Currency cards are hogging all the headlines when it comes to exchanging your money for overseas travel.
Moneywise UK gave them a glowing report whilst cautioning against variable fees and charges.
We decided to put them to the test and so armed with the new Skyparksecure Currency Card our Marketing Manager Ken Foster, decided to test drive the system.
Ken takes up the story:
“Like most people, I usually exchange sterling for currency on the high street before I travel. I’d heard a lot about currency cards and was always a little sceptical about fees and whether or not I’d get a competitive exchange rate.
With Skyparksecure now offering a card I realised that it was the perfect opportunity to put one to the test. First I went to the Skypark currency card sign-up page. There are 3 cards to choose from. The Euro card (which I chose) can be used anywhere in Euroland, The US Dollar Card is (fairly obviously) for people travelling to the USA and the Global One card can be used worldwide.
I found that the sign up process was easy (You do need your passport number, so have that close at hand). The great thing is that you can get a fixed exchange rate when you sign up and load your card with money. I found the rate offered was extremely competitive when I booked (€1.23 = £1).
I loaded up the card online and the money was transferred. So far, so good – no fees and no joining or set up fee.
The card arrived through the post within 3 days (although the site does say to allow up to 7-10 days).
Next I had to activate my card. I phoned the number supplied (everything was automated and easy to do). Make sure to note down your pin number that they provide you with during the call. (this call does cost 10p per minute and I was on the phone just under 3 minutes)
You can change your pin (without cost) at any cashpoint displaying the mastercard sign. I changed mine to something more memorable before I left for the holiday.
You can use the card like a credit card to pay for goods and services once you are away but I decided to withdraw a little cash for the first few days once I arrived. So the big test was when I went to a branch of Credit Mutual Bretagne in Dinan and tried out the card. I noticed the Mastercard symbol (which most cash machine have) and withdrew €100. It worked perfectly and I wasn’t charged any fee for the withdrawal.
I did this another couple of times during the trip (as i don’t like carrying a large amount of cash) and can honestly say it was the smoothest and most convenient way of getting your spending money sorted out for overseas travel.
When we arrived back in the UK I decided to convert the money left on the card back to Sterling. This time I was charged a small transaction fee, but was more than happy with the rate and the £120 cash i got back to spend on our weekly shop!
Obviously this is just my experience but I’ll definitely use the card again. You can load the card up online or by phone the next time you travel.”
So one happy customer (even if he is an insider). You can apply for your currency card here. Please let us know how you get on so we can provide feedback to our customers.
