Cash Passport in Germany and Austria

RichB66
RichB66 Forum Participant Posts: 13
edited June 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Hi All,

Has anyone used one of the cash passport type Visa or Mastercards that you pre-load with euros for use in Germany or Austria? Thinking of trying one instead of cash this year. Unfortunately we didn't buy our euros prior to the recent referendum unpleasentness... 

Looking at this type of thing: 

https://www.weswap.com

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #2

    We have a Caxton FX card, had one for a fair few years now which we pre load before going away and then top it up when needed. Germany can be a bit funny when it comes to cards, so we always keep some cash on us just incase.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,872 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #3

    Depends where you want to use it. Probably should work where a shop/garage displays the acceptance of Master Card or Visa but so many places in Germany do. We have just spent over a month in Germany and Austria. Austria is not too bad for accepting UK cards
    but German only where you see the signs I have mentioned above. We have a Halifax Clarity Credit Card and I used that to withdraw cash from ATM's. Got the top rate and although you do get charged interest that only amounted to about £1.50 for €300 until the
    statement appeared online and I was able to transfer money from my bank. I have never seen the advantage of a pre pay card.

    David

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #4

     I have never seen the advantage of a pre pay card.



    We find ours very useful as we can transfer money onto it with a text, then withdraw it within minutes. There is no charges at all with Caxton and we can have any currency on the card at the same time. We can pre load it when rates are favourable,
    but you don't have to load it with anymore than you intend to use if you are worried about loosing the card or getting it stolen, there is no need to carry great amounts of cash on you.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #5

    I use Halifax Clarity, it gives you the commercial exchange rate and I just bank transfer funds the same day after making a cash withdrawaL.  

  • golfneil
    golfneil Forum Participant Posts: 40
    edited June 2016 #6

    We used the post office version last year in Germany with no issues at all.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #7

    Just recently back from touring in Germany, mostly in the east and north of the country. We used a pre loaded card issued with Mastercard and had no problems withdrawing money from major banks, or in every supermarket or at petrol stations. Most campsites
    didn't accept it but then again I noticed that the ones we stopped at didn't accept any card at all. Just check with the site when you book in. If stopping for a while you won't be paying until you leave so can withdraw cash locally. 

  • DianneT
    DianneT Forum Participant Posts: 521
    100 Comments
    edited June 2016 #8

    Visa is the card they do not like in Germany.  We have never bothered with that type of card just use our Bank Debit Cards got excellent rates this past 2 months.

    DianneT

  • Olivegrower
    Olivegrower Forum Participant Posts: 38
    edited June 2016 #9

    We use Caxton card and it works a treat for fuel or tolls.

  • easyonthegas
    easyonthegas Forum Participant Posts: 53
    edited July 2016 #10

    Cash is king in Germany - be careful before filling up to ensure they take cards if you use that method

    Most sites only accept cash

    Enjoy the trip

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