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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:
Mokel · 21/06/2025 07:26

Follow that link to the MSE travel money.

Also paying by card or withdrawing money from an ATM, you get the better exchange rate of around £1/€1.17. You will be lucky to get anything better than €1.09 at a bureau de change. It works out for about £36 cheaper per £500 spent. So that’s two days of ice cream!

Original poster
travelqs · 21/06/2025 07:26

Oh this is helpful! I thought a prepaid card would be accepted in the same way as a usually debit card. Ill
look into Revolut etc! Thank you

OP posts:
Sundaymorningcalla · 21/06/2025 07:24

Open a Chase, Revolut or Monzo account. You get the best exchange rate using MasterCard with no fees.

Take a small amount of cash for tips or anywhere that doesn't take card.

I would advise against a travel money card, some places don't accept them, most airlines don't either when in the air.

Whyherewego · 21/06/2025 07:19

Take some cash if you can, that's handy for an immediate expenses. Taxi or whatnot from airport, i normally have between 30 and 50 eur in cash (make sure not a single note though!). Most places will take cards these days. You can use your normal cards, but check the charges your bank applies. Some banks are better than others. But some banks are quite decent rates.
I dont know about the prepaid cards, I've never used them. I use a Wise card (Revolut do similar) where I can use the app to convert gbp to eur and then I just keep an eye on the balance

NescafeAndIce · 21/06/2025 07:18

There's a lot here https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money/

But last time i went to France we took a pre-paid Post Office card and plenty of cash too. I also have my usual credit cards if needed, but check the exchange rate for purchases first as it's unlikely to be the cheapest.

EmpressaurusKitty · 21/06/2025 07:18

Open a Revolut or Starling account & put your travel money there. You can pay in the local currency without a surcharge.

I’d take some cash as well, just in case.

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