DS going to Spain soon. Please tell me THE best way of paying while he’s out there. Had been told about the Post Office Travel money card but recent reviews on the app don’t fill me with confidence.

[Elle7]

Apologies, asking here for traffic as it’s been some years since I went abroad!

DS is going to Spain next week and will be staying with his friend’s family.

I’m going to send him with some Euros but rather than using his bank card while he’s out there is there a better option? Have been told about the Post Office travel card, which we could add money to but the recent reviews state how glitchy the app is.

Any tips would be very gratefully received!

I’ll buy you all a ‘virtual’ ice cream as a thank you! 🙏🏻

My 17 is in Spain at the moment, paying for everything/food/snacks, with Revolute.
Super simple to set up and simple to transfer to. You need to open an account yourself though so that you can transfer money to them.
All my children use it when abroad.
They transfer from their debit account to it as they need it. Super safe.

That’s why I thought to go higher, water parks, trips out by themselves etc. Plus offering more towards any restaurant trips they might have, wouldn’t have a clue regards to cost of living over there so wanted to aim on the more expensive side, just to be safe! 😆

Local teens’ spending in Spain with friends, going round local establishments, is different from OP’s son’s spending as a tourist.

Very untrue about only cash being used. I have teenage siblings and family friends in Spain. They all use card, cash has been obsolete amongst their age group for a very long time.

OP’s plan to give him both makes a lot of sense. Better for him to have access to more money than needed, than to run out halfway through the trip (which he shouldn’t, but you just never know what 80€-a-speedboat-trip they decide to book on a whim one morning. They’re teenagers.

Has he checked with his bank to see if he can add on a travel function. With Lloyds you can add something called Travel Smart, costs £7 a week when you are away but it then means you don't incur non sterling transaction charges and no sterling cash fees.

support.roostermoney.com/en/articles/6292856-can-i-use-the-rooster-card-abroad

Do they now?

Even people who don't have an iphone? I've never paid for anything with a phone, Apple or otherwise because I don't see the point or want to be one of those people holding everyone up while they faff around with their phone at the till. Cards seem so much easier and quicker.

Plus I would listen to someone who lives in a less touristy part of Spain if they say cash is preferable.

We usually use cards (one of Santander, Chase, Starling or Kroo, we have them all) in Spain but do carry cash, because it's easier to pay your share in groups.

Also some smaller places either don't take cards, or prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases. A lot of buses don't take cards, but do take cash if you don't have a pass in an app.

We have the PO travel money card, linked to my Natwest debit card for topping up, we've been using it for 3 years, no problems at all. A very useful service.

Op, where he is going he will need cash. 400 euros will be so much more than enough. Double.

80 euros speed boat trips really will not be on the cards.

Cards are not normal in Valencia for 17 year olds as they have to be linked to a resident parents card.

Beachbars and splitting bills will need cash.

Hope he has a great time xxx

We live on the beach I know about life over the 3 month summer holidays for teens!

I've used the PO card works really well

Thank you! So further up the coast at Platja De Pals will be similar? 😬🙏🏻😁

It is half the price!

Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain.

An apple pay atthe beach would be utterly useless, he would look a fool! He needs 20 euros!

IMO 100 euros: 2 X 50 notes - emergency and to be returned.

300 euros in 20 notes, have a bloody good time!

He will never, never ever be expected to pay for a family meal. It simply would not happen. He is a child until 24 here!

So, you are covered, either way. Promise.

Benidorm... speedboats etc galore.

Waterparks Spain wide 40 euros for the day.

I go to Spain a couple of times a year. I just use my NatWest debit card everywhere. I've never noticed being charged to do so.

Just tell him to remember, when paying by card , if given the option of paying in euros or sterling, always choose euros. Better exchange rate. The temptation is to choose sterling because it feels familiar to you.

Take some English/UK products as a gift. ie shortbread/tea/something they can show off to the neighbours. A tea towel would be great. Really, something small and low key like that.

Revolut 100%, it's so easy to use

OK. I went for a coffee this morning. They would have turned away a card. It was 1euro20.
I went to a beach bar. Cash only.

Taxi? cash.
Bus? cash.
DD had a smoothie. cash.

ATM not working. Also20 minute walk from beach and it is 40 degrees.

Card-emergency trip to airport.

Home food delivery? card!!!

DS18 just back from ten days in Spain. Half board hotel.
€100 cash and €200 on my PO card was ample. Inc water park and lunches out. And 2 dinners. And he eats a lot! No alcohol though.

PO card and app worked really well I thought.

Sadly as he’s 17 I don’t think he’s entitled to this! Think it’s 18+! This would have been the easiest solution. Many other travel cards are 18+ too, pita!

Chase

Then use ApplePay with Chase. Can be set up in minutes. My DH did it at the airport a few years ago. 0 charges abroad.

I believe you have to be 18+

Hope one of the suggestions works out OP.

I would not use the Post Office one as I do the minimum amount of business possible with them because of the killing of sub-postmasters.

I'm just looking at this for a 15yr old, travelling with school.

Monza does 16+, resolut has a parent attached card for under 18, Stirling bank does 16+ or a rooster type card for under 16s.

I'm currently in Spain. North of Alicante and I'd say it's mixed. Certainly in Benidorm there is alot of card usage. One thing we have noticed is cashpoint withdrawal is expensive €7 in most places so that's something g to be aware of.

Looking at the place you name OP - it's north of Barcelona? Not in the beach bar area of Costa blanca, looks like a village area not the holiday resort so I'd be careful about cards too.

Yes, he is going to real Spain, not a holiday hotspot, not a capital city either.

I promise you, he will be better off with cash.

People work for cash, get paid in cash.

It is not the UK!

Thanks for all of your advice. So cash is king in that area? 20 euros goes far? 🙏🏻😃

Another vote for Revolute , we all have one, can exchange money free and instantly and then change back anything not spent.