Travelex Prepaid Cash Card

I have been considering one of these instead of carrying a lot of cash.

Has anyone on this board used one? Pros and Cons, please.

Also, can you get cash at the desk on board with one of these?

This is akin to a debit card.... a dangerous thing...unless your the bank.

These sort of cards are sold on fear but have no security in my opinion.

With credit cards why would you need anything but a few hundred bucks tops?

Take an ATM card if you have to it will be a lot better security, exchange and reliability.

I have been considering one of these instead of carrying a lot of cash.

 

Has anyone on this board used one? Pros and Cons, please.

 

Also, can you get cash at the desk on board with one of these?

Hi Caroldoll

We have used these cards and will continue to do so. We haven't had any trouble using them either to get cash from ATMs or paying for goods in stores and restaurants. I know some ATMs will charge a small fee but we have never paid anything.

For us, the biggest 'pro' is the fact that IF there is any problem with the card there is absolutely no connection to our personal banking and the resulting panic phone calls :eek:. The money on the card is covered by our insurance.

Before we get one we check around for the best deal - in the UK this is very often in our supermarkets where they give a good exchange rate and sometimes a bonus.

Don't know about getting cash on board as we haven't done that.

Hope this helps.

Brenda

This is akin to a debit card.... a dangerous thing...unless your the bank.

These sort of cards are sold on fear but have no security in my opinion.

 

With credit cards why would you need anything but a few hundred bucks tops?

Take an ATM card if you have to it will be a lot better security, exchange and reliability.

Your absolutely right. You'll want to have a Visa or MasterCard.

We always take an ATM card along with a credit card and a few hundred walking money. On a long cruise 30 + days also a$1000 which stays in the safe for butler and other tips.

On a long cruise 30 + days also a$10000 which stays in the safe for butler and other tips.

WOW $10,000 :eek:

I would not feel safe carrying that much cash getting to the ship

WOW $10,000 :eek:

 

I would not feel safe carrying that much cash getting to the ship

OOPS! that would be $1000.......

You can also deposit cash with Reception and they will return it to you as you request it.

We sometimes take $500 and deposit it so that when we need a few dollars to pay for a tour or for shore-side tips we can get the money but it is safe in the meanwhile.

As long as things are refundable you can get them during the cruise.

I think it important to consider the UK banking system is hot to promote debt type cards and discourage credit cards in order to increase profits.

Hence, It has been my experience that UK customers and residents are hammered with all sorts of PR promoting you not to use a credit card and their money in favor of you loaning them free, your money for them to control. The do everything possible to get everyone to give them interest free loans.... And loose the card abroad.... so sorry same as losing cash... its gone!

The exact opposite of a credit card which can easily require the bank to float your charge for 45 to 60 days on their books and if paid off accrues 0% interest or charges. I made a charge of some $18,000 for a cruise some time ago and in November and did not have to pay it till mid January....

They would much rather turn the tables

Why not do what I do- give myself a substantial Bon Voyage gift (last trip $2k) using a credit card about a month before we cruise. Then, when I wanted cash, I just walked down to reception and got several hundred dollars. NO 5% fee charge by O since it was my own money. Plus I got FF miles to boot.

Why not do what I do- give myself a substantial Bon Voyage gift (last trip $2k) using a credit card about a month before we cruise. Then, when I wanted cash, I just walked down to reception and got several hundred dollars. NO 5% fee charge by O since it was my own money. Plus I got FF miles to boot.

Getting an interest free load for 45 days, no cash withdrawal charge, Oceaina holds interest and fee free the banks money for you to use free and your whim...and get miles.

You sir have my respect as a sharp cookie.... Id do it 10 to 14 days before the cruise and timed right after the closing date for the card...giving you almost 56 days of free cash!!!

Why not do what I do- give myself a substantial Bon Voyage gift (last trip $2k) using a credit card about a month before we cruise. Then, when I wanted cash, I just walked down to reception and got several hundred dollars. NO 5% fee charge by O since it was my own money. Plus I got FF miles to boot.

