If you’re jetting off somewhere with a different currency, you’ll need some money to pay your way. Finding the right foreign exchange provider can be tricky, so we’ve simplified things with our comparisons. Whether you’d like cash, a debit card, prepaid travel card, credit card, cheques or an app, we’ve got it all covered.
While the traditional way of getting travel money is all well and good, there’s a range of digital banks that can make the process even simpler. These include Starling, Revolut and N26. If these new-age solutions float your boat, you can read our guide to learn more about them.
Prepaid travel cards
Prepaid travel cards are widely available. They allow you to load your money to a card and spend it when you’re abroad. As you’re only spending the money you load, they can be good for budgeting.
Every card is different in terms of fees and which currencies it lets you load, so you need to run the numbers to see if this works for you.
Travel credit cards
Some credit cards have no fees for overseas spending, which make them attractive for travel. A downside is cash advance fees, which are charged if you withdraw cash with a credit card, so you’ll still need a way to access cash from another options in this guide. It can be a good idea to have multiple travel money options anyway, so a credit card could work for you, especially if it earns you rewards for spending.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques were once a widely used form of travel money, but they’re declining in popularity. While they still exist, they might not be the best option.
They’re an extremely secure method to spend money overseas as they can be easily replaced if lost or stolen, as long as you have a record of the serial number. But you might be charged a purchase fee when you first pick up your travellers cheque, and they’re not accepted in as many places as Visa or Mastercard.
Bottom line: Consider which travel money option is best for you
Do your research to figure out which option will offer you the best bang for your buck.
Some credit cards already offer decent fee-free exchange rates for spending overseas, so check with your credit card provider to see what terms it offers when you use your card abroad. Depending on where you’re going, travellers cheques may be a better option. This could be especially true if you’re going somewhere more isolated, with less recourse for using credit and debit cards.
Wherever you’re going, there’ll be a travel money option that meets your needs.
Frequently asked questions
The exchange rates between different currencies fluctuate constantly and vary between providers. Generally, prepaid cards have cheaper exchange rates than those offered by banks.
Banks with international ATM alliances will allow you to withdraw cash for free. Global lenders like Citi and HSBC have a number of ATMs worldwide, and Citi doesn’t charge for international ATM withdrawals. So, if you’re a Citi customer looking to use your card overseas, head to a Citi ATM. All you’ll pay for the withdrawal is the currency conversion fee.
If you have a travel card with an inactivity fee (a fee charged every month when your account is inactive for a period), you will lose any remaining funds on the card, but your account won’t go into a negative balance. Once the card has no funds left on it, this fee will not be charged.
Usually, the most practical solutions aren’t the most appealing to the eye. Travel money belts keep your money and important valuables and documents safely tucked in a compartment under your shirt to minimise the risk of theft and loss. If security and peace of mind are your first priority when travelling and you don’t mind a piece of fabric strapped around your waist, then investing in a travel money belt will protect your travel money cards and important valuables.
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Equals Go is a travel card that allows you to exchange currencies when the rate is favourable, allowing you to plan ahead and save money on your travels.
Understand the basics when it comes to travel money and everything you might need to consider before you purchase it with the help of this handy guide.
From contactless payments using a smartwatch or fitness tracker to getting creative with what you use for your “wallet,” we rounded up six ways to carry your currency when traveling to avoid having your money stolen.
Taking a travel card is less stressful than taking a regular bank card and there’s also savings to be had. Find out if a prepaid travel card is right for you before booking your trip abroad.
26 Responses
DavidFebruary 25, 2019
Can I use my FairFX Travel Card in New Zealand?
Finder
JoshuaFebruary 27, 2019Finder
Hi David,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Yes, you can use your FairFX Travel Card in New Zealand. We do have a FairFX Travel Money review on this page. You may also read this guide as it helps you know what services does FairFX offer and what currencies you can order through FairFX.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
MasonDecember 31, 2018
What is the best way to get Indian rupees?
Finder
JoshuaJanuary 1, 2019Finder
Hi Mason,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
The best way to get Indian Rupees depends on your needs, preference, and budget. If you plan to exchange your money to Indian Rupees, you can check local currency exchange rates within your area. You can also check online and find services who may do so.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
JohnDecember 31, 2018
I will be working in France. I’m looking for a travel card to use while I’m there but also one I can top up using cash.
Finder
JoshuaJanuary 1, 2019Finder
Hi John,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Upon checking, you might want to check this page. It is our travel money guide for France. On the same page, you will also find a list of travel cards that you can use in France. Most of them allow you to top up using cash.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
ShitalApril 7, 2018
Hi going to indian Surat at end of April want to get prepaid card. Which card be best to use at atm need to withdraw 5000 pound in two weeks. Wedding shopping
Thanks
Finder
JoshuaApril 8, 2018Finder
Hi Shital,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
I might not be able to tell you which prepaid card is the best option for you since I don’t know all your personal details and needs. However, I can help you make a better decision by providing general information.
Please go to this page to compare prepaid travel cards. On that page, you will find prepaid cards that you can use in India. Though our table on that page does not include Indian Rupees, you can still use those cards in India as long as you see the Mastercard or Visa logo.
To know more about their ATM fees and other charges, please click on the “Go to site” green button to be redirected to their official website.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
JanMarch 9, 2018
I will be going to MALTA this summer. Am I best to buy euros before I go or wait until I get there?
Finder
joelmarceloMarch 16, 2018Finder
Hi Jan,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
The decision of buying/converting your money to EUR before heading to Malta would actually depend on your preference and travel plans. You may want to consider some factors before buying like the conversion rates and fees as well. We have here an article – https://www.finder.com.au/travel-money/europe on travel money guide to Europe, which you might find useful. This will also give you an idea on what card to bring in case.
Cheers,
Joel
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Can I use my FairFX Travel Card in New Zealand?
Hi David,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Yes, you can use your FairFX Travel Card in New Zealand. We do have a FairFX Travel Money review on this page. You may also read this guide as it helps you know what services does FairFX offer and what currencies you can order through FairFX.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
What is the best way to get Indian rupees?
Hi Mason,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
The best way to get Indian Rupees depends on your needs, preference, and budget. If you plan to exchange your money to Indian Rupees, you can check local currency exchange rates within your area. You can also check online and find services who may do so.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I will be working in France. I’m looking for a travel card to use while I’m there but also one I can top up using cash.
Hi John,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Upon checking, you might want to check this page. It is our travel money guide for France. On the same page, you will also find a list of travel cards that you can use in France. Most of them allow you to top up using cash.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Hi going to indian Surat at end of April want to get prepaid card. Which card be best to use at atm need to withdraw 5000 pound in two weeks. Wedding shopping
Thanks
Hi Shital,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
I might not be able to tell you which prepaid card is the best option for you since I don’t know all your personal details and needs. However, I can help you make a better decision by providing general information.
Please go to this page to compare prepaid travel cards. On that page, you will find prepaid cards that you can use in India. Though our table on that page does not include Indian Rupees, you can still use those cards in India as long as you see the Mastercard or Visa logo.
To know more about their ATM fees and other charges, please click on the “Go to site” green button to be redirected to their official website.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I will be going to MALTA this summer. Am I best to buy euros before I go or wait until I get there?
Hi Jan,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
The decision of buying/converting your money to EUR before heading to Malta would actually depend on your preference and travel plans. You may want to consider some factors before buying like the conversion rates and fees as well. We have here an article – https://www.finder.com.au/travel-money/europe on travel money guide to Europe, which you might find useful. This will also give you an idea on what card to bring in case.
Cheers,
Joel