Money while abroad

Happyhouse22

Going travelling for an extended period of time in 2023 and wondering what are my best options for accessing money.

Will be going to a number of developing countries ( which at least before covid meant using cash for most purchases),. On my last big trip in 2017 I just used my AIB debit and credit cards however since then the fees for both seem to have gone up.

I often use revolut at home and they seem to offer a good rate when using the card abroad but a bit worried by the 200 per month limit for atm withdrawals.

Has anyone used curve? Or N26? Interested to hear any experiences.

gipi

The 200e limit is for free withdrawals, you can take more but there'll be a fee.

If you go premium on revolut, you'll have a higher limit on free ATM withdrawals.

Happyhouse22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118954091#Comment_118954091

Ya thanks - trying to decide if the premium or metals level make sense..

They both include travel insurance - but not sure if it is any good for me as it only covers trips of 90 days or less...

coylemj

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118954357#Comment_118954357

Travel insurance that comes 'free' with financial products can often be a 'bare bones' package with lots of exclusions and a high excess. For the trip you're taking, I would take out a separate policy.

Happyhouse22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118955620#Comment_118955620

Ya thanks that what I am thinking - haven’t had great experiences ain the past so quite sceptical of insurance companies - but there is an element of getting what you pay for.

Nigel Fairservice

If you use Curve and Revolut you'd probably get €400 in free withdrawals per month between the two of them. I think Curve's free withdrawal limit is also €200 a month but I haven't checked that in a while. I have Revolut and Curve but tend to use Curve more for travel because there is no need to top up the card like Revolut. Having said that a lot of the countries I have been to haven't been overly cash dependent.

Happyhouse22

To kind of answer my own question I found this - some good info that might be useful for someone.

https://www.moneyguideireland.com/bank-debit-and-credit-card-charges-outside-the-eurozone.html

Will probably go with the free revolut and curve and maybe even n26 and just pay fees if going over the amount

Yoya432

Has anyone used wise? I hear they have a travel card now