Brilliant IMO

Why not do what I do- give myself a substantial Bon Voyage gift (last trip $2k) using a credit card about a month before we cruise. Then, when I wanted cash, I just walked down to reception and got several hundred dollars. NO 5% fee charge by O since it was my own money. Plus I got FF miles to boot.

We have always handled getting "extra" onboard cash in just this way. Stan...ahem.... sometimes enjoys a game of chance in the Casino and I don't like him encroaching on my Private Guide Stash, so having that extra money available through the front desk has always "kept the peace" in the past.

Unfortunately, friends who wished to follow our lead during a recent Nautica Cruise in Asia, were informed by a Vice President in Charge of Oceania financials that the Policy has been changed and that all subsequent cash withdrawn from the front desk, regardless of the source of the funds, will be subject to the 5% fee.

Unfortunately, friends who wished to follow our lead during a recent Nautica Cruise in Asia, were informed by a Vice President in Charge of Oceania financials that the Policy has been changed and that all subsequent cash withdrawn from the front desk, regardless of the source of the funds, will be subject to the 5% fee.

Too bad

It was a great idea while it lasted

Unfortunately, friends who wished to follow our lead during a recent Nautica Cruise in Asia, were informed by a Vice President in Charge of Oceania financials that the Policy has been changed and that all subsequent cash withdrawn from the front desk, regardless of the source of the funds, will be subject to the 5% fee.

Like all loopholes they will eventually be closed ;)

We have always handled getting "extra" onboard cash in just this way. Stan...ahem.... sometimes enjoys a game of chance in the Casino and I don't like him encroaching on my Private Guide Stash, so having that extra money available through the front desk has always "kept the peace" in the past.

 

Unfortunately, friends who wished to follow our lead during a recent Nautica Cruise in Asia, were informed by a Vice President in Charge of Oceania financials that the Policy has been changed and that all subsequent cash withdrawn from the front desk, regardless of the source of the funds, will be subject to the 5% fee.

Not only is the bank getting you to loan them free money...but then your paying the merchant 5% to use your money.!!!!!...... Getting screwed twice on the same deal is truly amazing.

I hope this is reason enough to forget the idea.

I have been considering one of these instead of carrying a lot of cash.

 

Has anyone on this board used one? Pros and Cons, please.

 

Also, can you get cash at the desk on board with one of these?

Hi

Am responding to your message out of Americas Cash card system as I have seen a number of related forums on this subject.

We never get Travelex in Australia.

We use a Cash Card system that is not linked to our private accounts, carries up to 5 different currency balances on it at the same time, issued by the banks, has a PIN number, can use ATM's globally, no fees for taking out cash etc. The bank also provide a second card that has access to the same currencies and features but is is different card number. This so if we lose one and have it cancelled we can still access our currencies on the 2nd card. Currently our cards are carrying balances in USD, Euros, GBP and INR. End of this year we will change to hold ZAR, USD, GBP and Euros.

As an example in Vietnam last year went to ATM withdrew some American Dollars and then went into bank and got local currency and became instant millionaires due to Vietnam Dong. Did the same in Cusco.

The only charge we get is the bank converting AUD to say USD and registering the USD on the card.

On return we can cash card out.

So for my information and curiosity do you folks in the USA have a similar cRd function as when you look at it the cash on hand required is almost zeros.

I am not sure if banks offer a card system in America that was referred to, but we customarily get our cash at Travelex for any trip. We generally take all cash and a substantial amount. However, on this trip there will be a period when our roll aboards have to be handled by people in Italy to get on a vaporetto in Venice. Unless I find a way to carry a substantial sum ON MY BODY, I don't want to let it out of my control. The safe on the ship has always been satisfactory and we only carry a small amount of Euros on shore. This is a one time situation. Our friends used these Travelex cards and found the ATM's easy to use in Europe. To be honest, I do not know how to use an ATM, but I guess I could learn?!!! LOL. I was hoping to be able to get cash at the front desk with the Travelex card if I ran out of the amount of cash I do carry. We do not want any card tied to our bank, so a regular ATM card would not work. I have one more place to check for a very trick shirt for my husband, and if this works, it is all good...we will be able to make it. Thanks for helping clueless me!

