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AIBU?

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Original poster

Silly travel question

56 replies

travelqs · 21/06/2025 07:15

I’ve only ever been abroad once when I was a child and have managed to save enough to take
my family and I to the Canary Islands this year.

I am quite embarrassed to say that I have no idea how to travel with money Blush

do I take euros in cash, or use a prepaid travel money card? Do shops and restaurants in Gran Canaria widely take these prepaid cards? Will I be charged loads?! Do I need a mix of cash and card? HELP!

OP posts:
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mondaytosunday · 21/06/2025 15:20

I take a bit of cash in local currency but then just use my credit or bank card. Always press the local currency option if it gives you one.

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 15:08

travelqs · 21/06/2025 15:02

In the nicest possible way, I am not an idiot. I asked about travel cards. I’m aware I need a passport and travel insurance. You’re asking me completely pointless questions which have no relevance to what I was asking about. I haven’t been abroad in a few years, I’m not from mars

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You need a holiday!! I’ll bow out

enjoy!

menopausalfart · 21/06/2025 15:02

I opened a Chase account for travel. It doesn't cost to take money out of an ATM, and you get cash back on purchases. I use this account solely for travel. It's brilliant.

Original poster
travelqs · 21/06/2025 15:02

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 14:55

Got the passports all sorted?

In the nicest possible way, I am not an idiot. I asked about travel cards. I’m aware I need a passport and travel insurance. You’re asking me completely pointless questions which have no relevance to what I was asking about. I haven’t been abroad in a few years, I’m not from mars

OP posts:
Gall10 · 21/06/2025 15:01

Many airlines don’t accept cash or some ‘money cards’ onboard their planes for their food or tat from the onboard magazines.
not sure if your family ages….but if they’re kids who want an ice cream, hair braiding or a daft fridge magnet then cash is always best.
Hope you all have a great time!

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 15:00

Worth checking TA reviews for any hints and tip other guests give

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 14:59

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 21/06/2025 14:58

How is this helpful?

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Sweet Jesus

if the op said she’d booked a 2 star AI I would be suggesting that she budget enough for buying food in supermarkets and eating out more than if she was to say 5 star deluxe

see?

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 21/06/2025 14:58

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 14:55

Because op…. With AI is it pretty crucial to go at least 4 star.

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How is this helpful?

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 14:56

Has you husband ever been abroad?

anyone got any mobility requirements?

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 14:55

Got the passports all sorted?

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 14:55

travelqs · 21/06/2025 09:52

What does any of this have to do with my question?

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Because op…. With AI is it pretty crucial to go at least 4 star.

kathmacc · 21/06/2025 13:39

Definitely get a local sim/esim. Then set it up as a hotspot and use for other phones/kids devices when no free WiFi!

Original poster
travelqs · 21/06/2025 13:32

HelloCheekyCat · 21/06/2025 10:16

If you can't use your mobiles abroad for the same cost you can get cheap e-sims which are valid for a set period and cost as little as a tenner for a week

ps I hope you have a fab holiday 😎

Edited

Thank you very much - it’s overdue!

OP posts:
Original poster
travelqs · 21/06/2025 13:32

itsallabitofamystery · 21/06/2025 10:17

I’m in Gran Canaria now and everywhere takes card, even the taxis.

Excellent! Hope you are having a lovely time

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 21/06/2025 12:02

SimpleCoffeeVFuffycoffee · 21/06/2025 10:28

You need to tell your bank that you are going abroad.
Otherwise your bank card may get "stopped" by the bank as they may think that it is being used fraudulently

I've never told my bank I was travelling and never had a card stopped,even when used in multiple countries in 24 hours.

Swiftie1878 · 21/06/2025 11:51

travelqs · 21/06/2025 07:15

I’ve only ever been abroad once when I was a child and have managed to save enough to take
my family and I to the Canary Islands this year.

I am quite embarrassed to say that I have no idea how to travel with money Blush

do I take euros in cash, or use a prepaid travel money card? Do shops and restaurants in Gran Canaria widely take these prepaid cards? Will I be charged loads?! Do I need a mix of cash and card? HELP!

Just use your cards as you do at home. Take some Euros for tips, trolley at the airport etc.

Harassedevictee · 21/06/2025 11:17

@travelqs not a silly question at all. I would take a mixture of card and cash.

I use Monzo but start by checking your own bank card as some already offer a good deal on foreign currency.

I agree check money saving expert for currency.

SimpleCoffeeVFuffycoffee · 21/06/2025 10:28

You need to tell your bank that you are going abroad.
Otherwise your bank card may get "stopped" by the bank as they may think that it is being used fraudulently

itsallabitofamystery · 21/06/2025 10:17

I’m in Gran Canaria now and everywhere takes card, even the taxis.

HelloCheekyCat · 21/06/2025 10:16

If you can't use your mobiles abroad for the same cost you can get cheap e-sims which are valid for a set period and cost as little as a tenner for a week

ps I hope you have a fab holiday 😎

Original poster
travelqs · 21/06/2025 09:52

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 09:42

When are you going and how much have you spent? What’s the star rating of this hotel?

What does any of this have to do with my question?

OP posts:
SimpleCoffeeVFuffycoffee · 21/06/2025 09:49

Secondly, you could only use the data/lnternet where there is FREE WiFi fi

Beware of abroad charges for interest & .mobile phones & ipads etc

SimpleCoffeeVFuffycoffee · 21/06/2025 09:47

Beware !

If you use your mobile phone abroad, you may get a huge bill

1 For phone calls & texts
2 For using data/the Internet (roaming data)

Suggest ask your mobile provider before you travel what the best thing to do is..

You may need to pay extra or buy an ESIM

newaccountoldlurker · 21/06/2025 09:44

I have a Monzo account just for going on holiday, send over a bit of money as and when I need it, added the card to my Google wallet on My phone which is useful. There's no fees to use and the notifications from the app show you in euros and in £s so you can see how much you have spent

Hardtum · 21/06/2025 09:42

When are you going and how much have you spent? What’s the star rating of this hotel?