Currency Conversion Fee for Overseas Travel (Japan) Cash Advance

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  Kiwi on 08/07/2017 - 18:05

  Have you looked into the reloadable debit cards? I've used the Travelex card (the initial load is free for bank deposit) and that was quite convenient. Another option is just to carry cash, Japan is really safe, it's the option we took for our month long trip there. We converted it here before we left after comparing the rates locally. I think the cash advance costs would probably make the credit card option quite expensive.

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    rkl on 08/07/2017 - 18:41

    Follow shaws advice. Cash advance is always a bad idea. Interest from day 1.
    I also would recommend reloadables. Iv used my onesmart card on multiple trips and it's been awesome. There may be better options for travel cards (in terms of fees) but Onesmart was good and easy enough for me.

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    justaddwater on 09/07/2017 - 15:11

    Hi Shaw, never heard of reloadable debit cards, is it like prepaid debit cards/gift cards? where do I look into it? Travelex=one of reloadable debit cards?

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      Kiwi on 09/07/2017 - 15:20

      Yup, there are a few:

      https://www.travelex.co.nz/prepaid-cards/multi-currency-cash…
      https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/onesmart
      http://www.travelmoney.co.nz/travel-money-cards/cash-passpor…
      https://www.westpac.co.nz/fx-travel-migrant/travel/travel-ca…
      https://www.loadedfortravel.co.nz/

      And more. Check which have the lowest fees, the best rates, etc. and go with, they are all pretty much the same.

      Most of your purchases (Except online and larger retailers) over there will be in cash, so make sure you aren't going to be ripped off for withdrawing it from the card. I think some are free, but can't recall details.

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        Mark Wasley on 09/07/2017 - 20:05

        +1

        My Grandma uses the Qantas Cash card and loves it.

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        Kiwi on 09/07/2017 - 20:07

        @Mark Wasley:

        Ahh yes, have one of those too. So many different cards.

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        Mark Wasley on 09/07/2017 - 20:13

        @Shaw: It's great because you can earn Qantas points as well with it. Grandma's going to London halfway through August and the price for the Pound Sterling is very good at the moment, so she's locked in the exchange rate before she goes. These cards are so convenient, for having money while travelling especially.

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      papap072013 on 11/07/2017 - 19:00

      You might want to check Qantas Cash as well. Works like OneSmart card but no fees. Can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and currently having a free registration (worth $50 - https://www.cheapies.nz/node/8133)