Caroldoll,

We set up a separate ATM account which we fund before a trip. It is not tied to our regular accounts. That way, if it is hacked, the crooks have no way to access our regular accounts, and we have not lost anything but a useless, PIN protected, card with the money deposited there. We do not pay fees for the account, and the only fees are regular bank conversion fees from one currency to another at foreign ATM's.

This has worked for us for several years now. Whatever you decide, good luck.

On a cruise in Europe this past summer on Azamara, there were 2 ATM's in the reception lobby- one dispensing USD, and the other Euros. As I recall the USD machine was with BB&T.

What a great idea and convenience! Too bad O hasn't followed suit. Maybe it's just that they get more revenue out of the outrageous 5% fee rather than cutting a deal with a bank.

Hi

Am responding to your message out of Americas Cash card system as I have seen a number of related forums on this subject.

We never get Travelex in Australia.

We use a Cash Card system that is not linked to our private accounts, carries up to 5 different currency balances on it at the same time, issued by the banks, has a PIN number, can use ATM's globally, no fees for taking out cash etc. The bank also provide a second card that has access to the same currencies and features but is is different card number. This so if we lose one and have it cancelled we can still access our currencies on the 2nd card. Currently our cards are carrying balances in USD, Euros, GBP and INR. End of this year we will change to hold ZAR, USD, GBP and Euros.

That is an interesting system

We just have an ATM card for an account not linked to our main accounts & I keep a $1000 for travel in it

Just find any ATM that dispenses the local currency or if lucky one of the HSBC branches

No free ride though I do have to pay a transaction fee for the ATM but a small price to pay for security of my $$ & my peace of mind

Lyn

Our friends used these Travelex cards and found the ATM's easy to use in Europe. To be honest, I do not know how to use an ATM, but I guess I could learn?!!!

I am sure they will be fine ...once you learn how to use an ATM

Many people seem to buy them ..just keep it safe & treat it like cash

You could buy a money pouch look on sites like Magellans for the kind you wear UNDER your clothes around your waist ...both of you could use one for carrying cash

I would be careful letting anyone take your bags on the vaporettos they are not porters ... they will hold your bag hostage until you tip them big

Read some of the scams going on there

I think it important to consider the UK banking system is hot to promote debt type cards and discourage credit cards in order to increase profits.

 

Hence, It has been my experience that UK customers and residents are hammered with all sorts of PR promoting you not to use a credit card and their money in favor of you loaning them free, your money for them to control. The do everything possible to get everyone to give them interest free loans.... And loose the card abroad.... so sorry same as losing cash... its gone!

 

The exact opposite of a credit card which can easily require the bank to float your charge for 45 to 60 days on their books and if paid off accrues 0% interest or charges. I made a charge of some $18,000 for a cruise some time ago and in November and did not have to pay it till mid January....

 

 

They would much rather turn the tables

I have no idea what the rest of the population in the UK does regarding their travel money and I care even less. It is not a topic on my 'need to know' list. As I previously stated for Caroldoll's benefit we use these cards because it is convenient to US and has no connection to our personal accounts.

The banks in the UK also give up to 60 days to pay credit card bills at 0%

If the card is lost abroad it is replaced.

OOPS! that would be $1000.......

Darn, I was going to apply for a permanent position on your staff :D.

We have always handled getting "extra" onboard cash in just this way. Stan...ahem.... sometimes enjoys a game of chance in the Casino and I don't like him encroaching on my Private Guide Stash, so having that extra money available through the front desk has always "kept the peace" in the past.

 

Unfortunately, friends who wished to follow our lead during a recent Nautica Cruise in Asia, were informed by a Vice President in Charge of Oceania financials that the Policy has been changed and that all subsequent cash withdrawn from the front desk, regardless of the source of the funds, will be subject to the 5% fee.

Thanks for this information and for all the useful information you provide on the boards. I also love your photos - do you know how many you have relating to Oceania?

Brenda