by Steve D on 12th Jul 2014 6:40 am. Edited 1 time in total

Have used Caxton FX Euro and USD currency cards for the last few years without any issues at all. They are widely accepted as payment and at ATMs for cash withdrawals, and you can top it up and check the balance via the internet at any time.

Last year in Florida we were charged for another table's meal as well as our own by a restaurant (still not sure how that happened!). However we were refunded immediately after a call to Caxton and then emailing our receipt to them. Great service  GONE - 2011/11 Freelander 2 SD4 XS Auto
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I don't take any money I use the wife as a mobile bank Ex 2010 Freelander2 GS-e Diesel manual Silver owner

Haven't heard of these but as suggested it is well worth thinking about credit cards / debit cards that don't charge for use abroad. I have Halifax Clarity card for purchases abroad and my current account debit card has no charges for use to withdraw cash from ATM's when abroad. The exchange rates I get are always surprisingly good and always better than using currency exchange places or traveler cheques.

If you have time investigate the possibility of getting one of these cards as it can save you a surprising amount of money and make life very simple!

Enjoy your trip whatever you do!

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Nationwide card, backed up by Barclaycard , backed up by Mrs M,for cash
(a 60kiloton hydrogen bomb cant get into her purse !!)

muggers No chance ...  Wales
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I bank with NatWest and I've read that their debit card charges for cash when abroad. I also have a NatWest MasterCard, a Barclaycard Visa and an MBNA MasterCard. Again I think these all charge but I will take them just in case they are needed.

In view of the above, I don't want to apply for another credit card so I think one of these cards with a good rate should be fine. Yesterday's rate calculator at Ukash suggested £500 = $845 LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

We use them in the sates because everywhere takes card, the only issue we had over there was at some of the fuel stations the card took more than the transaction amount for a few days. We will certainly use them again.

Well after careful consideration, we've just ordered the Visa card from Caxton FX. Ukash were offering the best rate with their MasterCard which would have seen us get a further $9 but charged £1 per top up transaction via debit card and they use a foreign call centre. Caxton use an English call centre. Already downloaded the app and ordered 2 cards.

 LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

enroll here, http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/s.../?u=325Y02

follow the links from the easy fund raising and apply for a post office credit card

you get a fee free credit card for use overseas and my kids school gets £20


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