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Compare travel money
Swanning off somewhere lovely? Make your mojito money go further with these foreign exchange deals.
If you’re jetting off to a far away place (or even one close by) that has a different currency, you’re going to need some money to pay your way. Finding the right foreign exchange provider can be a tricky affair, so we’ve simplified things with our comparisons. Whether you’d like cash, debit card, cheques or an app, we’ve got it all covered.
Compare travel money services
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Have you thought about a digital bank?
It’s worth bearing in mind that while the traditional way of getting travel money is all well and good, there’s a range of digital apps that can make the process even simpler. These include Starling, Revolut and N26. If these new age solutions float your boat, you can read our guide to learn more about them.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques were once a widely used form of travel money, but they’re going the way of the dinosaur. You can weigh up whether they’re worth your time below:
How a travellers cheque could still work for you
- Safe and secure. Travellers cheques are an extremely secure method to spend money overseas. They can be easily replaced if lost or stolen.
Things to keep in mind
- Cost. You might be charged a purchase fee when you first pick up your travellers cheque.
- Acceptance. Travellers cheques are generally accepted less often than Visa or Mastercards.
- Ease of use. Travellers cheques can be bulky and awkward to carry. Plus, you’ll have to go to the effort of getting them cashed rather than having immediate access to your cash like you would with a card.
Bottom line: Consider which travel money option is best for you
Whether you prefer to use a prepaid travel money card, your own credit card, travellers cheques, or cash, it’s always worth doing your research to figure out which option will offer you the best bang for your buck.
Some credit cards already offer decent fee-free exchange rates for spending overseas, so check with your credit card provider to see what terms it offers when you use your card abroad. Depending on where you’re going, traveller’s cheques may be a better option. This could be especially true if you’re going somewhere more isolated, with less recourse for using credit and debit cards.
Wherever you’re going, there’ll be a travel money option that meets your needs.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
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How to avoid non-sterling transaction fees when travelling abroad and paying online
Learn how to avoid non-sterling transaction fees when travelling abroad or paying online using your UK debit card.
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Using Revolut abroad: Is it the right app to use?
Learn more about using Revolut abroad and if it is the right choice.
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Opening a bank account in Singapore
Learn more about opening a bank account in Singapore as a foreigner.
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Equals Go review
Equals Go is a travel card that allows you to exchange currencies when the rate is favourable, allowing you to plan ahead and save money on your travels.
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Currensea review
Here’s all you need to know about the exciting new travel debit card that wants to make travelling and spending money abroad hassle free.
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Travel money: The basics
Understand the basics when it comes to travel money and everything you might need to consider before you purchase it with the help of this handy guide.
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Caxton review
We explore all of the features of a Caxton FX card. Read this review to get the low down on one of the UK’s most popular travel money cards.
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6 ways to carry your currency when travelling overseas
From contactless payments using a smartwatch or fitness tracker to getting creative with what you use for your “wallet,” we rounded up six ways to carry your currency when traveling to avoid having your money stolen.
I am travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia soon – would a 28 Degrees Mastercard be helpful for me?
Hi Alwena Tomos,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
It’s nice to know that you are preparing for your next trip.
We currently don’t have a page on 28 Degrees Mastercard. But upon checking, the card doesn’t charge fees on overseas purchases when travelling, doing overseas purchases when shopping online, and converting international currencies.
Please refer to this page to know more about credit cards specifically designed for overseas use.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
We (husband and me) are going to Australia for a month and wanted to open an Australian Bank Account so that all the hotels, car hire etc can be paid in local dollars. We would like to transfer X amount of £ (say about £7000) to cover our month stay to this account. When we leave if we had money left over we would transfer it to our Son who lives there at the moment and has an Australian Bank account. He can then transfer money back to us from his UK account. We just feel this would be easier than alot of payments with a UK debit card. Can we do this? I can see if we were on a working holiday we may be able to but we have ETA. visa’s. Thanks
Hi Jean,
Thanks for contacting finder about your question. Yes, you may open a bank account in Australia. Non-resident accounts for tourists and visitors are offered by some Australian banks.
You may check this page about opening a bank account for foreigners. On the other hand, you may check this page, for you to see the other list of options and read a comprehensive guide in opening a bank account in Australia. Click the links on the pages I have provided to find out more about Australian banks and what they can offer you as a non-resident. You may contact them directly to discuss what they can offer you as a non-resident.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Judith
As I cannot buy Indian rupees in the UK, is it best to take cash & exchange it when I get there? Or is there an alternative e.g cash card. I’d rather not take debit/credit cards?
Hi Melanie,
Thank you for your inquiry. We understand you want some guidance on how to get rupees on your trip.
Due to current Indian financial regulation, we can’t take rupees in or out of India. As such, tourists must buy their rupees on arrival in most instances.
However, there may be travel prepaid cards that you allow reloading of multiple currencies that include INR. You may talk to some prospect banks and have your card request completed several days before departure. This will ensure it gets there before you go out of country.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
WHERE’S BEST TO BUY USA DOLLAR TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Hi Gerry,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
We don’t have a specific article listing options where you can buy them, however you may refer to this page for options that may suit your needs.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
What is the best currency to take to Thailand from the U.K for holiday money? Many thanks.
Hi KF,
Thanks for your question. As we are a comparison website, we may not be able to recommend a specific product to you as the best option would ultimately depend on your financial situation, travel plans, and spending habits.
Nonetheless, the travel card that you may like to bring to Thailand is the one that can hold Thai Bhat (TBH) currency. The cards can lock in TBH are issued by Travelex and Post Office. You can find the review and details for the Travelex here. If you’d like to apply for any of the two cards, please click on the green ‘Go to site’ button.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May