I starter using the Visa Travel Money card about 6 years ago, and since then I consider it the easiest, safest and best way to exchange money and use it in a trip, whether it is abroad or not.

This is a debit card that you can use it in ATMs or to pay as debit/credit card at any retailer that accepts the Visa flag.

Why I like it:

-It is, in my opinion, the safest way to carry money around in a trip. Since it is a prepaid card that you charge as needed, if it gets stolen or lost you don’t have to worry about the money you have in your bank account.

- Much easier than carrying traveler checks

- I can make transfers from any place in the world

- I can access my balance online

- I can withdrawal money in ATM in the world for a small fee (I believe in the US it was about U$2.50 but may vary)

- I can use it as a debit card (with a pin number) or as a credit card (just signing it) at any retailer that accepts Visa

- Visa is one of the most accepted flags in the world

- Great exchange to buy dollars or euros to charge your card. (Although you buy dollars or euros, you can withdrawal in any currency)

- I can have more than one card for other members in the family to access the same balance

The only downside I see is that the transfer appears in your balance only on the following day. So if I need money ASAP, I’d have to wait until the following day to take effect, but I guess this is not an issue with them rather than the time that my transfer takes to appear in their system.

These prepaid debit cards like Visa Travel Money can be very helpful if your local bank’s card cannot be used abroad, and you’d have to take cash, exchange it, and carry it all around with you. It basically makes one’s life much easier, as all you’d have to do is make the transfer and you have a card to use during all your trip.

But even if your local bank’s card is accepted abroad, you may not want to walk around with it. What if you lose it, how will you get around during the rest of the trip?!

I even carry it now on domestic trips, since I can literally use it anywhere. And when I’m not traveling, I still have the card in my wallet with some ‘hidden money’ left from a trip.

Definitely worth taking a look at it.

Find out more about it in the links below:

To buy the card in USA, click on here (several locations sell it, including AAA offices)

In Brazil, click here (different banks may issue the VTM, I recommend Banco Rendimento, which I’ve used)

Canada, click here

For other countries, check on google or with your travel agency where you can buy it.

Visa Travel Money is a post from: www.kristraveler.com

Related posts:

1. Visa Travel Money
2. Don’t lose money! Find Exchange Rates and Where to Exchange Money When Traveling

Western Union can be a good name to have in mind if you need a currency exchange bank, as they have locations all over the world. Go to Western Union’s site and find the address closest to your location.

Nonetheless, Western Union, hotels, local banks or the currency exchange services at the airport not always give you the best rates and charge high fees, so if you have some local money in your wallet for the first cab ride and can wait until you get to the city, you may be able to get more out or your money.

Here are few that I have used in the past and trust, if you know of any other, please add your comment below!

Argentina:
Metropolis Casa de Cambio S.A. (find locations here)

Brazil:
Action Cambio (site)

England:
Thomas Cook (site)

Note to the wise: while you want to get the best rates, beware of scams from small stores with men in front selling you their service or any other place that offers ‘too good to be true’ rates. You might end up with some fake bills! Always give preference to the chain companies!

All this, or course, if you traveled with some cash and really need to exchange money. However I would strongly recommend for you to have an alternative payment / cash resource option, such as a credit or debit card.

Check out the post I wrote about a prepaid debit card (click here)

Don’t lose money! Find Exchange Rates and Where to Exchange Money When Traveling is a post from: www.kristraveler.com

Related posts:

1. Visa Travel Money
2. Don’t lose money! Find Exchange Rates and Where to Exchange Money When Traveling